Land based activities

9b.4.1 Land based activities: Aerial runways

9b.4.1.1 Supervision
Aerial runways must only be constructed under the personal supervision of an experienced and responsible adult. 

The use and operation must be supervised by an experienced and responsible adult.  

9b.4.1.2 Construction standards 
Aerial runways must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the Aerial Runway Code (FS120006).

9b.4.1.3 Safety checks 
The responsible adult must ensure that:

1. all equipment is checked before use
2. the entire structure is checked regularly during the activity for safety.

9b.4.1.4 Permitted users 
The only persons who may use an aerial runway constructed by members of the Scout movement are members of the Scout and Guide movements.

9b.4.2 Land based activities: Caving and mine exploration

Caving and mine exploration delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see POR 9a.7.

9b.4.2.1 Scope 
These rules apply to:

1. all caving systems (excluding show caves)
2. all mine exploration (excluding working show mines)

9b.4.2.2 Pre-activity preparation 
The leader holding the permit must ensure that, before the party sets out, it:

1. has received adequate instruction in equipment and safety procedures
2. is carrying the appropriate equipment.

9b.4.2.3 Local considerations 
The leader holding the permit must have:

1. taken advice on local knowledge, weather conditions and party size
2. considered the use of local or professional guides.

9b.4.2.4 Group size 
An underground activity must not be undertaken by a party of fewer than four and a maximum of eight, including the permit holder.

9b.4.2.5 Plan left on the surface 
A detailed plan must always be left on the surface with a responsible person in the host area. Route plans produced locally must contain at least the same information as the UK Headquarters template (FS120451).

9b.4.2.6 Action when the activity is complete 
The plan should be cancelled or collected when the activity is completed.

9b.4.2.7 Mine inspection reports 
All mines used for mine exploration must have a current inspection report covering the sections used that must be accessible to, and has been read by, the permit holder.

9b.4.3 Land based activities: Climbing and abseiling

Climbing and abseiling delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see POR 9a.7.

9b.4.3.1 Use of helmets when climbing or abseiling on natural features 
When climbing or abseiling on natural features, a climbing helmet must always be worn, unless:

1. a Sikh wearing a Turban chooses not to wear a helmet. This does not apply to a Sikh wearing a Top Knot
2. a medical or additional need causes challenges with wearing a conventional climbing helmet, see Activity Helmets (FS120430) for guidance.

9b.4.3.2 Use of helmets when climbing or abseiling on artificial walls 
When climbing or abseiling on an artificial wall, including mobile climbing towers, the activity risk assessment must determine the use of helmets.

9b.4.3.3 Equipment standards 
All climbing equipment should be used following the manufacturer's guidelines. Where it is not possible to follow manufacturer's guidelines a backup or redundancy must be built into this element of the setup.

9b.4.3.4 Equipment storage and maintenance 
The storing, maintenance and replacement of all climbing equipment should follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

9b.4.3.5 Automatic belay systems 
Automatic belay systems (systems that lower a climber down to the ground when they let go of the climbing wall without any human intervention) must be led by either:

1. A climbing permit holder (within the remit of their permit)
   OR
2. Following a written operating manual which must be agreed by a member agreed by the County (^[NI] Country) Programme Team who holds an appropriate Climbing accreditation.

9b.4.3.6 Guidance 
Further information about the automatic belay systems and mobile climbing walls may be found in Climbing – auto belays and mobile walls (FS120427).

9b.4.3.7 Activities for non-members 
Abseiling and climbing activities may be run for non-members, when conducted they must follow these rules.

9b.4.4 Land based activities: Cycling

Off-road cycling in environments one and two (as defined in POR 9b.5.4.7 and POR 9b.5.4.8) delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see POR 9a.7.

9b.4.4.1 Helmets 
A cycle safety helmet must be worn by anyone taking part in an organised Scout cycling activity, unless:

1. a Sikh wearing a Turban chooses not to wear a helmet. This does not apply to a Sikh wearing a Top Knot
2. a medical or additional need causes challenges with wearing a conventional cycle safety helmet, see Activity Helmets (FS120430) for guidance.

9b.4.4.2 Responsible person 
There must be a responsible person who is not taking part in the activity. They must: 

1. know the details of the journey
2. be informed when the activity is completed
3. be informed if the participants have returned safely

9b.4.4.3 Emergency cards 
The party must carry emergency cards. Any emergency cards produced locally must contain: 

1. what to do in an emergency
2. party name
3. base location and contact point if available
4. party leader name
5. InTouch system details.

9b.4.4.4 Cycling in cycle environment zero 
Cycling activities in cycle environment zero must follow in Cycling (FS120422).

9b.4.4.5 Cycling in cycle environments one or two 
Cycling activities in any cycle environment one or two must be under the direct control of, or supervised by, a person holding the appropriate permit (see POR 9a.7). 

9b.4.4.6 Land based activities - Definition of cycle environment zero

1. cycle environment zero must not meet any of the criteria for cycle environment one or two.
2. cycle environment zero must be no more than 2.5km, or 30 minutes walking distance, from access for an emergency vehicle, and one of:
   • a flat space constructed of a solid surface such as concrete or flat grassed areas
   • a private or public road
   • a marked cycle path or cycle route
   • a bridleway
   • a family designated cycle route
3. all cycling manoeuvres within cycle environment zero must be possible to perform:
   • at a low speed, such as walking speed
   • while remaining seated
   • with both wheels of the bicycle on the ground.

9b.4.4.7 Land based activities - Definition of cycle environment one

1. cycle environment one must not meet any of the criteria for cycle environment two.
2. cycle environment one must be no more than 2.5km or 30 minutes walking distance from access for an emergency vehicle, and one of:
   • a blue cycle run at trail centres
   • a route defined as rollable, with drop offs no higher than hub height
   • a route with an obvious line choice.

9b.4.4.8 Land based activities - Definition of cycle environment two

1. cycle environment two meets any of the following criteria:
   • red and black cycle runs at trail centres
   • drop offs greater than hub height
   • there is not always an obvious line choice
   • is over 2.5km or 30 minutes walking distance from access for an emergency vehicle.

9b.4.4.9 Further guidance 
See Cycling (FS120422) for help to define the environment.

9b.4.5 Land based activities: High ropes activities

9b.4.5.1 Definitions

1. A high ropes activity is any off-ground activity, not covered by the adventurous activity permit scheme, which should use a belay or similar safety system such as cow's tails or a trolley system. Examples of which activities are included within this are in High ropes (FS120423).
2. A temporary high rope structure is a high ropes construction erected for a single activity or no longer than a week, whichever is longer.
3. A permanent high rope structure is a high ropes construction not classed as temporary.

9b.4.5.2 Temporary high ropes activities 

1. Construction of temporary high ropes activities must follow High ropes (FS120423).
2. A temporary high ropes activity must be constructed and operated by one of:
   1. the holder of a climbing permit, which includes selecting anchors and setting up belay systems, operating within the limits of their permit for group size, supervision levels and so on
   2. the holder of a caving or mine exploration permit, which includes vertical pitches, operating within the limits of their permit for group size, supervision levels and so on
   3. using a setup, with a written operating manual and constructed by a competent person, which is all agreed by a member of the County (^[NI] Country) Programme Team who holds an appropriate Climbing accreditation or a European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) instructor qualified to rescue (or equivalent or higher).

Further details of what should be included within the operating manual and how to find and check an ERCA instructor are in High ropes (FS120423).

9b.4.5.3 Permanent high ropes activities

1. construction and maintenance of a permanent high ropes structure must follow the guidelines in AAIAC (Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee) – The UK Ropes Course Guide. This may be found in High ropes (FS120423).
2. a permanent high ropes structure must have a written operating manual which must be approved by a Technical Adviser.  The minimum qualification of a Technical Adviser is Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award, or a European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) qualified high ropes instructor qualified to rescue (or equivalent or higher). 
   Further details of what should be included within the operating manual and how to find a Technical Adviser may be found in High ropes (FS120423).

9b.4.6 Land based activities: Hill walking party size

For activities in Terrain One and Two as defined in POR 9b.4.7: 

9b.4.6.1 Party size 
Parties must consist of no more than eight, but no less than four people, except as provided for in POR 9b.4.6.4 below. Where a permit holder is directly with a group they are included within these party sizes.

9b.4.6.2 Leadership 
Each party must have a leader holding a permit or a designated party leader.

9b.4.6.3 Multiple party management 
If more than one group is formed the parties must use different routes or, if using the same route, leave a clear time and distance interval between them – so that they do not become mixed.

9b.4.6.4 Exception for Multi-Pitch Climbing 
When walking directly to, and off the hills after, a multi pitch climb the party size may be less than four.

9b.4.6.5 Supervision limits 
A leader with a permit to supervise the activity must do so with no more than three parties and must be in a position to respond to any of these groups.

9b.4.6.6 Safety checks by permit holders 
When permit holders are checking on the safety of Scout parties or their routes, the party size may be less than four. All the members of such a reduced party must each have the skills and experience required to travel safely in the hills in such circumstances, must follow rules regarding route plans and should plan to spend the minimum of time on their own.

9b.4.7 Land based activities: Hill walking terrains

9b.4.7.1 Terrain Definitions  

Terrain	Requirements
Terrain Zero   describes terrain which meets one of criteria (a) or criteria (b)	is below 500 metres above sea level,   AND is within 30 minutes travelling time from a road which can take an ordinary road-going ambulance or a building which is occupied (such as a farm) or another means of summoning help (such as a telephone box)  AND has no steep slopes or rocky terrain, where a slip may result in a fall.  (Routes or areas where the average person would need to regularly use their hands at least for balance if not for actual progress.  This does not stop people from using their hands as an aid to confidence.)   terrain which is a road, or path adjacent to a road, on which you would expect to see traffic.   Activities undertaken in Terrain Zero must follow the guidance in Terrain Zero Activities (FS120426).
Terrain One describes terrain which meets all of criterias (a) and (b) and (c) and (d)	is below 800 metres but more than 500 metres above sea level   OR is more than 30 minutes but less than three hours travelling time from a road which can take an ordinary road-going ambulance or a building which is occupied (such as a farm) or another means of calling help (such as a telephone box).   has no steep slopes or rocky terrain, where a slip may result in a fall (routes or areas where the average person would need to regularly use their hands at least for balance if not for actual progress. This does not stop people from using their hands as an aid to confidence.)   is not a road, or path adjacent to a road, on which you would expect to see traffic.   is not Terrain Two.
Terrain Two describes terrain which meets both of criteria (a) and criteria (b)	is over 800 metres above sea level,   OR lies more than three hours travelling time from a road which can take an ordinary road-going ambulance or a building which is occupied, such as a farm, or another means of calling help, such as a telephone box,   OR has steep slopes or rocky terrain, where a slip may result in a fall including routes or areas where the average person would need to regularly use their hands at least for balance if not for actual progress. This excludes the planned use of ropes, but ropes may be used to give confidence, or in an emergency situation. This also excludes climbing activities.   is not a road, or path adjacent to a road, on which you would expect to see traffic.
Specialist Terrain	When in terrain or using skills that have not been assessed for a Terrain Two hillwalking or a climbing permit, such as glaciers, scrambling and via ferrata, then specific approval is required for the activity from the relevant Lead Volunteer based on advice from someone with knowledge and experience of the activity. Specific approval must only be granted a holder of a Terrain Two hillwalking or climbing permit.

 

9b.4.8 Land based activities: Hill walking permits

9b.4.8.1 Permits required for Terrain One or Terrain Two 
All activities in Terrain One or Terrain Two must be under the direct control of, or supervised by, a person holding the appropriate permit (see POR 9a.7).

9b.4.8.2 Approvals for Terrain Zero 
All activities in Terrain Zero must be approved by the relevant Lead Volunteer (see POR 9a.1.3). 

9b.4.9 Land based activities: Hill walking safety

For activities in Terrain One and Terrain Two as defined in POR 9b.4.7.1: 

9b.4.9.1 Route plan 
A detailed route plan must always be left with a responsible person not taking part in the activity.

9b.4.9.2 Route plan content 
Any route planning forms produced locally must contain at least the same information as required in the example route plan form.

9b.4.9.3 Post-activity procedure 
The route plan should be cancelled or collected when the activity is completed.

9b.4.9.4 Emergency cards 
The party must carry emergency cards.

9b.4.9.5 Emergency card content 
Any emergency cards produced locally must contain the same information as required in the example route plan form.

9b.4.10 Land based activities: Horse riding and pony trekking

9b.4.10.1 Approved providers 
Activities involving horse riding or pony trekking must be conducted using a British Equestrian Federation member body approved centre or club.

9b.4.10.2 Helmets 
A horse-riding safety helmet must be worn by anyone taking part in an organised Scout riding activity, unless:

1. a Sikh wearing a Turban chooses not to wear a helmet. This does not apply to a Sikh wearing a Top Knot
2. a medical or additional need causes challenges with wearing a conventional horse riding safety helmet, see Activity Helmets (FS120430) for guidance.

9b.4.11 Land based activities: Martial arts

9b.4.11.1 Standards and controls 
All martial arts must be conducted using the standards and controls laid down by the appropriate Sports Council recognised National Governing Body.

9b.4.12 Land based activities: Motor sports

9b.4.12.1 Safety equipment 
Motorised activities away from public roads may be undertaken provided that each participant wears appropriate safety equipment for the activity being undertaken, including helmets for all off road and racing activities.

9b.4.12.2 Safety briefings 
Safety briefings must be given to all participants and marshals.

9b.4.12.3 Activity location 
The activity must take place in an area with clear separation and boundary between participants and spectators/the public.

9b.4.12.4 Maximum speed 
The maximum speed must be considered based on: 

1. the age and ability of the participant 
2. the vehicle 
3. the supervision 
4. the terrain 
5. any additional factors including legal restrictions on age such as quad biking.  

9b.4.13 Land based activities: Snowsports

Snowsports (except artificial slopes and nursery slopes) delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see POR 9a.7.

9b.4.13.1 Snowsports environment definitions 

1. Off-piste – Outside of marked and patrolled snowsports areas
2. On-piste – Within the marked and patrolled snowsports areas, including snowparks, except for those defined as nursery slopes
3. Nursery slopes – on-piste runs designated for beginners by the body responsible for the snowsports area
4. Artificial slopes – either an indoor slope or an outdoor dry ski slope; except snowparks.

9b.4.13.2 Permit exemptions 
Short term personal permit exemptions may be granted by appropriately qualified people, as described in snowsports (FS120457).

9b.4.13.3 Off piste requirements 
For off-piste snowsports, the relevant Terrain 1 or Terrain 2 Hillwalking Winter permit is also required.

9b.4.13.4 Helmets 
A safety helmet must be worn by anyone taking part in Scout snowsports activities, unless:

1. cross country skiing or ski touring when in walking mode.
2. a Sikh wearing a Turban chooses not to wear a helmet. This does not apply to a Sikh wearing a Top Knot
3. a medical or additional need causes challenges with wearing a conventional snowsports helmet, see Activity Helmets (FS120430) for guidance.

9b.4.13.5 Further guidance 
For more information regarding these rules see Winter Sports (FS120424).