All activities

9.1.1.1 Before any activity the leader must ensure that:

1. 1. 1. it is appropriate to the age and abilities of all participants
    2. any legal requirements for the activity have been complied with
    3. it complies to the general and specific activity rules set out in this chapter
    4. any other requirements of The Scout Association, including the Safeguarding Policy and Safety Policy, are complied with
    5. if necessary, a member of the party holds a valid adventurous activity permit (see Rule 9.7)
    6. it is the leader holding the permit who is responsible for all decisions for the duration of the activity
    7. there is additional, responsible supervision as required, including for those in the locality of the activity but not actively involved, see Rules 4.4.1 to 4.4.5.
    8. a risk assessment (FS120000) is carried out, recorded and safety instructions are communicated to all supervising adults and participants
    9. suitable InTouch (FS120075) arrangements are in place
    10. POR Chapter 7 Emergency Procedures are in place
    11. all activities must have access to someone holding a relevant and current first aid qualification and access to suitable first aid materials. For adventurous activities this access must be immediate. The detail of the first aid skills required must be identified by the risk assessment, but the minimum qualifications (or equivalents) are:
      - A full first aid certificate as defined at FS120052is required for all remote activities, where travelling time is 3 hours or more (in the method of travel being used) to a point of refuge including at least one of:
        
        a road which carries a normal road-going ambulance
        
        a building which is occupied (such as a farm or harbour)
        
        another means of calling help (such as a telephone box)
      - First Response is required for all other activities
    12. each participant has received appropriate training
    13. all equipment is appropriate for the activity
    14. all supervising adults and participants are made aware of who is in charge
    15. it has been approved by the relevant District or County Commissioner (see Rule 9.1.2).

9.1.1.2 These activities are not permitted within The Scout Association:

- - - towing of inflatables behind powered watercraft, such as banana boating
    - bungee jumping
    - hitch hiking
    - knife throwing
    - archery tag and other combat style archery activities

9.1.1.3 Other activities

There are many opportunities for members to take part in activities which are not specifically covered in the activity rules. Where an activity is not covered by any other rules the Leader in Charge must:

1. 1. 1. assess the risks involved, document and communicate this to all involved
    2. ensure all members’ physical and/or emotional well-being can meet the requirements of the activity
    3. ensure that all equipment used fits the participants and is suitable for the activity
    4. obtain the approval of the relevant District or County Commissioner, or their nominee.

9.1.2 Approval of an activity SV

9.1.2.1 The District Commissioner is responsible for approving all activities for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. This will usually be by means of a system agreed between the District Commissioner and each Group Scout Leader or District Explorer Scout Commissioner. See Approving Activities – Guidance for Commissioners (FS120015).

9.1.2.2 For Scout Network, the relevant Commissioner is responsible for approving all activities for Scout Network members at that level: a District Commissioner for District Scout Network Activities and the County Commissioner for County Scout Network Activities. This will usually be by means of a system agreed between the District Scout Network Commissioner, Assistant County Commissioner Scout Network or County Commissioner.^sv

9.1.2.3 The relevant District or County Commissioner is responsible for approving all activities for groups of adults, where each individual is aged 18 and over. This will usually be by means of a system agreed between the relevant Commissioner and the County Scout Network Commissioner for Scout Network, Scout Active Support Manager for Scout Active Support, or another person recognised by the relevant Commissioner.^SV

9.1.2.4 Approval for special events and activities must be granted by a County, Regional or Chief Commissioner, as appropriate.

9.1.2.5 For safety reasons only, the District or County Commissioner, or their nominee, of the area where the activity takes place has an overriding authority, in consultation with the home Commissioner, to direct that any activity should be postponed, stopped or cancelled (see POR Rule 7.3.1.1).

9.1.2.6 There are additional requirements for the District and County Commissioner’s approval for those activities which fall within the scope of The Scout Association’s Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme (see POR rule 9.7).

9.1.2.7 When professional instructors or leaders from outside the movement are engaged, separate rules apply (see POR rule 9.6).

9.1.3 During an activity

9.1.3.1 Leaders must continue to assess risk (FS120000) throughout an activity.

9.1.3.2 An appropriate weather forecast is acted upon to choose where the activity takes place and each participant is suitably equipped to cope with predicted extremes.

9.1.3.3 All activities must be undertaken in accordance with The Scout Association’s Safety Policy (see POR Chapter 2) and must adhere to the relevant general and specific activity rules set out in this chapter (Chapter 9).