Land based activities

9.12.1.1 Aerial runways must only be constructed under the personal supervision of an experienced and responsible adult, who must also supervise its use and operation.

9.12.1.2 Aerial runways must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the Aerial Runway Code (FS120006).

9.12.1.3 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.

9.12.1.4 The only persons who may use an aerial runway constructed by members of the Scout movement are members of the Scout and Guide movements.

 

9.12.2 Caving and mine exploration

Caving and mine exploration delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see rule 9.7.

9.12.2.1 These rules apply to:

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

9.12.2.2 The leader holding the permit must ensure that before the party sets out it must:

1. have received adequate instruction in equipment and safety procedures
2. be carrying the appropriate equipment.

9.12.2.3 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.

9.12.2.4 No underground activity must not be undertaken by a party of fewer than four.

9.12.2.5 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).

9.12.2.6 The plan should be cancelled or collected when the activity is completed.

9.12.2.7 All mines used for mine exploration must have a current inspection report covering the sections used that must be accessible to, and have been read by, the permit holder.

9.12.3 Climbing and abseiling

Climbing and abseiling delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see rule 9.7.

9.12.3.1 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

9.12.3.2 When climbing or abseiling on artificial walls using an auto belay system, 
the activity risk assessment must determine the use of helmets.

9.12.3.3 All climbing equipment should be used following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Where it is not possible to follow manufacturer’s guidelines a backup / redundancy must be built into this element of the setup.

9.12.3.4 The storing, maintenance and replacement of all climbing equipment should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

9.12.3.5 Automatic belay systems (systems that lower a climber down to the ground when they let go of the climbing wall without any human intervention) can 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 County Climbing Assessor

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

9.12.3.7 Abseiling and climbing activities may be run for non-members, when carried out following these rules.

9.12.4 Cycling

NOTE: Rule 9.12.4 is now for implementation by Counties by 31 August 2024.  During this time, where the revised processes have not yet been implemented locally, reference should be made to Rule 9.7, 9.26, 9.27, 9.28, 9.29, 9.32 and 9.71 October 2022 version of POR.

Off-road cycling in Environments one and two (as defined in rules 9.12.4.7 and 9.12.4.8) delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see rule 9.7.

Safety  

9.12.4.1 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

9.12.4.2 There must be a responsible person 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

9.12.4.3 Emergency cards must be carried by the party. 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

9.12.4.4 Cycling activity in cycle environment zero must follow the guidance in Cycling (FS120422).    

9.12.4.5 Cycling activity in any cycle environment one or two must be under the direct control of, or supervised by, a person holding the appropriate permit (see Rule 9.7).  

Environment definitions

9.12.4.6 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

9.12.4.7 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

9.12.4.8 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

9.12.4.9 See Cycling (FS120422) for help to define the environment. 

9.12.5 High ropes activities

9.12.5.1 Definitions

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

9.12.5.2 Temporary high ropes activities

1. Construction of temporary high ropes activities must follow the guidelines contained in High ropes (FS120423).
2. A temporary high ropes activity must be constructed and operated by one of:
   • 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
   • 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
   • using a setup, with a written operating manual and constructed by a competent person, which is all agreed by a County Climbing Assessor 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 may be found in High ropes (FS120423).

9.12.5.3 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 needs to be approved by a Technical Adviser. The minimum qualification of a Technical Adviser is Mountain Instructor Award (MIA) 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).

9.12.6 Hill walking party size

For activities in Terrain One and Two as defined in Rule 9.12.7:

9.12.6.1 Parties must consist of no more than eight, but no less than four people, except as provided for in Rule 9.12.6.4 below.

9.12.6.2 Each party must have a leader holding a permit or a designated party leader.

9.12.6.3 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.

9.12.6.4 When walking directly to, and off the hills after, a multi pitch climb the party size may be less than four.

9.12.6.5 No leader with a permit to supervise the activity must not do so with more than three parties, including their own.

9.12.6.6 When leaders holding permits 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.

9.12.7 Hill walking terrains

9.12.7.1 Terrain zero

Terrain Zero describes terrain which meets one of criteria (a) or (b):

a. 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.)

b. 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).

9.12.7.2 Terrain One

Terrain One describes terrain which meets all of criteria (a) and (b) and (c) and (d):

1. 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).
2. 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.)
3. is not a road, or path adjacent to a road, on which you would expect to see traffic.
4. is not Terrain Two.

9.12.7.3 Terrain Two

Terrain Two describes terrain which meets both of criteria (a) and (b):

a. 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.

b. is not a road, or path adjacent to a road, on which you would expect to see traffic.

9.12.7.4 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 responsible Commissioner 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.

9.12.8 Hill walking permits

9.12.8.1 All activities in Terrain One or Two must be under the direct control of, or supervised by, a person holding the appropriate permit (see Rule 9.7).

9.12.8.2 All activities in Terrain Zero must be approved by the relevant Commissioner (see Rule 9.1.2).

 

9.12.9 Hill walking safety

For activities in Terrain One and Terrain Two as defined in Rules 9.12.7.1 and 9.12.7.2:

9.12.9.1 A detailed route plan must always be left with a responsible person not taking part in the activity.

9.12.9.2 Any route planning forms produced locally must contain at least the same information as sought in the Headquarters form.

9.12.9.3 The route plan should be cancelled or collected when the activity is completed.

9.12.9.4 Emergency cards must be carried by the party.

9.12.9.5 Any emergency cards produced locally must contain the same information as sought in the Headquarters form.

9.12.9.6 When members take part in non-Scout events, the above rules may be varied at the discretion of their County Commissioner.

 

9.12.10 Horse riding and pony trekking

9.12.10.1 Activities involving horse riding or pony trekking must be carried out using a British equestrian Federation member body approved centre or club.

9.12.10.2 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.
3. 9.12.11 Martial arts

 

9.12.11 Martial arts

9.12.11.1 All martial arts must be carried out using the standards and controls laid down by the appropriate Sports Council recognised National Governing Body.

9.12.12 Motor sports

9.12.12.1 Motorised activities away from public roads may be undertaken when: Participants must wear appropriate safety equipment for the activity being undertaken, this includes helmets for all off road and racing activities.

9.12.12.2 Safety briefings must be given to all participants and marshals.

9.12.12.3 The activity must take place in an area with clear separation and boundary between participants and spectators/ the public.

9.12.12.4 The maximum speed must be considered based on the age and ability of the participant, the vehicle, the supervision, the terrain and any additional factors including legal restrictions on age such as quad biking.

9.12.13 Snowsports

Snowsports (except artificial slopes and nursery slopes) delivered as Scout-led activity falls within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme, see rule 9.7.

9.12.13.1 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.

9.12.13.2 Short term personal permit exemptions may be granted by appropriately qualified people, as described in snowsports (FS120457)

9.12.13.3 For off piste snowsports, the relevant Terrain 1 or Terrain 2 Hillwalking Winter permit is also required.

9.12.13.4 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.

9.12.13.5 More information regarding these rules may be found in Winter Sports (FS120424)