Ropes course training is the process of training individuals in
effective use of a ropes course. There are several different varieties of ropes
course training available depending on what context the training is being done
in. Ropes course training can include either the training of participants for
effective use of the ropes course or training facilitators on use of the ropes
course in the context of teaching teamwork and leadership skills. To train
facilitators in the use of a ropes course, different level of certifications
are offered depending on the organization that is doing the training. Typically
once a facilitator is certified they are then allowed to go on to work
professionally on a course. A participant of ropes course training will be
educated in risk management, facilitation techniques, ropes course elements,
and more.
Sometimes part of a given ropes course training includes working a set
amount of hours on the ropes course. This can range from something smaller
around a dozen hours to a larger amount of time around dozens of hours. The
level of physical fitness required for ropes course training is moderate to
high. Some participants can be more or less physically able than others, and so
as a facilitator it is important to note and address any concerns to a
participant regarding their physical ability. Different elements on a ropes
course also can allow for different levels of physical ability, so it is also
important to allow participants to know about each element and if they are able
to successfully engage them.
An important aspect of ropes course training is the training of the
facilitator and participants of the belay and transfer systems that comprise
the course. This will allow participants to successfully enter the course and
once in the course transfer from element to element. This is a crucial aspect
of ropes course training and if not done properly can result in serious injury.
To minimize risk associated with the ropes course the facilitator must be
extremely attentive to what is going on around the course itself. Participants
have a tendency to be nervous at such heights as well, so something that a
facilitator should watch out for is emotional distress in a participant with a
fear of heights.
There are several different kinds of course that facilitators should be
familiar with when being trained. The four general course types are static,
dynamic, vertical, and M-belay. A static course is a course wherein participants
are attached to an upper wire with a belay system of ropes and cabinetmakers. A
dynamic course is a course wherein the participants’ ropes are connected with a
belay system on the ground. A vertical course is similar to a dynamic course
with the difference that the challenge is to climb upwards. The M-Belay is the most complicated setup,
and involves multiple belay systems. For effective and safe ropes course
training, a facilitator should be fully instructed in the use of whatever
particular course they are working on.
