SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Supervise a high ropes course 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262242  Supervise a high ropes course 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Adventure Based Learning 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at individuals involved in the supervising of the use of a high ropes course for adventure programmes. The learner will assess, select and sequence suitable activities for a high ropes course or programme to accommodate the needs and goals of both the individual and the group whilst maintaining the safety of participants in accordance with industry standards.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Plan a High Rope course suitable to the needs of the participant/group goals.
  • Prepare equipment for a high rope course to ensure participant safety.
  • Prepare individuals for participation in a high-ropes course.
  • Supervise and conclude high ropes course activities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan a High Rope course suitable to the needs of the participant/group goals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The needs and objectives of a client/client group for a high rope course are determined so as to aid planning of the activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different types of challenge ropes elements are compared in terms of their suitability for achieving the identified needs and objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages and disadvantages of independent and circuitous ropes course elements are identified and related to the objectives of the clients for whom the programme are being planned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The possible environmental impact on a site is evaluated so as to ensure minimum impact of selected activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    High ropes course elements are selected and sequenced so as to meet the identified individual and group objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety and emergency procedures are determined and documented as per operational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare equipment for a high rope course to ensure participant safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pulleys are selected in accordance with common practices for ropes course installation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Harnesses and helmets are selected according to participant's needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors affecting the use of karabiners are identified and appropriate karabiners selected for specific use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Elements and additional equipment are set up in accordance with operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Dynamic/ground belay systems are established to ensure safe operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Personal protective kits are prepared for each participant. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective kits include but are not limited to:
  • "Cow-tail" kits, Belay kits.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Risks and hazards associated with individual elements are identified and eliminated or reduced where possible. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Pre-activity inspections are conducted to ensure safety during high ropes course activities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-activity inspections include but is not limited to:
  • Site inspections, pre-activity inspection of individual course elements as per safety procedures, maintenance where required, checking of working order of equipment.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare individuals for participation in a high-ropes course. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Clothing and footwear of participants are checked and rectified to ensure suitability for participation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Risks associated with each element of the course are explained to participants so as to prepare individuals for participation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information and instructions to participants are provided in accordance with operating procedures and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Participants are instructed in the correct fitting and use of equipment associated with the planned interventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Participants are taught the application of belay methods in preparation for participation in the course. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • Demonstration and explanation of correct belay techniques, clarification of safety requirements, verification of participant understanding and application of belay techniques and safety requirements in low risk situations, practicing and correction of individual techniques, identification of situations requiring improvised, chest or full body harness.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Buddy systems are established to provide safety and support for participants. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Supervise and conclude high ropes course activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Staff assisting in the activity is supervised and the safety of participants is monitored for the duration of the programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Non-routine and emergency situations are responded to in accordance with operating procedures and the organisation's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Vertical rescue techniques are planned and conducted if and when required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Activity debriefing is concluded in accordance with activity aims and objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment is dismantled and stored in accordance with operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reports on the use of the course, and suggested maintenance/modifications, are prepared to aid future planning. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Knowledge of International, and South African industry standards.
  • PPE equipment use and recommendations.
  • Ropes, course construction equipment use (eye bolts, swaging devices, wire rope grips, shackles, thimbles, rigging screws, turnbuckles, staples, clamming devices).
  • Communication, for belay systems.
  • Risk and safety management strategies.
  • Different belay systems and devices.
  • Appropriate knowledge pertaining to knots and their limitations.
  • Relevant knowledge of types of pulleys, (shear reduction pulleys, flying fox pulleys etc).
  • Types of challenge ropes course.
  • Group management during operation.
  • Sequencing to achieve objectives.
  • Anchors for personal and be layer safety systems.
  • Installation of challenge ropes course in SA.
  • Working load limits and tension formula.
  • Identification of structural weakness.
  • Environmental impact.
  • Vertical rescue techniques.
  • Programming to achieve participant goals.
  • Appropriate knowledge pertaining to re-tensioning fibre and wire ropes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving and responsible decision making is reflected in assessing impending danger and avoiding hazardous situations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management is displayed when leading participants through the high ropes course and other outdoor recreation and adventure activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation is performed when Information is collated and evaluated in terms of equipment maintenance administration review processes and information received from national and international sources. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication is demonstrated when knowledge and techniques are imparted to participants to ensure meaningful participation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of technology is employed to measure the impact of the activity on the environment and to correctly operate the ropes course systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65569   Further Education and Training Certificate: Adventure Based Learning  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.