Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:01 PM AWST

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Conduct a low ropes session

Conduct a low ropes session

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCRP301A
State Code
D6322
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist in the conduct of programs using individual elements, elements used as initiative activities or linked low ropes courses, where spotters are used to keep participants safe.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for low ropes session.
  • 1.1. Identify different types and uses of challenge ropes courses.
  • 1.2. Select appropriate low rope course according to participant's needs and characteristics and the session's aims and objectives.
  • 1.3. Develop a plan according to relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures and participant's needs.
  • 1.4. Identify potential hazards associated with low ropes session and take measures to minimise risks.
  • 1.5. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the session.
  • 1.6. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.
  • 1.7. Demonstrate correct techniques and procedures to set up activity requiring additional equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
2. Outline spotting techniques.
  • 2.1. Explain the importance of spotting and demonstrate essential components of spotting technique.
  • 2.2. Verify participant understanding of spotting technique and safety procedures.
  • 2.3. Use appropriate sequence of activities to develop spotting techniques.
  • 2.4. Identifies variations to spotting technique and position required by specific elements and participant's needs and characteristics.
  • 2.5. Supervise participants' practice of spotting techniques in a low risk situation.
  • 2.6. Provide feedback on correct technique, to ensure safety of ropes course participant and spotter.
3. Conduct pre-activity inspection.
  • 3.1. Check site and immediate area according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.2. Inspect individual elements and perform maintenance tasks according to own ability and responsibility.
  • 3.3. Refer maintenance tasks beyond own ability and responsibility to relevant industry specialists.
  • 3.4. Check participant's clothing and footwear for suitability prior to participation.
4. Conduct low ropes course activities.
  • 4.1. Identify potential hazards and risks to both ropes course participants and spotters associated with each element.
  • 4.2. Implement strategies to reduce risks associated with individual elements.
  • 4.3. Outline variations to spotting positions and technique for individual elements.
  • 4.4. Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.
  • 4.5. Implement appropriate modifications to activities in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
5. Conclude session.
  • 5.1. Debrief the activity according to activity aims, objectives and own skills and abilities.
  • 5.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of the session and identify potential areas of improvement for future sessions.
  • 5.3. Dismantle, inspect and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 5.4. Prepare reports on the use of the course, and suggested maintenance and modifications, where relevant.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Challenge ropes courses may include:
high elements
low elements
linked elements.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
cultural factors
situational factors
previous experience
injuries and illnesses
physical
emotional
psychological.
Aims and objectives may include:
developing low rope skills
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location or course site
set up requirements
coach or staff and participant ratios
additional equipment
weather details.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permissions for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of course and equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
code of ethics.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistle.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Activity may include:
linked low ropes course
series of independent low ropes elements.
Additional equipment may include:
ladders
hand ropes
swing ropes
pulleys
detachable elements
eye bolts
wedging devices
wire rope grips
shackles
thimbles
rigging screws
turnbuckles
staples
first aid equipment.
Sequence may include:
warm up activities
trust sequence.
Maintenance tasks may include:
removal of hazards:
fallen branches
loose rocks
spider webs.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
safe ropes course participation
spotting techniques
safety precautions
attitude
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather
rope course and or equipment failure
participant's needs
conditions.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans within activity constraints and selects appropriate low ropes course suitable to participant's needs and characteristics
conducts thorough pre-activity inspections of course and individual elements and carries out appropriate maintenance, according to level of responsibility, and prepares reports accordingly
outlines and supervises spotting techniques and determines their suitability to the course, elements and individual needs
applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of hazards and risks that commonly arise during challenge ropes sessions
encourages and responds to feedback and evaluates and reflects on own leading performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in leadership of multiple low ropes activities that reflect the needs of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
a suitable low ropes course with a minimum of five elements, including a variety of standard low ropes course elements that require a variety of spotting techniques
a group of participants to take part in the low ropes session
resources and information regarding participants and course to accurately plan, lead and document activities for a variety of participants
additional low ropes equipment, such as ladders, hand ropes, swing ropes, pulleys, detachable elements and first aid equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of adequate pre-activity checks of low ropes course to ensure it is undamaged and free from hazards
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities during session
observation of demonstrating low ropes techniques, including spotting
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
review of session plans and reports on course use and maintenance
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6127 SROCRP001A Conduct a low ropes session Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF82 SISOCHC001 Lead challenge course sessions, low elements Unit of competency