Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

SISOCRP301A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct a low ropes session

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOCRP301A - Conduct a low ropes session
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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those assisting in the conduct of low rope sessions at sites where they are not personally responsible for the overall maintenance. This may include those working independently only where there are clearly defined operating procedures for the activity involving known routines, methods and procedures, and where assistance is readily available should a non-routine situation arise. This unit applies to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers, volunteer groups, not for profit organisations or government agencies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for low ropes session.
  • Identify different types and uses of challenge ropes courses.
  • Select appropriate low rope course according to participant's needs and characteristics and the session's aims and objectives.
  • Develop a plan according to relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures and participant's needs.
  • Identify potential hazards associated with low ropes session and take measures to minimise risks.
  • Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the session.
  • Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.
  • Demonstrate correct techniques and procedures to set up activity requiring additional equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
       
Element: Outline spotting techniques.
  • Explain the importance of spotting and demonstrate essential components of spotting technique.
  • Verify participant understanding of spotting technique and safety procedures.
  • Use appropriate sequence of activities to develop spotting techniques.
  • Identifies variations to spotting technique and position required by specific elements and participant's needs and characteristics.
  • Supervise participants' practice of spotting techniques in a low risk situation.
  • Provide feedback on correct technique, to ensure safety of ropes course participant and spotter.
       
Element: Conduct pre-activity inspection.
  • Check site and immediate area according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Inspect individual elements and perform maintenance tasks according to own ability and responsibility.
  • Refer maintenance tasks beyond own ability and responsibility to relevant industry specialists.
  • Check participant's clothing and footwear for suitability prior to participation.
       
Element: Conduct low ropes course activities.
  • Identify potential hazards and risks to both ropes course participants and spotters associated with each element.
  • Implement strategies to reduce risks associated with individual elements.
  • Outline variations to spotting positions and technique for individual elements.
  • Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.
  • Implement appropriate modifications to activities in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
       
Element: Conclude session.
  • Debrief the activity according to activity aims, objectives and own skills and abilities.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of the session and identify potential areas of improvement for future sessions.
  • Dismantle, inspect and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Prepare reports on the use of the course, and suggested maintenance and modifications, where relevant.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan low ropes sessions that meet their needs

convey information about all safety aspects

outline spotting techniques

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan suitable sessions according to participant's needs and abilities

make decisions regarding potential hazards and the impact of weather conditions

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate suitable courses and additional equipment for participants

conduct relevant safety checks and inspection of course before use

organise participants into manageable groups for activities

observe and monitor participants and spotters to ensure safety

language and literacy skills to:

produce plans

complete post session participant and self evaluations,

prepare reports detailing the use of the course and required maintenance

personal low ropes and spotting skills to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate and explain techniques to participants

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the site to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities

site and course specific information to enable safe and effective planning, minimal environmental impact and management of potential hazards, risks and any special restrictions applying to the site

course and additional equipment characteristics, function and operation, and factors affecting selection, use and maintenance

clothing and footwear requirements to enable safe conduct and participation in low ropes session

methods of moving through a low ropes course, spotting techniques, and common communication systems used between participants to reduce risk

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the session

emergency and safety procedures to negotiate potential hazards and risks relevant to the course to ensure safety of self and participants.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify different types and uses of challenge ropes courses. 
Select appropriate low rope course according to participant's needs and characteristics and the session's aims and objectives. 
Develop a plan according to relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures and participant's needs. 
Identify potential hazards associated with low ropes session and take measures to minimise risks. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the session. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan. 
Demonstrate correct techniques and procedures to set up activity requiring additional equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Explain the importance of spotting and demonstrate essential components of spotting technique. 
Verify participant understanding of spotting technique and safety procedures. 
Use appropriate sequence of activities to develop spotting techniques. 
Identifies variations to spotting technique and position required by specific elements and participant's needs and characteristics. 
Supervise participants' practice of spotting techniques in a low risk situation. 
Provide feedback on correct technique, to ensure safety of ropes course participant and spotter. 
Check site and immediate area according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Inspect individual elements and perform maintenance tasks according to own ability and responsibility. 
Refer maintenance tasks beyond own ability and responsibility to relevant industry specialists. 
Check participant's clothing and footwear for suitability prior to participation. 
Identify potential hazards and risks to both ropes course participants and spotters associated with each element. 
Implement strategies to reduce risks associated with individual elements. 
Outline variations to spotting positions and technique for individual elements. 
Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback. 
Implement appropriate modifications to activities in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Debrief the activity according to activity aims, objectives and own skills and abilities. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the session and identify potential areas of improvement for future sessions. 
Dismantle, inspect and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Prepare reports on the use of the course, and suggested maintenance and modifications, where relevant. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCRP301A - Conduct a low ropes session
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCRP301A - Conduct a low ropes session

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: