SNCS Climbing Course Syllabus

Syllabus : : : Sports Climbing Course Level 1

Course Title	Sport Climbing Course Level 1
Course Code	SCC1
Objectives	The purpose of this course is to give participants an enjoyable, safe and informative introduction to sport climbing.  The course will be held over 2 sessions of 3.5 hours each, or alternatively over one day.  The course is designed for people with no prior knowledge of sport climbing.  Participants will be introduced to: equipment, climbing techniques, belaying for top-roping and climbing calls.
Pre-requisite	Participants must be 13 years of age or older.
Standards	The participants must demonstrate the following course requirements before they will be awarded the SNCS Sport Climbing Level 1 Certificate: > Correct harness usage > Correct tie-in technique > Correct belay technique > Correct use of climbing calls
Syllabus	Introduction to the Sport of Climbing - concept of climbing / bouldering and sport climbing and a brief on the history and development of climbing in Singapore Introduction of Climbing Equipment        Rope, Harness, Karabiner, Basic Belay Devices, Quickdraws, Sling/Tape        Shoes, Chalk, Helmet, Care of equipment Tying-in Knot - Figure-of-8 knot Introduction to Belaying and Lowering with a Basic Belay Device Basic Climbing Techniques (a bouldering session)        Use of handholds - pinch, grip, underhand, side pull, sloper, pocket.        Use of footholds - edging, smearing.        Basic wall configurations - corners, overhangs, slabs.  Top-rope Climbing       Belay position, Climbing calls       Safety considerations e.g. pendulums, falling on other people.  Participant demonstration for certification - participant must demonstrate above listed techniques Course Review - Suggestions for further advancement, General discussion and feedback
Min Duration	2 sessions or 7 hours
Instructor:Trainee Ratio	1 Instructor : 10 Trainees  or  1 Instructor + 1 Wall Activity Supervisor : 16 Trainees
Instructor Qualification	SNCS Sport Climbing Instructor Cat 1 or 2
Note	-

Syllabus : : : Sports Climbing Course Level 2

Course Title	Sport Climbing Course Level 2
Course Code	SCC2
Objectives	This course is designed as a follow on from the Sport Climbing Course Level 1.  This course builds on the tope-rope skills acquired on the previous course and teaches a progression into lead climbing on artificial climbing walls.  Participants on this course should be confident in all the techniques covered on the previous course before undertaking this more advanced level course.
Pre-requisite	SNCS Sport Climbing Level 1 Certificate or equivalent.
Standards	The participants must demonstrate the following course requirements before they will be awarded the SNCS Sport Climbing Level 2 Certificate:  > Application of a range of basic climbing techniques on an easy route at an artificial climbing wall.  > Competency in leading an easy climb, including clipping bolts correctly, using climbing calls, and safe rope handling.  > Correct belaying of a lead climber.
Syllabus	Session 1 Introduction to Lead Climbing - how is it different from top-roping?  Equipment required for Lead Climbing       Dynamic ropes - static vs dynamic, how a rope helps to absorb the impact of a fall?  Quickdraws and Slings - knots for tying slings (tape and double fisherman).        Belaying Devices - different devices and Italian hitch.        Helmet        Care of equipment  Session 2 Climbing Techniques - this bouldering session will introduce participants to a wider range of climbing techniques: Resting, Corners, Overhangs, Laybacking, Dynamic moves  Lead Climbing - a further opportunity to practise new techniques whilst lead climbing. Discussion on lead climbing on roofs and overhangs  Session 3 More Lead Climbing - during this session, participants wishing to be awarded a course certificate must demonstrate proficiency in the tasks as previously listed Session 4 Anchor Set-up - participant will be introduced to a basic anchor set-up system for rappelling and top-roping, and the use of clove hitch Rappelling - participants will learn safe rappel techniques using a back-up system.  Course Review - Suggestions for training and further advancement, General feedback
Min Duration	4 sessions or 14 hours
Instructor:Trainee Ratio	1 Instructor : 10 Trainees or  1 Instructor + 1 Trainee Instructor : 16 Trainees
Instructor Qualification	SNCS Sport Climbing Instructor Cat 1 or 2
Note	Climbing helmets must be used for all lead climbing sessions.

Syllabus : : : Rock Climbing Course Level 1

Course Title	Rock Climbing Course Level 1
Course Code	RCC1
Objectives	This is an intermediate course designed to teach participants the basic skills for safe climbing on single pitch  rock routes.  It will cover a range of topics including, placing of rock protection, setting up anchors, top-roping, leading, abseiling and rescue techniques.  Safe lead climbing on natural rock is a skill, which requires experience and confidence.  Therefore, although participants will be taught the necessary technical skills to lead climb, participants will need to spend time practicing these skills after the course in order to conduct themselves safely.
Pre-requisite	Participants must hold a SNCS Sport Climbing Level 2 Certificate or equivalent.
Standards	The participants must demonstrate the following course requirements before they will be awarded the SNCS Rock Climbing Level 1 Certificate:  > Correct rope-handling, gear organization skills and climbing calls.  > Practical understanding of the placement and removal of rock protection.  > Thorough practical knowledge of setting up anchors for a range of circumstances.  > An ability to climb on rock, employing a range of techniques.  > Safe execution of an abseil, including choosing a line, anchor set-up and rope retrieval.  > An understanding of the hazards involved in rock climbing.  > An escape from a rescue system.  NB:  Although the course aims to teach people to lead, an ability to lead is not a requirement for certificate purposes.
Syllabus	Introduction to the Course and Natural Rock, including a discussion of hazards.  Introduction to climbing equipment - participants will already be familiar with the equipment required for wall climbing. This discussion will introduce equipment required for rock climbing:        Long slings, Double and twin ropes, Prussiks       Rock protection - nuts, wires, camming devices, nut key Rope-handling and Knot Session       Rope coiling and uncoiling, Care of ropes       Figure 8, Bowline, Tape knot, Double Fisherman, Overhand, Prussik knots       Clove hitch, Italian hitch, Sheet bend, Larks foot, Tying-off belay systems, Mariners hitch  Session on Placing Protection - this will be a practical session with feedback. This discussion will also cover in-situ protection i.e. bolts, pitons, slings Session on Anchors - theory and practical. Participants will be introduced to a range of anchor setting with tapes and ropes, techniques for belaying, top-roping and abseiling Introduction to Climbing on Natural Rock - this session will encompass a range of techniques and will progress from a bouldering session to a top-rope session. Participants will set their own anchors for top-rope climbing Second Practical Session on Setting Anchors - introduction to abseiling - Anchors, rope-retrieval, back up systems, hazards and choosing a site Introduction to Lead Climbing - including belaying, climbing communication, choosing a line, racking equipment, placing and slinging runners, rope techniques, anchor positioning and equipment retrieval. Participants will initially pre-place runner protection on top-rope or abseil.  All runners will be checked prior to lead climbing Second Lead Climbing Session Rescue Systems - this session will cover escaping a belay system, prussiking and improvised harnesses Case Studies Course Review - General discussion and feedback, Suggestions for future climbing
Min Duration	4 sessions or 14 hours
Instructor:Trainee Ratio	1 Instructor : 6 Trainees or  1 Instructor + 1 Trainee Instructor : 9 Trainees
Instructor Qualification	SNCS Rock Climbing Instructor Cat 1 or 2
Note	Climbing helmets must be used for all climbing and abseiling sessions on natural rocks.

Syllabus : : : Sports Climbing Activity Supervisor

Course Title	Sport Climbing Activity Supervisor Course
Course Code	ASC
Objectives	This is a course designed for teachers, physical training instructors, people in-charge of climbing gyms and anyone requiring to supervise group climbing activities on artificial climbing walls.  The course equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely supervise top-rope and lead climbing and bouldering sessions.  The course emphasis is on safety and organization.  The course does not qualify participants to conduct formal climbing courses.
Pre-requisite	SNCS Sport Climbing Level 2 Certificate or equivalent and Valid First Aid certificate and 18 years old and above.
Standards	The final course session will be in the form of assessment.  Participants must demonstrate the following course requirements before they will be awarded the SNCS Sport Climbing Activity Supervisor Certificate:  > Correct use of and the ability to discern any incorrect use of harness, tie-in, belaying, lowering and climbing calls.  > Anchor set-up suitable for top-rope climbing.  > Understanding of equipment - use, limitation and care.  > Organisational and communication skills.  > Understanding of risks associated with running a top-rope session and a knowledge of how to minimize risks.
Syllabus	Roles and Responsibilities of a Sport Climbing Activity Supervisor Climbing Walls - types, checks, rules.  Climbing Equipment - types, use and maintenance:        Ropes, Harnesses, Karabiners, Belay Devices, Slings, Helmets Top-rope Procedures - correct use as well as common mistakes made by beginner climbers: Wearing harness, Tie-in knot, Belaying, Climbing calls, Lowering, Group checks, Consistency among supervisors Anchor Set-up for Top-roping Planning a Top-rope or Bouldering Session       Objective - to plan a well-run, safe, enjoyable & instructive session.        Factors to consider: Risk and risk minimization, Equipment, Belayers - sufficient and consistent, Venue, Routes, Length of session, Number of participants, Structure, First Aid Kit  Managing a Top-rope or Bouldering Session       Objective - to manage a well-run, safe, enjoyable and instructive session.        Important Factors to consider: Introductions, Clear communication - direction, explanations, setting ground rules, disclosure of risk and safety factors, Procedure for checking, Fun, Achieving, Learning, Supervising helpers, End of session debriefs Assessment - a practical assessment will take place at the end of the course.  The following areas will be assessed:      - Climbing procedure - correct use and ability to discern incorrect use of harness, tie-in method, belaying, lowering, climbing calls.      - Anchor set-up for top-rope climbing.      - Understanding of equipment - use, limitations and maintenance programme.      - Planning, organizational and communication skills.     - Managing risk whilst supervising a bouldering or top-rope session.
Min Duration	3 sessions or 21 hours
Instructor:Trainee Ratio	1 Instructor : 8 Trainees  or 1 Instructor + 1 Trainee Instructor : 12 Trainees
Instructor Qualification	SNCS Sport Climbing Instructor Cat 2
Note	Climbing helmets must be used for all lead climbing sessions.