Introduction
The Single Pitch Award
(SPA) is the only nationally recognised award of its kind. There has been a
tremendous increase over recent years in the number of groups enjoying climbing
sessions on outcrops, crags, quarries and climbing walls throughout the
United
Kingdom.
The intent of this award
is to promote high standards of supervision so that both enjoyment and safety
are enhanced, without compromising either the sport of climbing or the
participation of other crag or wall users. It is valid throughout the
United Kingdom and
Ireland and is recognised by the
Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA).
The scheme is for those
who are in a position of responsibility during single pitch rock climbing
activities. It is primarily concerned with good practice, leading to the safe
and quiet enjoyment of the activity. Completion of a training course alone,
without taking an assessment course, is not a qualification in itself, although
it maybe of considerable benefit to the trainee.
Whilst the award does
include a measure of personal competence it is not designed as such, and should
not be used as either an entry requirement or measure of suitability for
individuals who wish to climb on climbing walls or crags.
Course Content
Both the training and
assessment courses cover the following areas:
Group
management and supervision
- Organisation
- Supervising
sessions
- Group
management
Technical
Competence
- Equipment
- Anchors
- Belaying
- Abseiling
- Personal climbing
skills
- Background
Knowledge
The
Climbing Environment
- Access
- Conservation
- Etiquette
The training course in
particular aims to provide the candidate with a basis of training from which
they can then consolidate their experience This will be done by completing a
log-book of personal climbing and supervising group climbing sessions. By
training with others of a similar standard, but from a variety of backgrounds,
the course provides a varied and stimulating environment in which to learn both
from others on the course and through expert guidance.
Entry
requirements
Training
 In order to attend a
training course you need to have been climbing for a minimum of 12 months and
have a keen interest in the supervision of novices. You must be registered with
MLTE Single Pitch Award Scheme and you should have led 15 outdoor routes of any
grade, using leader placed protection . To register you will need to apply to
the MLTE (Tel: 01690 720314 or e-mail via www.mlte.org)
and obtain a log book in which to record your experience.
The training course is
for potential climbing supervisors and assumes a basic level of competence as a
climber. At the end of the course the director of training will complete the
training page in the candidates' logbook and will attach a numbered sticker to
the title page. The training course does not include assessment. Assessment
takes place after a period of consolidation, which will be guided by your
performance on the training course. The end of course action plan will advise
candidates appropriately as to their suitability for assessment and any advisory
timescales.
Further
information
SPA courses (training
& assessment) are run over a two day period lasting for a minimum of 20
hours. Details of course dates for this year can be found here . Note however that
additional courses can be arranged for candidates wanting to arrange courses for
groups of individuals. A minimum of four (4) are needed for both training
courses and assessment courses. If you would like further information or you
would like to speak with a course director please
contact us .
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