Rationale – what’s the point?

2. Rationale – what’s the point? • Clear demand from young climbers, schools and youth groups – fills a gap in provision • Recognises achievement in line with other sports • Provides structure for climbing development and introduces coaching • Uniformity of standards- Scheme will become recognised by other bodies (examination boards, DofE, Scouts, ASDAN, BTEC, colleges, universities etc.)

3. NICAS – a National Award Scheme • Administered by the ABC Training Trust – as technical experts for indoor climbing • Recognised by the BMC, MCofS, MI and MLTUK • As widely recognised & accessible as possible • Not for profit

4. Philosophy of the scheme • Open to all aged 7+ based on aptitude • Focussed on proficiency, not performance • Levels progressively introduce skills, knowledge and responsibility • Provides a record of achievement • Provides developmental structure – including beyond the scheme

5. Structure of the Scheme • Five levels that can be started at any point • Log book to record training, consolidation, progress, and assessment. • Training and assessment courses are designed and run by centres but follow syllabus and guidelines from the NICAS handbook. • National certificates awarded for each level

7. The Five Levels • Foundation climber – the entry level aimed at novices who wish to climb safely under supervision. Min: 3 hours • Top Rope climber – aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised Min: 8 hours • Technical climber – a more advanced top roping and bouldering award that focuses on developing technique and movement skills. Min: 20 hours • Lead climber - concentrates on the skills required to both lead climb and lead belay. Min: 30 hours • Advanced climber – the top level award that focuses on improving performance, a deeper understanding of climbing systems and the wider world of climbing. Min: 40 hours

10. Log book entries • Level 1 and 2 booklet – supervised • Level 3-5 logbook- unsupervised • Can only be logged as a ground up ascent with no rests- but can be practiced • For levels 1 and 2 some climbs can be repeated if there is progression • Candidates should log climbs/problems appropriate for their ability

13. Awarding Centres • Register with ABCTT with a named Course Director who attends induction every 3 yrs • Endorsed by Technical Advisor • Course Director ensures scheme is delivered in accordance with policies and guidelines laid out in handbook. • Induct, train and moderate instructors • Award and record certificates

14. Accreditation and standards • Course Directors are responsible for ensuring standards of awards • Levels 2-5 standards must be kept – no set time for achieving them • Candidate database and numbered certificates needed for auditing by ABCTT • ABCTT reserves the right to moderate and withdraw approval from centres.

15. Administration • Candidates register with Awarding Centres • Awarding Centres are registered with ABCTT to deliver specified levels • Centres pay annual fee and report to ABCTT • Registration forms found on NICAS website or • Contact: anne@nicas.co.uk

17. NICAS Costs • To Candidates: • Part 1: £4 • Part 2: £7.50 • This includes registration, log book and certificates • Awarding Centre registration: • Levels 1 and 2: £30/ year • Levels 1-4: £50/ year

18. NICAS Statistics • NICAS Launched as a Achievement Scheme in 2008 • Started with 23 Primary & 40 Awarding Ctr’s • NICAS became an Award Scheme in 2012 • 33 Primary Centres & 168 Awarding Centres delivering NICAS around the UK • Since 2008 there have been 43,000+ candidates registered with the scheme

19. Where are the future rock stars?