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.)

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

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

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

The Five Levels 1. Foundation climber – the entry level aimed at novices who wish to climb safely under supervision. Min: 3 hours Min: 3 hours 2. Top Rope climber – aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised Min: 8 hours 3. Technical climber – a more advanced top roping and bouldering award that focuses on developing technique and movement skills. Min: 20 hours 4. Lead climber - concentrates on the skills required to both lead climb and lead belay. Min: 30 hours 5. 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

Level Top Rope ClimbsBelays Boulder problems Lead climbs Other 1Foundation Top Rope 2525some 3Technical3020 Progress one full grade 4Lead 10 at F at F5 5Advanced 10 at F6b at F6a -using 3 walls Progress one full grade

Log book entries 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

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

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.

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:

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

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

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