CUCC and the NCA Guidelines
This document describes our activities in each of the areas covered by the National Caving Association's guidelines of August 1996.
| The Guidelines | CUCC Activities |
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IntroductionThese guidelines have been prepared in response to a large number of requests to the National Caving Association (NCA) from university and college caving clubs and authorities for a code or set of guidelines that they can use to promote safe caving. There is a broad range of university or college based clubs in the country ranging from the well established and respected with a good continuity of members and experience to those with enthusiasm but with a less experienced membership. In many clubs it is the large annual change of membership that, in the main, causes problems. Caving by university and college caving clubs should be seen as fitting into the tradition of British caving and the established principles of good practice to ensure both safety and concern for the cave environment. These guidelines should be seen as suitable for any group of cavers seeking to establish a caving club or an existing club of recent formation or with members of relatively little experience. It is the adventurous nature of caving, potholing and the exploration of abandoned mines that is one of its attractions. The accident rate in caving is thankfully low but from time to time serious and fatal accidents do occur. It is therefore important that beginners who seek to go caving are aware of and accept the element of risk and take responsibility for their own actions. Traditionally the NCA sees formal leadership systems as undesirable in recreational caving conducted by adults, which should have as its essence, individual competence and the companionship of friends unfettered by unnecessary rules and regulations. It is therefore the intention of these guidelines to set down a broad framework for the establishment and operation of university and college clubs within the informal environment of recreational caving. CAVING SAFETYGeneral Points for consideration | |
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The constitution can be viewed <A href="constitution2004.pdf">here</A>. CUCC has several members who graduated several years ago but live in the Cambridge area. In addition, there is a greater number who remain in contact through the Ex-Cambridge Speleologists group. |
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CUCC is a member of the NCA and the Council of Northern Caving Clubs (CNCC). Although we have no formal associations with individual caving clubs, some of our members are also members of other clubs. Use is often made of the caving hut accomodation offered by other clubs. |
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CUCC uses the experience of its older members in this role. See also notes on training below. |
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It is the adventurous nature of caving, potholing and the exploration of abandoned mines that is one of its attractions. The accident rate in caving is thankfully low but from time to time serious and fatal accidents do occur (usually attracting a large amount of publicity). It is therefore important that beginners who join clubs are aware of this element of risk. The relatively low rate of accidents should not be allowed to give rise to any sense of complacency, indeed a disproportionate number of rescue call-outs are to assist members of those clubs with least experience and in most need of a set of guidelines. Club members should ensure that they understand the following points and if they do not they should be encouraged to ask questions of the more experienced members before agreeing to go on trips. More experienced members should take responsibility for ensuring that everyone is properly briefed for the trip. Experienced members who choose to take on responsibility for beginners should be aware of what this involves. |
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Note: Qualifications for leaders such as the NCA Cave Instructor Certificate (CIC) or Local Cave/Mine Leader Assessment (LCMLA) schemes were not intended for recreational caving and are not considered appropriate within the club environment. However, the syllabuses are excellent guides to training and standards of personal competence within the club environment.
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CUCC has requested a copy of the syllabuses from the NCA Training Officers. |
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CUCC trips involving novices have one designated leader with previous experience of the cave and usually more than a year of membership. Trips where novices outnumber more experienced cavers by more than 3:1 are strongly discouraged, as are trips with fewer than an experienced leader and seconder. </TD></TR> |
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CUCC adheres to this; guidebooks are always consulted before each trip if there is any doubt. </TD></TR>
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CUCC use the call-out boards provided by caving huts, arrangements specific to a particular cave system, and/or telephone contacts. The use of the 'recursive call-out' is discouraged. |
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All members wear specific caving clothing or wetsuits. Members are advised to eat before the trip and take suitable food with them on the trip. All members are encouraged to carry a survival bag and whistle; all CUCC oversuits are equipped with these items.</P> |