Mountain & Hillwalking - Code of Conduct

University of the West of England Mountain & Hillwalking Club Incorporating Orienteering

1.0. Introduction

This document outlines the expectations of UWE Students' Union (UWESU) along with its aims to satisfy sports club members & provide guidelines to cater for their well being, safety & behaviour whilst remaining a member of a UWESU Sport & Activities. This document shall be the basis for the safe operation of the University of the West of England Mountain & Hillwalking Club.

2.0. General Information

2.1. Membership to UWESU Sport & Activities
Membership is open to UWESU students, UWE & UWESU staff & UWESU life members in accordance with UWESU's constitution providing that they:

A) Receive a UWESU Membership card
B) Register their membership to the sport club through the online UWESU membership application form
C) Read & agree to comply with the UWESU Sport & Activities Code of Practice

Members are also required to comply with the Centre for Sport "Conditions of Use" when using University hired or owned facilities.

The list of members entitled to participate in Mountain & Hillwalking or Orienteering activities will be kept with the Club President & updated by the Club Committee as appropriate.


2.2. Club Purpose
To provide equal, equitable & safe opportunities for members of the University to participate in hillwalking or orienteering.

Activities shall include:

• The introduction of beginners/novices
• Provision for experienced performers
• Participation in appropriate competition (specifically BUSA) & mountain leader programmes
• Instruction on safe practice & technical aspects of the sport
• Support to progress as appropriate within Performance & Coaching/Leadership parameters

UWE Mountain & Hillwalking Club shall make provision for the encouragement of the development of the hillwalking & orienteering as the Committee see fit.


2.3. Affiliation
UWE Mountain & Hillwalking Club affiliates to the BMC. All UWE Mountain & Hillwalking Club members having paid club subscription & registered online are affiliated to BUSA via UWESU.


2.4. Instruction
Training sessions for sports clubs within UWESU will be conducted by coaches who have appropriate qualifications. Instruction will cover: communication, footwear, clothing, equipment, & safety precautions.

Informal tuition or advice may be given where there are the minimum objective dangers.


2.5. Trials/Selection Policy
Trials will be held in the first week of the autumn term for the purpose of assessing the ability of all members. UWESU operates a policy that all individuals must trial each year irrespective of ability. Training sessions are held on Monday & Tuesday evenings where the ability of all club members can continually be assessed by team captains & coaching staff to aid team selection.


2.6. Training

Leadership/Coaching:
The club shall seek to support persons actively involved in coaching activities in attaining BMC/BOF & Official Qualifications as appropriate. Where possible a financial contribution from UWESU Sport & Activities or the club of upto 50% may be offered to non-final year students at the discretion of the club committee & the Activities Development Co-ordinator collectively. This can only be attained if the club have budgeted accordingly.


2.7. Vehicles:
In order to drive UWESU hired vehicles all drivers must be tested & insured. UWESU Sport & Activities provides a nationally accredited minibus driver awareness (MiDAS) practical & theory test free of charge. UWESU Sport & Activities provides people carrier familiarisation tests & trailer towing training & assessments free of charge.


1st Aid:
UWESU Sport & Activities provides 1 day nationally accredited 1st aid courses for all members free of charge.

3.0. Health and Safety Guidelines

3.1. Before you set out

• Prior to a trip irrespective of whether using UWESU hired or personal transport, the club will complete the necessary 'Trip & Transport Booking Form' (which highlights such details as destination, date & time of departure, arrival, Pre-trip planning, Pre-activity information, MLTB trained members, 1st aiders, a list of those travelling complete with, medical conditions &/or allergies, UWESU membership card numbers & emergency contacts.
• ANY changes to the above details MUST be notified to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & the Gatehouse prior to departure.
• All travelling members MUST carry with them their UWESU membership card for identification purposes.
• Obtain a weather forecast.
• Carry a map @ least 1:50,000 scale & a compass: However well you know the route & however good the visibility is when you set off - weather can change very rapidly in mountain country. Emphasis should be put on the skills, rather than the navigational do's & don'ts.
• Have with you spare warm clothing, especially gloves, balaclava, & spare sweater as well as windproof & waterproof outer garments.
• Carry emergency rations.
• Carry a whistle, torch & small 1st aid kit.
• In general leave word of your route & escape routes then keep to it.
• NEVER go out in the Mountains alone
• Know where the local Mountain Rescue posts & nearest telephones are situated.

Follow the equipment checklist below:

• Boots
• Short/Long Socks
• Trousers
• Undershirt
• Midwear (Pullover)
• Windproof
• Waterproof
• Hat
• Gloves
• Spare Pullover
• Spare Socks/Gloves
• *Map
• *Compass
• Torch/*Whistle
• Food/Drink
• *1st Aid Kit
• Survival Bag
• Rucksack

*Denotes Group Equipment, All other items are essential & must be carried by everyone on the hill.


3.2. Planning your Route
Estimate the time that it will take, & make sure that you have sufficient hours of daylight, leaving a wide safety margin for any miscalculation or delay, for a full day out an early start is recommended.

Remember that the weather can change very quickly: If conditions are bad in the valley they will be considerably worse higher up. A walk you found easy in the summer may be considerably different in the winter. Always plan your route in relation to prevailing conditions & be very cautious about what you attempt in bad weather.

Do not over estimate your own stamina or ability.

Treat the hills with great respect in snow conditions, do not go up snow covered mountains unless you are familiar with snow & ice climbing techniques & the use of an ice axe.


3.3. Out on the Hills
Never let anyone get left behind - a party should always stay together, moving at the pace of the slowest member.

Never be afraid to turn back if the weather conditions worsen or if you realise the route is too long or too difficult for you.

If you wear boots soled with composition rubber be sure that you are aware of their limitations - slippery on wet grass, lichened, mossy or greasy rock, ice or hard snow.

On a steep slope be very careful not to dislodge rocks onto those below.

When rock scrambling a party should keep close together, so that if a stone is dislodged it will not have much time to gather momentum should it hit one of the party below. If a rock is dislodged alert others immediately by shouting 'BELOW!' On a scree slope it is best to zig-zag or adopt a narrow head formation.


3.4. On the Descent
The majority of mountaineering accidents occur on the descent from the peak when, once a climb is over there is a tendency to become hasty & careless.

Particular points to note are:

• Do not take a short cut, invariably the path takes the safest, easiest & quickest way.
• If in doubt ascend the longer, more gradual side on the mountain: Scrambling down steep rocky ground can be very dangerous.
• Never run, slide down a slope unless you see a clear way to the bottom.
• Do not follow streams downhill unless you are sure it is a safe route. They may end in a waterfall.

3.5. If you get lost
Usually such a situation arises from making a mistake & thus it is a good idea to try & make sure that such mistakes do not happen. Stay together, sit down & keep calm. Carefully work out from the map your appropriate position, decide in which direction you feel you ought to go & trust your compass. If a member of the group is exhausted or injured, or it is dark & you are lost in bad conditions, it may be necessary to decide to spend the night on the hill. It must be emphasised that this is a very last resort, before a decision like this is made every effort must be made to get off the hill. If the group decides it is a safer option to spend the night on the hill, accept that you are out for the night, look for shelter from the wind & make yourselves as comfortable as possible. You will of course be carrying spare clothing, a survival bag & emergency rations.

The following morning efforts can then be made to get off the hill, or if someone is injured to call for help.

If at dawn the weather & visibility are poor, & you feel it is too dangerous to attempt to move, then give the International Distress Signal: 6 on the minute every minute, in case a rescue party is searching for you.


3.6. Emergency Bivouacs
Choose a sheltered spot out of the wind or if necessary build a wind break out of rocks.

Put on your spare clothing with dry clothes next to your skin. Use your rucksack to sit on & get into your survival bag. Heavy orange bags are regularly used. Thin polythene or black bags are not suitable.

If it is very cold, stay awake & frequently exercise your arms & legs to keep warm. Make sure none of your clothing is restricting circulation, particularly in the extremities. If necessary share body warmth by sitting or lying close together.


3.7. Bivouacs on snow
If the snow is sufficiently deep it may be possible to dig a snow hole or cave. Your ice axe will be necessary.

The best method is to dig or cut a cave into a slope, make the entrance small & hollow & the cave outside with an arched roof.

If on level snow, dig a hole 2" deep & then use your ice axe to scrape the snow into a compact wall or walls for a wind break. Ice axes & groundsheets can then be used to form a cover or a lean to shelter.


3.8. Mountain Rescue
It is advisable to read the current literature published by the BMC, & in particular the handbook of the Mountain Rescue Committee from which the following extracts have been taken.

Rescue posts are listed areas, together with a list of teams the area they cover, & how they can be contacted.

Detailed information is given on dealing with an accident. This covers action to be taken depending on the severity of the accident, application of 1st aid, marking the position conspicuously, taking bearings & sending a messenger to contact police. They set in motion the Rescue Service & search parties are formed.


3.9. Club Equipment
Club equipment will be controlled by the Club Equipment & Safety Officers. No person shall use any equipment not specifically allocated to him or her without reference to the club committee. Members remain responsible for monitoring the equipment they are using before & after every training session or match & reporting defects accordingly to UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

Repairs/Damage
Members have a responsibility to report all equipment damage/repairs & remedial work required. Failure to do so will lead to a suspension from the club for a period defined by the Club committee &/or the Sports President & Sports & Activities Manager

All members must report to the Equipment & Safety Officers any damaged equipment.


3.10. First Aid

Mountain 1st aid kits or Mountain Leader 1st aid kits must be taken on each trip, these are available from the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre. First aid supplies should be signed out for all training & trips. All student group leaders should be qualified first aiders.

Members are requested to advise their group leader/team mates of any medication or medical condition which may affect their health/performance (this information must also be recorded on the online registration membership) eg: Asthmatic - & where the inhaler is carried, diabetic, epileptic etc.

All accidents & injuries other than 'routine blisters/scrapes' must be recorded on an Accident Form & passed to the Sports & Activities Manager

Within the club there should be at least 2 qualified 1st aiders per group at anyone time. Where possible a first aid kit shall be taken on every trip.

NB: Nursing & Physio students do not qualify as substitute 1st aiders, unless they have an up-to-date 1st aid qualification.


3.11. Rules and Regulations
All sports & activities where applicable should be conducted according to the rules & regulations of the activity issued under the authority of the respective National Governing Body.

UWESU recommends that all members have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation.

All activities irrespective of whether 'active' or 'social' organised by the club shall be run in accordance with these guidelines & those of the BMC. Activities shall include:

• All trips
• Social trips/tours as appropriate

3.12. Accident Procedures
All Members MUST be aware of the accident/emergency procedures. An accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

If required, assistance from a 1st aider should be sought.

Report to club officials any injuries or incidents, this includes (an accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre:

• On the way to & from all trips
• During any trip

All incidents/accidents are kept on file in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & are used to support any review of safety procedures.

In the event of any serious accident or incident which involves the Emergency Services or which could involve media attention please follow this procedure:

• Assess the situation.
• Ensure the safety of yourself then the group. Call the Emergency Services if necessary & ensure before your call that you are able to explain exactly where you are. You will also be expected to give them your name, the number from which you are ringing & a brief summary of the incident including possible injuries & the number of injured. If you are calling from a mobile you may in some circumstances need to ask them to ring you back if your call is indistinct.
• Where possible treat any casualties if it is safe to do so. Always be aware of potential spine injuries - never move someone in this situation unless there is a more serious potential situation such as fire.
• All accidents/incidents that occur MUST be reported. Contact UWE as soon as possible by ringing:
  1. The UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.
     Tel: 0117 32 82719/83288
     Hours: 09.30hrs - 17.30hrs (Mon to Fri)
  2. Alternatively the University Gatehouse (24hrs)
     Tel: 0117 32 82552

All incidents resulting in injury occurring in a sports facility owned or hired by UWE MUST be recorded in the accident book, located in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre, 5th Floor F-Block, Frenchay Campus.

Please be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• The telephone number from which you are calling
• A brief summary of the incident & any injuries
• The number & names of people involved
• The name of any hospitals where casualties may have been taken
• The details of any police officers involved with the incident

You may be rung back if there are any further steps that need to be taken.

Do not make any statement to the media other than "no comment". DO NOT discuss ANY aspect of the incident with anyone who is not connected with the emergency services.

3.8. Insurance
Fully paid members that have registered online involved in club activities have insurance cover under the UWESU BUSA Gold Personal Injury Insurance Policy. This is not medical insurance, for which individuals remain individually responsible. Full details are available from UWESU Sports & Activities Centre &/or the club Logbook.

All equipment is registered & insured with UWESU Activities. The personal property of members is not covered unless specifically noted.

All coach & support staff is to possess their own insurance & are affiliated to their respective governing body.

4.0. Conduct of Members

Members should not act in any way that could foreseeably cause harm to themselves or anyone else, & be aware that they owe a "Duty of Care" to those who are so closely affected by their acts & omissions.

Members are expected to abide by UWESU policy (copies available from the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & UWESU Site Offices) & if relevant their particular Regional & National Governing Body Guidelines. UWE Mountain & Hillwalking will abide by the safety codes of practice at all training facilities or races they attend ie: Bristol Harbour flow pattern, safety code etc.

Members will pay their own fines for any cautions or suspensions received. Neither the sports club or UWESU will take any responsibility financial or otherwise.

Any member or official who is deemed by UWESU Sport to be acting in an irresponsible manner or ignoring guidelines laid down in this Code of Practice may be subject to disciplinary measures by your respective club, UWESU Sport or the relevant National Governing Body.


4.1. Alcohol Consumption
No alcohol is to be consumed on board transport owned or organised by UWESU.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking.

Whilst engaging in social events please ensure that you remain with the group.

Each individual has responsibility for themselves to maintain safe alcohol consumption levels, to know your limits & keep well within them.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking. For more information: www.drinkaware.co.uk & www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk

4.2. Facilities
Members are expected to treat facilities, staff, & students at the University of the West of England & other institutions & establishments with the utmost respect.


4.3. Equal Opportunities
"The University of the West of England Students' Union is a campaigning organisation which represents a diverse membership.

UWESU recognises that inequality, oppression & discrimination exists in this society.

The Students' Union will work towards a fairer society through ensuring greater equality of opportunity for its members & employees.

UWESU aims:

• To increase the quality of everyone's participation in the workforce & the educational process.
• To address attitudinal & organisational barriers to achieving greater equality of opportunity.
• To take positive action to promote fair employment practices & to eliminate discrimination against, & oppression of, individuals or groups of people on the basis of any of the following:
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Sexuality
  • Class
  • Ethnicity
  • Nationality
  • Ethnic or national origin
  • Colour
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • Age
  • HIV
  • Status
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Marital status

UWESU believes that the oppression of the above groups & other discriminatory behaviour or language is unacceptable to the Union and will result in disciplinary action.


Note: If the Mountain and Hillwalking Club's incoming committee fails to attend the Annual Committee Training in the spring term the club will automatically be shut down & as a result withdrawn from all relevant leagues and activities for the forthcoming academic year.