T E A M M
E M B E R S H I P
The
Path to Full Team Membership
Thank you for your
interest in joining the Team! To help you understand what is expected
of you in the early stages of your association with the Team, this note
should answer many of your questions. If you want to discuss any aspect
of the Trainee program, please contact the Training Co-ordinator via the
e-mail address at the end of this note. This note describes the progression
from initial interest in the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation
to becoming a Full Member. Every Trainee is expected to complete the steps
outlined below without exception.
Prerequisites
For Trainee Membership TOP
The Organisation
only provides training in specific search and rescue skills. It does NOT
provide training in the generality of mountaineering. To be accepted as
a Trainee Member it is essential that the applicant is an active, all-seasons
mountaineer with at least three years experience of general mountaineering.
A good level of local area knowledge of North and East Snowdonia, North
Wales is essential. The Applicant must be familiar with basic rope-work
and be currently capable of climbing to at least V. Diff (UIAA 3) standard
in boots. In addition, the Applicant must be capable of climbing Grade
I snow gullies and be proficient in simple snow and rock belay methods.
Training and operations can be physically demanding so a good level of
physical fitness and stamina is required. Trainee training and integration
into the Team requires a firm commitment to attend and participate on
a minimum of one day in every four weekends. This is an essential point
that cannot be overstated.
Initial Application To Join The Trainee
Member Scheme TOP
In the first instance potential applicants should download an application for trainee membership known as the "Blue Form". If potential applicants
feel that they fulfil the basic requirements given in the "Blue Form",
and this note, then the completed "Blue Form" should be returned to the
Training Co-ordinator or the Secretary.
Initial
Hill Day TOP
The Training Co-ordinator
will acknowledge receipt of the application form and. you will be contacted
about arrangements for the Initial Hill day. Usually the initial hill
day will be conducted in the later part of the year.
- This day is an
informal day out with a member of the Training Group or nominated Team
Member. It is designed to allow us to 'get-to-know' each other, find
out more about the Organisation and for both to decide whether to embark
on the Trainee Member scheme. This day is normally done in the usual
wet and cloudy conditions in Ogwen. This Initial Hill Day must be completed
within three months of receipt acknowledgement and instructions. If
it is not completed then the Trainee Membership application will lapse.
Initial Recommendation TOP
The Team Member responsible
for the Initial Hill Day will make an appropriate recommendation to the
Training Co-ordinator. Acceptance or rejection of the application will
be reported to the Organisation's Committee and the Applicant and the
decision is final. On acceptance, the Hon. Secretary will inform the Applicant
of the decision. The Applicant will then be added to the list of Trainee
Members. At this stage the Applicant is considered to be a non-specialist
for Police insurance purposes. The Trainee will be given a set of Training
Log Sheets, the Trainee Member Guide and the Training Calendar. A record
sheet listing courses and lectures attended by the Trainee and other relevant
information will be held by the Training Co-ordinator. If rejected, the
Applicant will be advised of the reasoning behind the decision and may
be asked to re-submit an application form at some future date.
Training Log TOP
All Trainee and Full
Team Members receive a Training Log Book that is designed to function
as record of search and rescue training, participation in operations and
general mountain days. The greater part of the Basic Level section of
the Log Book must be completed before the Final Hill Test is undertaken.
Training Events And Expected Attendance Levels
TOP
During any one year
there will usually be:
- A Scottish Winter
Trip,
- At least ten general
Training Events,
- A First Aid Course.
It is strongly recommended that a Trainee attends at least 6 general Training
Events, the Scottish Winter trip, and a First-Aid Course. This level of
attendance is required to ensure that the greater part of the Basic Level
Training Log Sheets may be completed and critically, during this period,
it is vital that the Trainee Member starts to integrate into the Team
by visiting Base and mountaineering with Team Members. Failure to attend
training events and to start integrating with the Team will be considered
at the periodic reviews. It is highly desirable that Trainee Members have
at least one hill day with a Team Leader during the training period. It
is your responsibility to organise this day.
Periodic Reviews Of Trainees TOP
The Training Group
reviews the Trainee Member List each February and September. The onus
is on the Trainee member to discuss their training requirements and progress
with members of the Training Group before the reviews are held. At these
reviews, each Trainee is assigned to one of three classes:-
Class 1: Completed Training and is ready for Final Hill Test
Class 2: Further training and/or assimilation time is required.
Class 3: Rejection of application and removal from Trainee List.
A report of each review will be made to the Team Committee and possibly
in writing to you.
Duration Of Trainee Membership TOP
The duration of Trainee
membership should not exceed 18 months and could be as short as one year.
The period is basically dependant on the commitment (activity, skills,
integration and enthusiasm) of the Trainee. If the period extends much
beyond 18 months, then it is indicative that the Trainee is probably not
making, or not able to make, the required commitment to the Team. This
will be considered during the periodic reviews.
Final
Hill Test And Full Team Membership TOP
Each Trainee who has
been assigned to Class 1 will be asked to undertake a Final Hill Day Test.
This test is intended to verify that the Trainee has the core set of mountain
skills and has learnt the basic search and rescue skills required for
Full Team Membership. On successful completion of the winter Final Hill
Test, the Trainee will usually be recommended to the Committee for acceptance
as a Full Team member. The Hon. Secretary will formally notify Trainees
of their change in status.
