NICAS

The National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS) is a national scheme designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing structures. It can be used as a starting point for people wishing to take up climbing and mountaineering. NICAS is open to all candidates aged 7 and upwards.

Every week thousands of people climb indoors and outdoors on purpose built artificial climbing walls. For many the climbing wall is their first introduction to the absorbing world of climbing. The Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC) is concerned that high standards should be encouraged early on in a participant's climbing career so that both safety and enjoyment can be maximised to the full.

The National Indoor Climbing Accreditation Scheme will provide the structure and motivation for new climbers to develop their skills in order that they may gain the most out of their climbing as well as having their achievements recognised.

Aims of the Scheme

• to develop climbing movement skills and improve levels of ability.
• to learn climbing rope-work and how to use equipment appropriately.
• to develop risk assessment and risk management skills in the sport.
• to work as a team, communicate with, and trust a climbing partner.
• to provide a structure for development, motivation and improved performance.
• to develop an understanding of the sport, it's history and future challenges.
• to provide a record of personal achievement.
• to point the way to further disciplines and challenges in climbing beyond the scheme.

Structure of the Scheme

The scheme comprises five levels of award aimed at complete novices to expert climbers. The scheme is split into two parts and takes a minimum of 100 hours to complete in its entirety. Part 1 contains levels 1 and 2 and Part 2 contains Levels 3 to 5. Upon registering with an Awarding Centre candidates receive a log booklet for Part 1 and a log folder for Part 2. After achieving each level they are awarded with a certificate on behalf of the ABCTT.

The five levels are...

1. Foundation Climber

An entry level aimed at novices that recognises their ability to climb safely under supervision.

2. Top Rope Climber

Aimed at promoting good practice in climbing and bouldering unsupervised on an artificial wall.

3. Technical Climber

A more advanced top roping and bouldering level that focuses on developing technique and movement skills.

4. Lead Climber

Concentrates on the skills required to both lead climb and belay a lead climber.

5. Advanced Climber

The top level focuses on improving performance, a deeper understanding of climbing systems and the wider world of climbing.

More information on NICAS can be found at www.nicas.co.uk