EN:15567 for Ropes Courses has identified three different types of belay systems.
Assisted Belay System (formerly top rope system)
Definition: “Belaying system where the participant is secured by at least one person”: also known as top roping, bottom top roping, V Belaying or M belaying.
Normal Use: This system is normally reserved for a developmental ropes course. The use of the course requires direct supervision (see definitions) which generally requires a high instructor/participant ratio.
Continuous Belay
Definition: “Belaying system that enables participants to progress from one action system to the next and does not require participants to undo or change the connection to the belay system at height”.
Normal Use: Ideal for recreational use or for outdoor centres where a high throughput of participants and minimum supervision is required.
Self Belay (formerly a cow’s tail course)
Definition: “belaying system which is operated by the participant”; formerly known as a cow’s tail system.
Normal Use: Ideal for developmental use. Although used in France for recreational use the requirements of the EN: 15567 for Ropes Courses are such that these courses will now require a much higher level of supervision than was formerly provided if they are to conform.
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| Assisted Belay Click here to enlarge this image |
Continuous Belay Click here to enlarge this image |
Self Belay Click here to enlarge this image |
