Camp High Ropes and Challenge Course Inspection

High ropes and challenge course inspections are critical before each operating day due to the serious fall injury potential of elevated course elements. This checklist addresses Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards, state amusement ride regulations applicable to challenge courses, and ACA accreditation requirements.

  • Industry: Sports and Recreation
  • Frequency: Daily and before each group
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Challenge Course Director / Certified Facilitator
  • Total Items: 28

Anchors, Trees, and Structural Components

Inspect all structural anchors and tree health.

  • All load-bearing trees assessed for health (no significant decay, rot, or structural failure)?
  • Tree anchor hardware (lag bolts, through-bolts) secure with no visible movement?
  • Cable anchor terminations and end connections intact and properly formed?
  • All load-bearing cables free of broken wires, kinking, or corrosion?
  • Cable tensions within design specifications (not excessively slack or tight)?
  • Utility poles or structural steel foundations secure with no leaning or movement?
  • No dead branches or widow-makers over course elements?

Belay Systems and Fall Arrest Equipment

Inspect all belay and fall arrest components.

  • Continuous belay cables or trolley system intact and functioning?
  • Belay devices and carabiners free of damage, corrosion, or excessive wear?
  • All participant harnesses inspected per manufacturer schedule with no cuts or abrasion?
  • Helmets free of cracks, deformation, or exceeded service life?
  • Participant connection lanyards and Y-lanyards undamaged?
  • Backup belay systems in place for all high elements where required?
  • Zipline trolley wheels and housing in good condition with no flat spots?

Platforms, Logs, and Course Elements

Inspect all course elements and platforms.

  • Elevated platforms secure with no excessive flex or movement?
  • Platform decking intact with no loose, missing, or rotted boards?
  • Logs, cable spools, and balance elements in correct position and stable?
  • Zipline braking system (bungee, block, brake board) functional and correctly set?
  • Zipline test ride completed by staff before participant use?
  • Low course elements and ground-level obstacles free of damage or hazard?
  • Ground conditions below elements acceptable (no hard frozen ground, ice)?

Operational Safety and Qualifications

Verify staff qualifications and operational protocols.

  • All course facilitators holding current ACCT or equivalent certification?
  • Adequate facilitator to participant ratio for planned group size?
  • Participant safety briefing protocol ready including emergency procedures?
  • Participant medical screening and contraindication protocol in place?
  • Participant weight and size limits known and protocol to enforce them?
  • Rescue plan for stuck participants documented and staff trained?
  • Daily inspection log completed and filed before first participant?

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Why Use This Camp High Ropes and Challenge Course Inspection?

This camp high ropes and challenge course inspection helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for challenge course director / certified facilitator professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily and before each group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Camp High Ropes and Challenge Course Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Anchors, Trees, and Structural Components, Belay Systems and Fall Arrest Equipment, Platforms, Logs, and Course Elements, Operational Safety and Qualifications. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily and before each group. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Camp High Ropes and Challenge Course Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Challenge Course Director / Certified Facilitator professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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