Safety and Procedures 

Safety guidelines that apply to all low elements:  

• Check environment for sticks, rocks, nettle, guy wires, etc. 

• Check element to ensure it is safe and intact.  

• Have participants remove all jewelry, hats, and anything else that could injure someone if fallen on.  

• Use proper command sequence before participant steps onto an element.  

• Encourage participants to “step off safely” from all elements. 

General guidelines for spotting:  

1. Keep feet staggered, shoulder-width apart.  

2. Keep hands up, staggered, and fingers closed.   

3. Hands should be “spoons not forks” (fingers together and slightly curved)  

4. Always stay focused on the participant.  

5. Stay close, but do not inhibit the participant’s movement.  Anticipate the possibility of a fall. 

This is a key safety concern for all low elements. Along with spotter protection, participants should protect themselves the best they can. 

If they feel as though they are going to fall, they should “step off safely.” There is no need to take out their entire team.  

Remember the ABCs of spotting: 

• Attitude 

• Stay focused

• No one falls, no one gets hurt! 

• Body position 

Eyes on the participant, arms up and flexed, hands staggered, fingers closed, feet staggered and shoulder width apart, no hats, jewelry, etc.