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Code of Conduct & Ethics
Master's Qualifications
Master's Pre-Lim
Throwline
Open Ascent
Aerial Rescue
Masters
Definitions
Code of Conduct & Ethics
• We welcome and support people of all backgrounds, cultures, religions, sex, sexual orientation/preference, and climbing styles.
• Community is at the heart of what NAOM is about.
• The trees must always be protected and treated with the utmost respect at our event and everywhere.
• This is a tree climbing competition, safety is of the highest priority. It is our expectation that no competitor or volunteer be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol during the event.
• Personal protective equipment is always required inside the ring and is required anytime you are climbing and/or working within a drop zone.
• Be respectful. Everyone deserves respect and positive intent is expected. Greet people with smiles!
• Everyone is expected to give their best effort to honor themselves and the safe, ethical & artful pursuit of competitive and recreational tree climbing.
• Respect all judges and techs in and out of the ring
• We firmly believe that trying is everything and winning isn’t. Winning or losing with grace means so much.
• Leave no trace. Please help us ensure that we clean up after ourselves and reuse, reduce & recycle.
• Bringing your own refillable water container is extremely helpful.
• We expect competitors and volunteers to show up early and on time for the event.
• In order to compete in ((NAOM)) the climber must have competed in 3 competitions
• Climbers who have volunteered twice at NAOM are allowed to register to compete with approval.
• There are 5 spots reserved for novice climbers who are local to the event, as an opportunity to learn.
• We reserve the right to ask people to leave the event and vacate the premises if they are found to be violating this code of conduct and ethics.
• If you believe that there has been a scoring error please let us know so we can research and resolve the issue.
Qualifying for the Master's Master
• The top five competitors with the highest scores will move on to the master’s master. If the competition is running 50 or more competitors the top 6 scoring competitors will move on to run in the master’s master.
• If there are 2 or more women competing in the event, the top scoring female will be one of the qualifying 5 to run in the master’s master.
• If there is only 1 woman competing in an event she will move on to the master’s master if she places within the top 5 scores.
We like for the scoring judges to dry run the event that they’re judging.
Master's Pre-Lim
The goal of this event is to challenge and test the climber’s ability to safely set a climbing line in a tree, ascend and move smoothly throughout the crown of a large tree, move efficiently through all the objectives placed in the tree and safely remove all equipment from the tree within the allotted time.
• You have 4 throws to score while setting a line
* 1st throw is worth 4 points, 2nd is worth 3, 3rd is worth 2, 4th is worth 1
* You also score points based on height (2-3 points)
There are 7 points available for setting a line. Aim high and choose wisely
• Once the climbing line has been safely installed competitors will be scored on how safe, secure, smooth & efficient the ascent is. 0-5 points available
• There will be 4 work stations in the tree ( 0-3 points each station)
* 3 points for getting a stick in the target on the first toss, 2 points for second toss
* 0-3 points available for the plumb gauge
• A total of 2 points is awarded for the completion of each station
• Handsaw must be taped.
• 2 hands must be utilized to complete the handsaw and pole saw stations.
• There are 62 possible points within the work stations. In order to complete a station the climber must lanyard in, call or signal warning & ring bell.
• Removing all equipment from the tree within the time limit is worth 5 points
• There are 0-5 discretionary points based on skill, smooth gear retrieval, safe practices, innovative or efficient techniques, etc… • Deductions will be given for missed audible or visual warning, unsafe rope angle or act, breaking a sizable branch
• Deductions will be given for missed audible or visual warning, unsafe rope angle or act, breaking a sizable branch.
• Climbers will be disqualified for
* Breaking a limb bigger than the specified diameter
* Unsafe act
* Misconduct
* Dropped equipment
• There is a total of 84 points for this event.
Throwline
• Tree will be setup with four targets per side, with point values of 10, 7, 5 & 3 depending on difficulty
• Climbers have 7 minutes to set a maximum of 3 throwlines in any of the targets [I.E. Can set 3 lines all on one side or 2 in one side 1 in the other]
• 3 points are received for each rope installed in each target
• Time is recorded for tie-breaking purposes only. Time is documented when
* Climber has isolated their throwline in the first target and indicated it should be scored
* Climber has set the maximum of 3 throwlines, 3 lines and calls time
* Time runs out
• Points will be deducted for the following:
*Non scoring line left in tree - 1 point per infraction - 1st & 2nd infraction
* Breaking a branch bigger than the specified diameter
* Uncontrolled weight or weight going outside of the ring - 1 point 1st infraction
* Missed safety warning (audible or visual) - 1 point per infraction - 1st & 2nd infraction
• Climber with be disqualified for the following:
* Misconduct
* 2nd infraction of weight outside of the ring
* 3rd infraction of a missed audible
* Breaking a branch bigger than the specified diameter
Open Ascent
The goal of this event is to test how fast a climber can ascend into a tree to a given point. A tech will be at the top of the tree to answer questions or to assist in descent.
• Climbers shall wear all approved personal protective equipment, as well as a fall arrest harness.
• Climbers are permitted to use all common work positioning and ascent tools that are ansi approved or ce rated, including foot lock prusiks.
• Weight can be added to the bottom of the ascent lines.
• Typically ascent lines will be pre-set with no changing ropes out in between competitors.
• A static climbing line (doubled) can be set for climbers who wish to footlock, rope will be between 10-11 mm
• Height will be approximately 50 feet; to be determined and measured by the setup crew prior to the event.
• Time is measured from the ground to the bell. Fastest climber will receive 30 points, and all others will receive a one-point deduction for every second they are slower than the fastest time.
• Time starts when the judges calls “go”.
• If the climber does not ascend on a work positioning tool, they must incorporate friction before descending.
Aerial Rescue
The goal of this event is to test the climber’s ability to assess & communicate the risk of a high angle emergency, ascend, move to casualty and provide aid, communicate all pertinent details to ems and ground personnel, then safely descend with the casualty within an allotted time, typically between 10-12 minutes.
• All personal protective equipment is required for this event.
• Climber can use however many climbing lines they would like to use
• Pic offs that transfer the casualty to a climbing harness will require additional friction before descending, unless the climber’s work positioning tool is capable of a two person load.
• Breaking a limb will result in point deductions or possible disqualification from event. Size of the branch to be determined during setup.
• Rope access tools and techniques may be used, provided that head judge of the event understands the safe use of said equipment and/or technique.
• Respect the presumed quiet zone. Please do not give tips and advice during this event. Quietly showing enthusiasm for a well executed maneuver is acceptable.
• This is a sequestered event. No climber is permitted to spectate the event until after they have completed the event. Please do not discuss the event with anyone who has not completed the event.
The Master's Masters
The goal of this event is to challenge and test the climber’s ability to safely set a climbing line, ascend, move smoothly and efficiently through all the objectives placed throughout the canopy and then safely remove all equipment from the tree within the allotted amount of time.
• Begins with a visual tree assessment that includes noting hazards, expressing work related knowledge and creating an overall plan. 0-8 points available
• You have 4 throws to score to while setting a line
* 1st throw is worth 4 points, 2nd is worth 3, 3rd is worth 2, 4th is worth 1
* You also score points based on height (2-3 points)
• There are 7 points available for setting a line. Aim high and choose wisely
• Once the climbing line has been safely installed competitors will be scored on how safe, secure, smooth & efficient the ascent is. 0-5 points available
• There will be 4 work stations in the tree ( 0-3 points each station)
* 3 points for getting a stick in the target on the first toss, 2 points for second toss
* 0-3 points available for the plumb gauge
• A total of 2 points is awarded for the completion of each station
• Handsaw must be taped.
• In order to complete a station the climber must lanyard in, call or signal warning & ring bell.
• There are 62 possible points within the work stations.
• Removing all equipment from the tree within the time limit is 5 points
• There are 0-5 discretionary points based on skill, smooth gear retrieval, safe practices, innovative or efficient techniques, etc…
• Deductions will be given for missed audible or visual warning, unsafe rope angle or act, breaking a sizable branch.
• Climbers will be disqualified for
* Breaking a limb bigger than the specified diameter
* Unsafe act
* Misconduct
* Dropped equipment
Definitions
• Tree - a woody perennial plant, typically having a single stem or trunk growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches some distance from the ground.
• Learning - the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught.
• Arboriculture - the cultivation, management and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines and other perennial woody plants.
• Climbing - the activity of using one’s hands, feet and body to ascents a steep topographical object. It is done for locomotion, recreation, competition, and within trades that rely on ascension, such as emergency rescue.
• People - a human being regarded as an individual or a collective group
• Homo sapiens - the primate species to which modern humans belong • Winning - gaining, resulting in, or relating to victory in a contest or competition.
• Cultures - the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social groups. As well as the knowledge, beliefs, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in the groups.
• Humility - a modest view of one’s own importance.
• Community - a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
• Love - (n) an intense feeling of deep affection. A great interest and pleasure in something. • Skill - the ability to do something well; expertise.
• Work practice - execution of specific duties and tasks while leveling potential hazards or risk factors that can compromise health and safety standards.
• Safety - denoting something designed to prevent injury or damage