1. Mountaineering is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death.
Participants should be aware of and accept these risks. People who take part
in our club activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for their
own actions and involvement.
2. Each member is insured under the same insurance as all MCI affiliated clubs
without the scrambling/rock climbing component. For further information contact
the MCI and ask them to send you out the summary document on insurance.
3. All walkers have a Duty of Responsibility towards the leader and the group
as a whole. This means that they must not do anything to undermine the authority
of the leader nor the safety of the group.
4. Listen carefully at the walk start to the address given by the co-ordinator/leader
where the walks are described. You should select a walk that matches your ability
and fitness level on the day. If in doubt err on the side of caution.
5. It is irresponsible to go on a walk if you are unwell or injured. If you
are not in a fit enough condition to do a walk you must not take part.
6. Insofar as possible the group should stay reasonably close together while
walking.
7. If a walker insists on leaving their group during a walk they must inform
the leader. It is vital that the walker later contacts the leader on their safe
arrival back at the walk start or in the pub. Failure to do so could entail
calling out Mountain Rescue. (Tel.: 112)
8. If a walker is unable to continue for whatever reason, the leader will appoint
someone of sufficient ability and properly equipped with map etc. to return
with them to the walk start.
9. A walker must leave the walk if requested to do so by the leader. The leader
will appoint someone to accompany them if deemed necessary, eg. if a considerable
distance has been covered since the walk start.
10. If a walker wishes to stop (eg. to put on leggings etc.) while the main
group is walking they must inform the leader or back marker. The leader will
then decide if it is necessary/suitable to stop the group.
11. Walkers must follow all reasonable instructions from the leader. Bear in
mind that the leaders are all volunteers and should be respected as such.
12. The leader has the right to refuse anyone who is not adequately equipped
(see next point) or anyone who in the leader's opinion is unfit to walk. The
leader has the right to extend, curtail or alter the route from that described
at the walk start. The leader sets the pace of the hike and walkers are expected
to follow this pace, assuming that the pace set is reasonable for the walk level.
13. All walkers should be adequately equipped, ie. sturdy boots with ankle support,
raingear, hat, gloves, scarf, hot drink (an unbreakable flask is advisable),
food. Gaiters, a balaclava, a walking stick and a spare fleece are also recommended.
14. All walkers should have a torch with a battery, a back up battery and spare
bulb.
15. All walkers should have a whistle, which should be used to attract attention.
Bear in mind that whistles can only be heard over a short distance.
16. It is recommended that walkers purchase an Ordnance Survey (OS) map Sheet
56 (laminated) of the Discovery Series. It will be useful for finding the walk
start.
17. All walkers should learn how to read a 6 figure OS grid reference number.
Most of the walk starting points are given as grid references.
18. All walkers should have a watch and should also familiarise themselves with
the latest weather forecast.
General:
1. You have a Duty of Care towards the walkers in your group and must not do
anything that may endanger the people in your charge.
2. All leaders must have MCI insurance. Familiarise yourself with the MCI insurance
policy and what it covers.
3. On the day of a walk all leaders must present an outline route card to the
co-ordinator detailing: time, distance, height, terrain and outline route.
4. Leaders should create an atmosphere of calm and control on their walks, bearing
in mind that people are out to enjoy themselves.
5. Stop regularly and inform the group of the progress of the walk, eg. how
much has been covered, what distance/time is left, lunch stop etc. Show that
you are in control.
6. If at the start of a walk you feel that you have too many people in the group
then you may take any measures that you deem necessary. Options are to split
the walk assuming that you have an adequate second leader to rely on. You can
also ask people to join another walk. This will have to be done at the walk
start before the other groups leave.
7. Get a weather forecast on the day of the walk. Weatherdial: 1550-123-710
or RTE Radio 1 at 08.55.
8. Leaders must be familiar with the route they are guiding, especially their
entry and exit points.
9. All first time leaders should have a "shadow".
10. On the slower walks you should place the easier section of the route at
the end of the day.
11. It is important to remember that "you are only as fast as your slowest
walker". Especially with slower groups it can be a bad idea adding on a
bit at the end to make a walk longer. Fatigue slows a group down (especially
unfit walkers) towards the end of the day.
12. All leaders must maintain a suitable level of fitness. If they feel they
are unfit on the day of the walk they must "cry off".
13. The purchase of a GPS is strongly recommended, eg. Geko Garmin 201.
14. When planning your route aim to ascend the steep sections and descend via
the gentler slopes.
15. A leader may only lead a walk that is within their fitness level.
16. Note that in an emergency a Text Message/SMS may get through where when
a phone call won't.
17. Whistle: 6 blasts per minute in rapid succession indicates distress, 3 per
minute to respond.
18. Reminder: whistles can only be heard over a short distance. Don't allow
the walk to stretch too much.
19. The walk co-ordinator should be informed of any serious incident that occurs
on a walk.
Specific:
1. At the start of the walk a back marker should be appointed. Identify the
back marker to the other walkers, make sure the back marker has a whistle and
a buddy. Be seen to communicate regularly with your back maker. Change your
back marker regularly during the walk.
2. Count the number of walkers you have at the start and again regularly throughout
the duration of the walk.
3. Set a pace that is reasonable for the walk level.
4. Stop at regular intervals, make contact with your back marker and count your
numbers.
5. Aim to have lunch at about 1.30 pm. If needs be at this point a split can
be organised if a section of the walkers are too slow or if the group is too
large.
6. If you are unhappy with a walker who refuses to follow your instructions
(eg. someone who consistently walks too far ahead of the group) you must inform
them that you cannot accept responsibility for them and that you no longer consider
them part of the walk. Make sure that you have a witness to this conversation.
7. Inform walkers at the start that they must tell the leader or back marker
if they wish to make a stop, if necessary the back marker should inform the
leader. The leader should then stop the group.
8. If a walker insists on leaving the group during a walk they must inform you.
Tell them that they must contact you when they get back to the walk start or
the pub.
9. In conditions of poor visibility, high winds, difficult terrain, etc. keep
the group closer together by stopping more frequently. Change your route if
necessary.
10. If an injury occurs whereby a walker is unfit to continue but is able to
return to the cars you must appoint someone to return with them. Ensure they
are equipped with a map etc. Continue with the walk as planned.
11. If a more serious injury occurs whereby a walker is unable to continue you
must first decide whether it is prudent to continue with the walk. Then appoint
a leader to either continue with the walk or to return to the cars with the
main body of walkers while you remain behind with suitably equipped volunteers.
You must then deal with the injury as you see fit eg. call out Mt Rescue (Telephone:
112). Remember: "the whole group is at risk when you are stopped for a
lengthy period of time due to an injury to a walker".
12. You may extend or curtail any walk as you see fit bearing in mind that you
should be back at the cars before dusk, no later than 4.30pm (Winter) and 6.30pm
(Summer).
13. You should consult with the group if you make any changes to your original
plan.
14. Stop at obstacles such as fences, walls etc. Organise people to aid in the
crossing of rivers. Continue the walk when the last person has crossed.
15. The leader should stay at the front of the walk.
16. All leaders should be properly equipped: map, compass, watch, torch with
back up battery and bulb, whistle, 1st aid kit and mobile phone (the club can
supply you with one on the day if necessary). Ensure that you have the phone
numbers of the coordinator and other leaders, as well as Mountain Rescue: 112.
All leaders should also have a watch and should be aware of when the sun sets.
17. When available give your back marker a walkie talkie, to be worn on the
shoulder strap.
18. If you find that a walker is unreasonably slow and you feel this is jeopardising
the safety of the group or the enjoyment of the walk you should cut the walk
short OR send them back to the cars accompanied by one or more persons OR split
the walk, assuming that an adequate second leader is available. The incident
should be discussed with the walker afterwards and the Committee should be informed.
19. Note that it can take a walker the first 10 to 20 minutes before they realise
that they are unfit for that particular walk especially if the walk starts with
a climb. Be vigilant.
20. On steep ground where a walker is unsure of themselves you can make them
feel secure by walking just below them. This is the same for whether you are
going uphill or downhill. This technique is known as "spotting".
21. It helps to demonstrate correct footwork on descending steep ground. Do
not rush people.
22. If conditions are cold and/or wet then keep stops, including lunch break,
short.
23. Aim to have lunch at 1.30 not any later, unless conditions are not favourable.
This is important because for many walkers who live far from Wicklow, breakfast
time may have been at 8.30 am, 5 hours earlier! These walkers may start feeling
weak due to hunger and as a result they will be more prone to stumble or fall.
If the weather is bad (ie. cold or wet) the stop should be kept very short,
alternatively two short lunch stops could be taken instead.
24. Help walkers from getting dehydrated by overheating. At the start of the
walks people wear all their layers because they get cold chatting to their friends
while waiting for the walks to start. Then, when the group heads off people
overheat. They need to be given the opportunity to take layers off. Stop five
minutes after heading up the slope and suggest to walkers that it is a good
time to remove a layer. Note that this also applies to any period during the
walk where the group may have stopped for a while, eg. waiting for slower walkers
to catch up, after lunch etc., and may have put their warm gear back on.
25. Not everyone has a platypus. It is also important to stop the group and
remind people to take a drink of water regularly. Walkers without platypuses
usually need to take off their rucksack to get out their bottle of water.
26. The correct use of a pair of hillwalking sticks should be demonstrated.
For example some novices leave the rubber protectors on the tips of their sticks
which makes the sticks lethal on slippy rocks and wet grass.
27. If you stop do not restart the walk until everyone is wearing their rucksack.
The best rule of thumb here is not to start walking if you see a rucksack on
the ground. If a rucksack is on the ground then not everyone is ready. By starting
too soon you are just putting pressure on the back marker who has to stand waiting
for the person who is not ready.
28. Leaders should check walkers equipment at the START of the walks. This is
especially applicable to the slower walks. People incorrectly attired should
be told to stay behind.
29. Demonstrate correct footwork technique before starting on a steep descent.
A "steep descent" is defined as one where should a walker fall there
is a danger that they could continue sliding further down the mountain thereby
running the risk of injury. The correct footwork involves the use of the side
of the boot NOT the heel.
30. Weekends away. Bear in mind when planning a route in Kerry or Connemara
that the terrain is much steeper than in Wicklow, this will slow the group down
considerably. Plan your walk accordingly.
1. You must have a whistle.
2. You must stay at the back of the group at all times while acting as back
marker.
3. The back marker should at all times walk with a "buddy" to ensure
that they are never alone at the back.
4. If a walker wishes to stop for any reason that in your opinion may take a
while such as changing gear etc. then you must contact the leader and ask him/her
to stop the group.
5. If, as the group is about to depart, you notice that someone is not ready
to start walking then you must alert the leader.
6. If in your opinion there is too wide a gap developing between the front and
the back of the group you should request the leader to stop.
7. Be vigilant if you think that a walker is in distress or having difficulty
keeping up with the group you should inform the leader.
1. NAME AND ADDRESS
1.1 The name of the Club shall be "GLENWALK" Hereinafter referred
to as "the Club".
1.2 The address of the Club shall be: info@glenwalk.com and the address of the
current club Secretary.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CLUB
2.1 To promote the interests of hillwalking and mountaineering activities amongst
the members of the Club.
2.2 To act on behalf of and in the interests of Club members.
2.3 To promote awareness of the need to maintain access, to promote conservation
and protection of the mountain environment.
2.4 To support the work and activities of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland.
3. MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB
3.1 Membership of the Club shall be open to all persons over the age of 18 hereinafter
referred to as "the Membership".
3.2 Admission of new members shall be at the discretion of the Committee. Prospective
members may apply, to the Applications Secretary, to be considered for membership
at any Committee meeting. A candidate for membership shall be admitted by a
simple majority of the Committee. In case of a tie the Chair has the casting
vote.
3.3 Membership of the Club shall only be open to individuals who recognise that
climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal
injury or death. Members shall be aware of and accept these risks and agree
to be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Members must also accept
that notwithstanding the social nature of the Club hillwalking is a sport that
requires a certain level of fitness.
3.4 All members must accept and adhere to the Club "Guidelines for Members".
3.5 All non-members who participate in activities organised by the Club shall
be regarded as Temporary Members for the duration of such activities. Such Temporary
Members shall not be qualified to be officers or members of the Committee or
to vote as members or to claim any share in the property of the Club upon its
dissolution.
4. MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB
4.1 The Management of the Club shall be entrusted to the Club Committee, hereinafter
referred to as "the Committee", which shall be composed of the Officers
of the Club, as detailed below.
4.2 Subcommittees may be appointed, from time to time, where necessary to aid
the Committee in the running of the club.
5. OFFICERS OF THE CLUB
5.1 Election of Officers: Nominations, accompanied by proposer and seconder,
to be forwarded to club Chairperson at least 14 days before the AGM. The list
of candidates shall then be emailed to the members. Voting shall be carried
out by secret ballot at the AGM. Members unable to attend may vote by proxy,
ie. postal or e mail. The Chairperson shall keep a record of proxies received
and ballot papers distributed to members. Proxy votes to be sent to the Chairperson
at least 48 hours hours before the AGM. Election shall be by simple majority.
If a candidate is unopposed they shall be deemed elected. Up to 7 club members
can be elected to the Committee at AGM.
5.2 The Officers of the Club at their first meeting after the AGM shall elect
a Chairperson by simple majority. The post of Chairperson may be rotated at
any time during the year by agreement of the majority of the Club Officers.
5.3 At the first meeting after the AGM the Club Officers shall, by common agreement,
be allocated the various tasks deemed necessary for the efficient management
of the Club throughout the year. These posts may alter or rotate at any time
during the year.
5.4 The Officers of the Club shall have the power to co-opt additional members
onto the Committee with full voting rights. This to be decided by simple majority
at a Committee meeting.
5.5 An Officer shall serve until they resign or are replaced by election at
the AGM or EGM.
6. COMMITTEE OF THE CLUB
6.1 The Committee shall be composed of the Officers of the Club and any members
co-opted by the Committee.
6.2 The Committee shall nominate a representative (or representatives) of the
Club to attend MCI Council meetings and represent the views of the Membership
and vote on behalf of the Club.
6.3 All decisions of the Committee shall by made by a simple majority. All the
elected members of the Committee shall have one vote on every question and in
the case of equality, the Chair or other member presiding at the meeting shall
have a second or casting vote.
6.4 A quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be at least half of the Committee
members.
6.5 In addition to the AGM the Committee shall hold a minimum of four meetings
each club year.
7. GENERAL MEETINGS
7.1 The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be each year held on any day
in the months of September or October the date of which will be agreed by the
Committee.
7.2 Notice of every General Meeting shall be given to every member of the Club,
by e-mail at least 28 days before the meeting. Items for inclusion in the agenda
of the General Meeting must be submitted to the Chairperson not less than 14
days before the meeting. Such items shall then be immediately emailed to the
members.
7.3 The quorum for all General Meetings of members qualified to vote shall be
twenty. Should there not be a quorum present within half an hour of the time
of the meeting, it shall stand adjourned to the same day in the next week at
the same time and place, and if, at such adjourned meeting, a quorum is not
present within fifteen minutes from the time appointed for holding the meeting,
the voting members present shall be a quorum for that meeting.
7.4 Every member present shall be entitled to one vote upon every motion and,
in the case of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a second or casting
vote.
7.5 Voting on all issues at General Meetings, other than the election of Officers,
shall be by show of hands or otherwise as the Chairman may direct. Each issue
shall be determined by simple majority unless otherwise stated.
7.6 Upon direction of the Committee, or upon a requisition signed by at least
20 members stating distinctly the purpose for which the meeting is desired,
the Club Secretary shall call an EGM, to be held in not less than 28 days of
receipt of such direction or requisition. Notice shall be given, by e-mail,
to all members eligible to attend not less than 21 days before the meeting is
to be held. These notice provisions may be relaxed by a majority vote at a General
Meeting to whatever notice periods the majority may deem appropriate.
8. CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS
8.1 The Committee shall have the power to set membership subscription levels
for the Club.
8.2 The annual subscription of all members shall be due and payable on the first
of November each year.
8.3 Payment of all subscriptions shall be made to the Club by whatever manner
the Committee may from time to time direct.
9. RULES OF THE CLUB
9.1 The Committee may from time to time make, repeal and amend Club rules (not
inconsistent with this constitution) as they think necessary for the management
and the well being of the Club.
9.2 All members shall abide by the Club "Guidelines for Members".
9.3 When members use club equipment they do so entirely at their own risk.
9.4 It is the responsibility of each member to ensure that the details submitted
on their Application Form are correct and that they have a correctly functioning
Email address. Where an Email address is unavailable or temporarily out of use
it is that member's responsibility to find alternative means of acquiring club
information.
10 CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
10.1 If in the opinion of the Committee, the conduct of any member of the Club
shall warrant such a course, it shall have the power to immediately suspend
such member, and to request an explanation for such conduct. Should an explanation
not be forthcoming within two weeks or should an explanation not prove satisfactory,
the Committee may call upon such member to resign and may, if such resignation
is not forthcoming, expel such member from the Club.
10.2 The Committee shall demand of any member who shall wilfully or recklessly
damage any property of the Club to make good at the member's own expense any
injury or loss occasioned by such member's action.
11 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CLUB
11.1 This Constitution may be added to, repealed or amended by a resolution
at any General Meeting provided such resolution is passed by at least a two
thirds majority. Notice of any proposed amendment must be delivered to the Secretary
at least 21 days prior to the AGM and 28 days prior to an EGM in order to facilitate
communication of the amendment to the members within the requisite notice periods.
12. DISSOLUTION OF THE CLUB
12.1 If at any General Meeting a resolution for the dissolution of the Club
shall be passed by a majority of the members present and at an EGM held not
less than six weeks thereafter (of which not less than four weeks notice shall
be given to each member), the Committee shall thereupon, or at such future date
as shall be specified, proceed to realise the property of the Club and after
discharge of all liabilities shall donate the balance to the Irish Mountain
Rescue Association or if this is not possible, then the balance shall be donated
to any local Mountain Rescue Team.