HIKE LEADER GUIDELINES

We hope these guidelines will be helpful to all hike leaders, and especially to those who are new to leading hikes. It is not expected that leaders will live up to each and every guideline on every hike they lead. Rather, the guidelines are intended to be a reference for review before leading a hike. They will help all of us maximize our leadership capabilities.

1. Act as a facilitator to maximize the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

2. Plan hike details, carry a map, assess the risks of the route by scouting the hike, and consider co-leadership.

3. Please ask before each hike if everyone is a full member, or guest of a member. Carry a current membership list. Get all guests to sign the guest waiver (please have these available-stick a few in your pack, or the glove compartment of your car. They are available on the website, Print Ready forms. Please send the signed guest waivers to Gladys Price. Anyone who is neither a member nor a guest should be politely told that they must apply for membership, before coming on a hike.

4. Explain the hike, pace, and rest breaks, and any organizational details, at the meeting place.

5. No hike leader is able to routinely judge the skill level of each participant. However, a leader may refuse permission to hike to anyone whose ability to safely complete the hike he is concerned about.

6. Lead the hike-be in front. Allow hikers to go ahead only under special circumstances approved by you.

7. Keep your group together as much as possible. Keep track of your hikers. A Sweep is recommended. If someone chooses to leave the group, please advise them that they have left the hike.

8. Take charge in case of an emergency, delegating authority in whole or in part to persons with special expertise.

9. Uphold Leave No Trace Ethic.

10. Submit your hike writeup to hikes@ohcosu.org in time for the weekly Newsletter.