SIERRA CLUB

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER

OUTINGS POLICY

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 OBJECTIVES

1.1.1 To enhance participants' enjoyment of the natural environment.

1.1.2 To educate members on the need for reduced impact on the natural environment and to demonstrate techniques for displaying good outdoor manners.

1.1.3 To recruit and educate new Club members.

1.1.4 To encourage Club leaders to share knowledge of the Club's conservation activities and philosophy.

1.1.5 To identify and develop potential Club leaders.

1.1.6 To strengthen ties within the Club's Chapters and Groups.

1.1.7 To enable members to become familiar with specific areas so they will be motivated to preserve natural values.

1.1.8 To create a constituency to save specific areas and develop members' credibility to speak from personal experience as advocates for preservation.

2.0 GENERAL POLICY STATEMENTS

2.1 APPLICATION AND POLICY DEFINITIONS

2.1.1 Application � This policy applies to all outings carried out in the name of the San Diego Chapter and all Chapter units.

2.1.2 Policy Definitions:

Chapter- The San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club

Club- The Sierra Club

COL- San Diego Chapter Outings Leader, See Section 7

ExCom- The Executive Committee of the San Diego Chapter

LRSC- Leadership Review and Safety Committee, See Section 2.4

LTC- Leadership Training Coordinator

Outing- See Section 2.2

Outings Leader Extranet Site - Internet site maintained by the National Sierra Club. Contains information regarding all National Sierra Club Outings Policies. Currently at http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/outings/. This site is the only location where the most recent version of the Sierra Club Outings Leader Handbook (Redbook) and the latest versions of all National policies and forms/waivers can be found. This site is password protected.� Consult the COL newsletter for user name and password.

2.2 OUTINGS DEFINITION

An Outing is an event where a group of people travels together. Outings usually take place outdoors in a wilderness setting. A Club event must be conducted as an Outing if there is any danger of a person becoming lost or injured without easy access to public services. Events with a fixed location and easy access to emergency services are not considered outings (e.g. beach parties, meetings, etc.), and therefore do not require a COL.

2.2.1 Mountaineering Outing -- outing that requires the use of ropes, runners, ice axes, or crampons (Mountaineering Equipment). No free-soloing or vertical ice climbing will be allowed on any outing.

2.2.2 Snow/Ice Outing -- the subset of mountaineering outings that involves the use of ice axes or crampons. Snow/ice outings are outings that require snow/ice equipment as a potential safety tool. On some outings, this equipment may not be used; on other outings, its use may be prolonged.

2.2.3 Further Definitions: Mountaineering and Foreign trips, and certain Watercraft trips as OUTINGS are defined and governed by the policies of the National Sierra Club applicable at the time of the outing�s publication. Group/Section/Committee Chairs are responsible for coordinating the planning and publication of these types of outings to ensure that current National Sierra Club policies are enforced.

2.2.4 Inner City Outings (ICO) is a program conducted entirely outside of San Diego Chapter oversight. ICO is defined and governed solely by the policies of the National Sierra Club.

2.3 OUTINGS COMMITTEE

2.3.1 The Outings Committee is the governing body for the Chapter Outings Program. Members of the Outings Committee function as described in Appendix C.

2.3.2 Outings Committee Member Term Limits only apply to the following positions:

2.3.2.1 The individual filling the Outings Chair position shall serve a term not to exceed 3 years.

2.3.2.2 Members-at-Large shall be appointed by the Outings Chair and approved by the Outings Committee, for a 2 year term.

2.4 LEADERSHIP REVIEW AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (LRSC)

The Leadership Review and Safety Committee is a subcommittee of the Outings Committee, and is responsible for directing the COL training, reviewing COL ratings, and hearing outings grievances. Members of the LRSC shall be composed of at least the following individuals: LRSC Chair, Outings Chair, San Diego Wilderness Basics Course (WBC) Representative, North County WBC Representative, ExCom Representative, San Diego Leadership Training Coordinator, North County Leadership Training Coordinator, and one or more COLs with extensive outings or other applicable leadership experience.

2.5 POLICY MODIFICATION

2.5.1�� Any member of the Outings Committee can submit a proposed change to the outings policy at any time.� Any COL can submit a proposed change to the outings policy, but only via their section representative or a member-at-large.�

2.5.1.1�� Proposed changes to the outings policy shall be submitted to the Outings Committee chair via email as an agenda item for the next meeting of the Outings Committee.� When submitting a proposal, include all committee members as info addressees (i.e., Cc them).�

2.5.1.2�� The Outings Committee shall vote on proposed changes as soon as they are submitted.� If further review is necessary, then deferral to the next meeting is acceptable.� However, the committee shall adjudicate proposed changes as quickly as possible.

2.5.1.3�� Approved changes to the outings policy (except as noted in paragraph 2.5.1.4) shall be kept in abeyance and do not become effective until a date determined by the Outings Committee, when an updated version of the outings policy shall be issued.� Updates to the outings policy shall not occur more frequently than once per year.

2.5.1.4�� Approved changes that affect participant safety, club liability, or COL requirements and ratings become effective immediately and shall be issued immediately as an advance notice (i.e., as an interim change).

2.5.2�� The Outings Committee may waive or alter any portion of this policy deemed necessary if in keeping with Chapter and Sierra Club policies.

2.6 ADDITIONAL OUTINGS CRITERIA

Chapter units (e.g., Bicycle Section) may establish additional outings criteria through the Outings Committee, consistent with Club and Chapter policies.

2.7 POLICY CONFLICT

The intention of this policy is to conform to Club and Chapter policy.

In cases of policy conflict, the more limiting criteria shall apply.

3.0 MEETINGS

3.1 OUTINGS COMMITTEE MEETINGS

3.1.1 Regular Meetings�Outings Committee meetings shall be held at times and places the Outings Committee specifies, but not less often than four times per year. A quorum to conduct business at these meetings shall be a majority of the then-current Outings Committee membership.

3.1.2 Meeting Notification�Notice of meetings shall be given to the Outings Committee members by publication in the Hi Sierran, COL Newsletter, and/or by personal mail.

3.1.3 Special Meetings�The Outings Chair may convene special meetings by giving notice to the membership stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting, and with an advanced notice of not less than fourteen days.� The conduct of special meetings shall be in the same manner as regular meetings.

4.0 FINANCES

4.1 OUTINGS ACCOUNT

4.1.1 Account Maintenance -- The Outings Treasurer maintains the Outings Account for Outings Committee expenses.

4.1.1.1 The Outings Committee account should be in the name of the Outings Committee/San Diego Chapter/Sierra Club and have the following Sierra Club federal ID number: TIN 94-1153307.

4.1.1.2 The Outings Account must be authorized by the Chapter ExCom.

4.1.1.3 All moneys received for the Outings Committee should be promptly recorded and deposited by the treasurer in an appropriate account.

4.1.1.4 The Outings Chair and the Outings Treasurer shall be authorized signatories to the Outings Account.

4.1.1.5 All disbursements must be supported by documentation.

4.1.1.6 Any donations to non-Sierra Club organizations must have ExCom approval.

4.1.1.7 A combined �cash journal,� listing both receipts and disbursements, is required with a quarterly reconciliation.

4.1.1.8 The Outings Treasurer shall comply with all Club and Chapter accounting requirements.

4.1.2 Account Reporting --

4.1.2.1 Quarterly financial written reports are to be submitted to the Outings Chair and Chapter Treasurer within fifteen days of the end of each calendar quarter: December 31; March 31; June 30; and September 30.

4.1.2.2 An annual written budget for the coming year must be made to the Outings Committee and also to the Chapter Treasurer by the end of the fiscal year: December 31.

4.2 OUTING COSTS

Outing costs shall be published with the outing write-up. Costs collectable from participants may include food, consumables, phone and postage costs incurred in outing planning, concessionaire fees, and other costs approved by the Outings Committee. (See 4.4.1 & 4.4.2)

4.3 PUBLICATION OF OUTING COSTS

4.3.1 Outing Fee -- All outings charging a fee must state so in the outing announcement. The announcement must also indicate:

4.3.1.1 The estimated total costs of the outing (not to include typical individual outing expenses such as carpooling costs, etc. See 4.2).

4.3.1.2 To whom checks are to be made (See 4.4.1 & 4.4.2).

4.3.1.3 Where any excess funds will be deposited (See also 4.5).

4.3.1.4 The applicable outing refund policy (See 4.4.3 & 4.4.4).

4.3.2 Outings Announcement Non-compliance -- Outings submissions, which do not comply with 4.3.1 will not be placed on the Master Calendar.

4.4 OUTING DEPOSITS

4.4.1 Deposits to Individual Accounts -- Fund requests of not greater than $50 per outing participant (or a total collected sum of $500) may be made out to an individual. The individual shall be responsible for keeping detailed and clear records of moneys received, noting from whom, for what, dates received, check numbers, and related deposit information. In addition, a record must be maintained of expenditures, noting items, costs, and other pertinent data. Any funds collected in excess of the costs of the outing must be submitted to a Sierra Club Chapter account. All records should be kept by the individual for three years and are subject to review at the request of the Chapter ExCom, the Outings Committee, or their appointed representative.

4.4.2 Deposits to Sierra Club Accounts -- Fund requests in excess of $50 per outing participant (or a total collected sum greater than $500) must be made out to an approved Chapter account, e.g., Bike Section, San Diego Chapter - Sierra Club; Sierra Club Bus Trips; etc. Information concerning how to establish such an account may be acquired from the Outings or ExCom Treasurer.

4.4.3 Refundable Reservation Deposits -- A �refundable reservation deposit� may be requested at the leader�s discretion. These deposits will be returned to the outing participants except as specified in 4.4.5.

4.4.4 Non-refundable Reservation Deposits -- Some outings may have a �non-refundable reservation deposit� that is part of the outing cost. However, if a person is not accepted on an outing the deposit must be refunded.

4.4.5 Deposit Forfeits -- Deposits may be forfeited for a late cancellation or for failure to appear at the starting point as described in the outing write-up. These deposits shall go into an appropriate approved Chapter account.

4.5 FUND RAISING

4.5.1 Chapter and Chapter Entity Fund Raising -- An outing used as a Chapter, Section, Group or other Chapter entity fund raising venture must be advertised as such, and all participants made aware of its purpose. The leader of such an outing must ensure that a complete record of receipts and disbursements is kept, and that such records and surplus funds are promptly deposited in a Chapter approved bank account.

4.5.2 Non-Chapter Fund Raising -- Fund raising outings for other than Chapter purposes must be approved by the Chapter ExCom.

4.6 OUTING FEE REDUCTIONS

Coordinators, leaders, assistant leaders and other staff on Chapter outings, may go at a reduced charge or no charge as determined by the sponsoring Chapter entity.

5.0 OUTINGS REQUIREMENTS

5.1 APPROVAL

Before an outing takes place, it must meet the following requirements:

5.1.1 Acceptance -- The Master Calendar Coordinator or Group/Section/Committee Outings Coordinator must review the proposed outing for conformance to Chapter and outings policies.

5.1.2 Outing Announcement -- The outing must be publicized. The description must include the leader�s/coordinator�s name, phone number or address; and the outing date(s), grade and general description; and should include assistant�s name. Publication must be via a medium officially sanctioned by a San Diego Chapter entity. Examples are: Hi Sierran, telephone hotline, Web site, e-mail listserve, newsletter.

5.1.3 Master Calendar -- An accepted outing must be entered on a permanent official record known as the Master Calendar before the outing begins. The Master Calendar shall be maintained by the Master Calendar Coordinator.

5.1.4 Chapter-sponsored Mountaineering and Foreign trips, and certain Watercraft trips require approval from their respective Section/Group/Committee outings coordinators, and the National Coordinators for Chapter & Group Outings (85 Second St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 or http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/outings/ prior to submission of the outing to the Master Calendar Coordinator. (See 2.1.2, Outings Leaders Extranet Site.)

5.2 CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION

5.2.1 Reasons -- Outings must be modified or canceled if any condition emerges that would make them unsafe. Outings may be canceled due to illness, a personal emergency of the leader, bad weather, lack of sufficient participants, etc. The leader shall immediately notify the Master Calendar Coordinator and participants upon cancellation or modification of an outing.

5.2.2 Modification -- Significant modifications to an outing (e.g. duration, elevation gain, terrain) should be documented in writing and a copy sent to the Master Calendar Coordinator.

5.3 LEADERS

5.3.1 Authority -- The leader has full and final authority in deciding who is qualified for the offered outing (see 5.4.1), and over all outing matters once the outing has begun. Outing participants may be excused or dismissed at the leader�s discretion.

5.3.2 Obligation -- COLs are obligated on Chapter outings to:

5.3.2.1 Be current with their rating requirements.

5.3.2.2 Be familiar with outings guidelines in the Chapter Outings Policy, and changes to National Outings Policy as communicated by the Chapter Outings Committee.

5.3.2.3 Screen participants based upon their ability to participate safely and enjoyably.

5.3.2.4 Inform participants of Outings Policy requirements (see Appendix B).

5.3.2.5 Ensure that all participants have satisfactorily completed and signed the Group Sign-In Sheet/Liability Waiver before the Outing begins. This form is included as Appendix D to the Outings Policy document. If there is minor (persons under 18 years old) participation in an outing, see 5.4.2 for additional requirements (and Appendix F for Minor Release Form).

5.3.2.6 Remind/educate participants concerning proper wilderness ethics applicable to the outing (e.g., trail cutting, personal sanitation, low impact camping, trash removal);

5.3.2.7 When appropriate, inform participants of Club procedures concerning lost participants;

5.3.2.8 Carry adequate first aid and other equipment for emergency situations;

5.3.2.9 Conduct the outing in a safe and proper manner, seeing that all participants are safely accounted for at the conclusion of the outing.

5.3.3 Assistant Leaders -- All outings require an assistant leader. The assistant leader shall have the responsibility and authority delegated by the leader and shall assume responsibility if the leader is incapacitated.

5.3.3.1 An assistant for a Type I outing must be a Sierra Club member. Further, if the maximum travel time required to report an emergency is greater than one hour, the assistant must be a COL or a COL Trainee with American Red Cross Standard First Aid, or its equivalent.

5.3.3.2 Type II outings require an assistant rating of level COL I or greater.

5.3.3.3 Type III outings require an assistant rating of level COL II.

See 7.1 for exceptions.

5.4 PARTICIPANTS

5.4.1 Possible Participants -- Chapter outings are open to anyone who qualifies (members and non-members). Qualification shall be based on the outings requirements such as equipment, physical condition, experience and related outing safety factors.

5.4.2 Minors (persons under 18 years old)� --� If accompanied by a parent or guardian: parent/guardian must sign the liability waiver on behalf of the minor, prior to outing start. The minor cannot sign the waiver form.� If UNaccompanied by a parent or guardian: same as above. ADDITIONALLY, parent or guardian must also sign Minor Release Form (see Appendix F), and provide to leader prior to outing start.

5.5 SIGN-UP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A Group Sign-Up Sheet/Liability Waiver shall be used on all outings. All sign-up sheets will be forwarded to the appropriate Group/Section/Committee Outings Coordinator for Chapter insurance purposes following the completion of the outing, and also retained by the leader for a minimum of 3 years. Sign-ups shall not be taken before publication of the outing (see 5.1). Outing members will be selected from those considered qualified by the leader in the order in which they apply. Sign-up may be restricted, or preference given to members of the sponsoring unit, if so announced.

5.6 LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

5.6.1 Group Size -- The number of participants must not exceed the carrying capacity of the area visited. Additionally:

5.6.1.1 Backpack outings may not have more than 15 people including the leaders.

5.6.1.2 All other outings may not have more than 25 people including the leaders. A leader anticipating more than this number should require reservations or provide additional leaders so the group may be split.

5.6.1.3 Under special circumstances these limits may be exceeded with advanced approval of the Outings Chair.

5.6.1.4 In cases where Outings Policy group size limits conflict with limits established by any agencies charged with protecting the outing location, the more restrictive group size limit shall prevail.

5.6.2 Duration -- An outing begins and ends at designated points, usually the trail head and trail end. Outings shall not last over ten days without approval of the Club Board of Directors.

5.6.3�� Locations -- COLs should be aware of National Sierra Club guidelines found within the Outings Leaders Extranet Site (http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/outings/) concerning outings located outside the Chapter area.

5.6.3.1 The Chapter discourages outings scheduled under conditions of time and distance that invite unsafe transportation arrangements.

5.6.3.2 Generally, outings shall be confined to California, Nevada, Arizona and Southern Utah.

5.6.3.4 Foreign outings require special insurance and/or Club approval. (See 5.1.4)

5.6.4 Private Property -- Outings where private property will be crossed necessitate owner permission. Such permission may require the use of such Club forms as CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE REQUEST FORM or the LIMITED RELEASE FORM. Contact the Outings Chair for further information.

5.6.5 Prohibitions -- Club, Chapter and Outings Policy prohibits the following on outings:

5.6.5.1 Firearms, and electrical sound generating apparatus. Leaders and participants may possess communication devices for weather or outing-related purposes, provided that such devices are operated under the direction of the leader.

5.6.5.2 Pets are only permitted where legally permissible and when specifically noted in the outing announcement.

5.6.5.3 Outings whose purpose includes any activities inconsistent with the goals of the Club.

5.6.6 Harassment -- Psychological or physical harassment by any COL or outing participant of others during an outing shall not be tolerated. Incidence of such harassment should be reported to a member of the LRSC. The LRSC shall respond to such charges as prescribed in the Outings Policy Grievance Procedures (APPENDIX A).

5.6.7 Participants -- Outings which require ice axes/rope/climbing gear are open to Sierra Club members only.

5.7 TRANSPORTATION

5.7.1 Energy Conservation -- Transportation arrangements minimizing pollution and energy consumption are encouraged.

5.7.2 Private Transportation -- Transportation to the road head is the private concern of the participants.

5.7.2.1 Participants shall be informed by the leader that the Club does not assume responsibility or liability regarding transportation arrangements.

5.7.2.2 Leaders should encourage car pooling but shall not make assignments or assume any responsibility, expressly or implicitly, which could be construed as acting for the Chapter or Club.

5.7.2.3 Drivers should be reminded that they assume full liability for themselves and their passengers.

5.7.3 Rented or Leased Transportation -- Individual outing members may use rented or leased vehicles as their private vehicles to car pool to an outing. COLs planning to use such transportation should contact the Outings Chair for Club guidelines.

5.7.4 Chartered Bus Transportation -- All bus charters must be approved by the Bus Trip Chair. They must meet the requirements of the Club, the Club�s Insurance Carrier and all regulatory agencies (CHP, ICC, etc.). Only professional, licensed drivers employed by the carrier can be used.

5.7.5 Watercraft and Aircraft -- The leader must contact the Outings Chair for current club policy regarding the use of these forms of transportation.

5.8 INCIDENTS

5.8.1 Definitions -- Outing �Incident.� According to the SIERRA CLUB INCIDENT REPORT form (included as Appendix E to this Outings Policy document), an Incident Report must be filed for: 1) any incident that requires search, rescue or evacuation, 2) any injury that requires advanced first aid, 3) any injury or illness that could have future complications (i.e. animal bite, severe sprain, etc.), 4) all illnesses or injuries that require medical attention after the outing, 5) lost participants, or 6) incidents in which outings participants help an injured person who is not a member of their party.

5.8.2 Reporting -- In case of an �incident,� leaders shall comply promptly with all Club reporting requirements. These requirements are stated in the Instructions included with the Sierra Club Incident Report form (See Appendix E).

5.8.3 Emergency Costs -- Participants shall be informed before the outing that the costs of emergency rescue, evacuation and medical care are the private responsibility and liability of the individuals benefited. A leader or authorized assistant, acting in good faith and with ordinary and reasonable prudence, should arrange for such assistance for an outing participant.

6.0 OUTING TYPES

6.1 GRADING

Outings are based upon several factors and are grouped into three categories: Type I Outings; Type II Outings; and Type III Outings, with Type I Outings the least difficult (see Table 1). Any one factor will raise an outing to a higher type.

TABLE 1

GUIDELINE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING OUTING TYPE

	TYPE I	TYPE II	TYPE III*

GENERAL DESCRIPTION	Day Outing or Car Camp	Moderate Day Outing and Backpack, or Car Camp involving same	Difficult Day Outing and Backpack, or Car Camp involving same
MAXIMUM TIME REQUIRED TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY	Up to 4 hours	Up to 8 hours	Over 8 hours
TERRAIN (see classes defined below)	Free of snow or danger of rockfall; 1^st Class, easy 2^nd Class	Up to 2^nd or easy 3^rd Class**	Through 3^rd Class**
ROUTES	Trails or simple cross country within sight of known landmarks	Trails or more difficult cross country within sight of known landmarks	No restrictions
EXAMPLES	Trail: Cuyamaca Peak Car Camp: Palomar Mountain	Backpack: San Jacinto Day Hike: Whale Peak	Backpack: Rabbit Peak Day Hike: Peak 6582
* See section 7.3.4. ** Where safety does not require ropes, ice axes, or technical climbing equipment.

Assistant Leader ratings required for each outing type are listed in 5.3.3.

Definitions of Terrain Difficulty

The terrain class indicates the difficulty of the route. The classes are:

Class 1. Hands-in-pockets hiking on trails or easy cross-country.

Class 2. Rough cross-country travel, boulder hopping and possible use of hands for balance.

Class 3. Handholds are necessary for climbing. Some people may ask for belays (rope assistance).

Class 4 and above.� More difficult climbing with considerable exposure. Ropes are required.� Not approved for Chapter outings except for the mountaineering section. Subject to approval by the Mountaineering Committee.

7.0 CHAPTER OUTINGS LEADER (COL) RATINGS

7.1 GENERAL

7.1.1 Minimum COL Rating -- A COL I can only lead Type I outings. A COL II can lead Type I, II and III outings. See 7.1.2.2 and 7.3.4.1.

7.1.2 Exceptions -- Exceptions to section 7.1.1 include:

7.1.2.1 Leaders on an evaluation outing.

7.1.2.2 The LRSC Chair may allow an outing to be led and/or assisted by a leader with a rating less than required by the outing type based upon their judgment of the leader, the outing and the assistant leader.

7.2 EVALUATION OUTING

7.2.1 Leader being evaluated is the leader of record on the Master Calendar.

7.2.2 Each evaluation outing must be observed by a qualified evaluator who has not previously evaluated the candidate.

7.2.3 Qualified evaluators must be San Diego Chapter Outings Leaders current in all requirements for leadership at the rating to be evaluated. They must hold at least the rating for which they are evaluating, and must have led at least four outings of that type since acquiring that rating.

7.2.4 Evaluation outings should be typical of the outing the candidate intends to lead in the future.

7.2.5 Evaluation outings must be composed of at least six individuals, including the evaluator and candidate. The outing assistant should be someone other than the evaluator.

7.2.6 Evaluations must be submitted on a form provided by the Leadership Review and Safety Committee (LRSC).

7.2.7 All candidates for COL I will have one year from the date of their training class to complete the requirements.

Candidates for COL II (North County) will have one year to complete the requirements from the date they obtain the COL I rating.

Candidates for COL II (San Diego) will have one year to complete the requirements from the date of their COL II training class.

7.2.8 Rating approval will be given by either the San Diego or North County Leadership Training Coordinator. The candidate will be notified of their rating in writing.

7.3 COL REQUIREMENTS

Each rating below is attained by accomplishing the following:

7.3.1 COL Trainee

7.3.1.1�� Become a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club and be at least 18 years of age.

7.3.1.2�� Have participated in at least four Sierra Club outings.

7.3.1.3�� Successfully complete the �COL-I� Leadership Training classroom and outing requirements.

7.3.1.4�� Successfully complete American Red Cross �Standard First Aid� or its equivalent, and file proof of that completion with the COL Database Coordinator.

7.3.2 COL-I

7.3.2.1�� Hold a current American Red Cross �Standard First Aid� card or its equivalent.

7.3.2.2�� Plan, scout, publish and lead two evaluation outings.

7.3.3 COL-II

7.3.3.1�� Lead at least two outings as a COL-I (other than evaluation outings).

7.3.3.2�� Graduate from the Wilderness Basics Course (formerly BMC) or its equivalent.

7.3.3.3�� Successfully complete the Red Cross �Standard First Aid� course PRIOR TO THE COL-II TRAINING CLASS and the San Diego Chapter Wilderness First Aid course or its equivalent WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THE COL-II TRAINING CLASS (for San Diego trainees) or WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THE FIRST COL-II EVALUATION OUTING (for North County trainees).

7.3.3.4�� Successfully complete COL-II Training classroom and outing requirements.

7.3.3.5�� Plan, scout, publish and lead two Type II evaluation outings, one of which must be an overnight backpack.

NOTE: All requirements of Section 7.3.3 above must be met before COL-II certification is given. The COL-II trainee has TWO YEARS from the date of COL-II training (for San Diego trainees, or TWO YEARS from the date of the first COL-II evaluation outing for North County trainees) to complete the above requirements. This policy change applies to all COL-II trainees who take the training after July 28, 2003.

7.3.4 Other Requirements

7.3.4.1 Type III outings must be approved by the Leadership Review and Safety Committee.

7.3.4.2 Application must be in writing and submitted before publication.

7.3.4.3 Approval shall be based on the experience, skills and training of the leader and assistant leader, the degree of difficulty of the outing, and the qualifications of the participants.

7.4 SPECIAL RATINGS

An �S� designation is authorized as endorsement to any level of leader. This is not a separate rating but shows qualification to lead outings of a specialized type and is obtained by satisfying the requirements of the sponsoring group or section. Current examples include cross country skiing, water (boating), technical climbing, and mountaineering trips requiring ice axes, and/or ropes. Requirements for this rating shall not conflict with the Outings Policy.

7.5 RECORDS

Upon completion of all requirements of a COL rating, the individual will be notified in writing and the rating will be entered in the Outings Committee�s official list of COLs.

7.6 MAINTAINING RATING

Ratings must be kept current by meeting the following requirements:

7.6.1� COL-I:

7.6.1.1� Lead at least one San Diego Chapter outing within fifteen months of your last outing, or

7.6.1.2� Assist/evaluate two outings within fifteen months of your last outing. This alternative may not be used in two successive years.

7.6.2�� COL-II:

7.6.2.1� Lead at least one San Diego Chapter outing within twenty-four months of your last outing, or

7.6.1.2� Assist/evaluate two outings within twenty-four months of your last outing. This alternative may not be used in two successive years.

7.6.3 First Aid -- Maintain a current American Red Cross �Standard First Aid� certification or its equivalent. COLs preparing for rating COL-II must complete a wilderness medicine course within TWO years of taking their COL-II training class (see Section 7.3.3.3 for North County alternate requirement) as part of COL-II certification requirements (also see NOTE under Section 7.3.3).� A wilderness medicine course may be substituted for an American Red Cross Standard First Aid course.

7.6.4 Membership � Continued renewal of Sierra Club membership.

7.6.5 Reinstatement -- To be reinstated, a former COL who has lost his/her rating due to failure in maintaining the requirements noted in sections 7.6.1 - 7.6.2 must apply to the LRSC for reinstatement. Requirements to be reinstated may include one or more of the following:

7.6.5.1 Plan, scout, publish and lead one or more evaluation outings at the level requested for reinstatement, and in compliance with 7.2.

7.6.5.2 Meet current applicable COL rating requirements.

7.6.5.3 Approval by the LRSC.

7.7 ALTERNATE APPROVAL

Any member who has had equivalent training and experience in the requirements noted above may petition the LRSC for an appropriate rating. Examples of equivalent training and experience may include serving as an outings leader for another Chapter or as a National Outings Leader.

7.8 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

The LRSC will review the rating of any COL when it receives a written complaint or when inappropriate leadership behavior comes to its attention.

7.8.1 Sierra Club Outings -- The LRSC will review the rating of any COL when a complaint has been filed for actions related to a Sierra Club Outing.

7.8.2 COL Grievance Procedures -- Outings policy grievance procedures may be found in APPENDIX A labeled: �Outings Policy Grievance Procedures.�

APPENDIX A

OUTINGS POLICY GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

October 1992

1.0 Grievance Receipt

1.1 The initial receipt of a grievance by a member of the LRSC shall be recorded in writing and include:

1.1.1 Source, telephone number, date and time of contact, and means (telephone, letter, face-to-face).

1.1.2 Outing, date, leader, assistant leader

1.1.3 Grievance specifics and parties involved

1.1.4 What complainee feels should be done

2.0 Initial Grievance Consideration

2.1 A grievance received by a member of the LRSC shall be brought before the LRSC if the grievance cannot be readily resolved or is otherwise considered worthy of committee discussion.

2.2 When grievances are considered, the LRSC may also choose to include an appropriate section outings representative when applicable.

2.3 The LRSC will conduct an investigation of the grievance in a timely manner.

2.4 The involved COL shall be informed of any complaint being investigated by the LRSC as soon as is reasonably possible.

3.0 Grievance Dismissal

3.1 If the LRSC determines that no further action is required, the aggrieved party(ies) shall be informed in writing that the matter has been reviewed. See 5.1 for further procedures.

4.0 Grievance Investigation

4.1 If it is determined that further action is required:

4.1.1 All, or a sampling of, the involved parties will be contacted.

4.1.2 Contacted parties will be interviewed to determine if they have any comments about the outing and grievance specifics. The interviewer shall elicit comments concerning the role of all parties involved in the outing complaint and not focus solely on the actions and decisions of the COL. The solicited information shall also involve the following: Person contacted, how contacted, date, time, summary of interview and pertinent interviewee comments.

4.1.3 The names of interviewees shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the committee members.

5.0 LRSC Grievance Decision

5.1 In all cases given consideration, aggrieved party(ies) will be notified in writing that the matter is being reviewed.

5.2 After applicable information has been collected, the committee will determine a course of action. Appropriate action will generally into one of the following categories:

5.2.1 The grievance will not be considered worthy of further action, but the COL will be notified in writing that a grievance was considered. The notification will include a brief summary of the complaint(s). The LRSC will welcome any comments from the COL and include these in a case file, along with the conclusions of the LRSC.

5.2.2 The COL will be allowed to continue offering outings, but will be asked, in writing, to meet with the LRSC for further discussion of the grievance. Failure to meet with the LRSC may result in an alteration of the COL�s outings rating.

5.2.3 The COL will be asked in writing not to lead further outings until the COL meets with the LRSC to discuss the grievance and a resolution of the matter can be accomplished.

5.3 The concluding decisions of the LRSC, stating the grounds upon which the decisions were based, shall be sent in writing to the COL.

5.4 All case materials will remain in closed files. All conclusions will be kept a matter of private concern between the LRSC and the COL, subject to review by a Grievance Review Committee at the request of the involved COL.

6.0 LRSC Grievance Decision Appeal

6.1 LRSC conclusions can be appealed within 30 days of the Committee�s conclusion. The appeal must be in writing, with specific reasons stated for the appeal. The written appeal should be sent to the Outings Chair, ExCom Chair, and ExCom Outings Liaison.

6.2 The Outings Chair will convene a Grievance Review Committee (GRC) within 30 days to hear the appeal. The GRC will consist of five members of the Outings Committee selected from sections/entities which sponsor COL led outings (e.g., Bus Section; Singles Section; ICO; Bicycle Section; Pacific Crest Trails, Wednesday in the Mountains; Focus on Youth; Ski Section; WBC; North County Outings). None of these representatives shall include any LRSC individual involved in the case decision.

6.3 The GRC will receive documentation of the LRSC hearing and the written decision at least 10 days prior to the initial GRC meeting. The GRC will hear from the COL and a representative of the LRSC. Other involved individuals may be heard if deemed necessary by the GRC chair.

6.4 The identities of the individuals filing the grievance with the LRSC shall remain anonymous from the subcommittee, in keeping with this grievance policy. All case materials and GRC proceedings will remain strictly confidential to the GRC and the LRSC, subject to possible review by ExCom.

6.5 The GRC will summarize its conclusions and make recommendations to the LRSC within 30 days of the GRC�S first meeting.

6.6 The LRSC and the ExCom Outings Liaison will meet to review the GRC recommendations within 15 days. Subsequent LRSC conclusions and any further recommended actions, shall be made known to the COL, the GRC and ExCom Chair in writing.

6.7 Upon receiving the appeal conclusions of the LRSC, the COL may further appeal the case to ExCom within 30 days.

7.0 Additional Grievance Policy Guidelines

7.1 Based upon cases considered, the LRSC will present periodic reports with the intent of general education and to prevent repetition of problems.

7.2 This policy, and any revisions, are subject to compliance with all policies and regulations of the Sierra Club, and by approval of the Chapter Outings Committee.

APPENDIX B

OUTINGS POLICY SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the Chapter Outings Policy items that should be communicated to all outings participants. The Outings Policy reference section number precedes the item.

1.1

Mention the Sierra Club and Briefly review Club objectives (anytime in the process)

4.2

Announce the total estimated cost when appropriate (in writeup)

4.4.3 - 4.4.5

Announce the refund policy when appropriate (in writeup)

4.5

Inform participants if outing is designed to raise funds (in writeup)

5.2

Announce any cancellations or modifications (as relevant)

5.3.2

Announce the leader�s obligation (at outing start)

5.3.2.5

Check that 1) Sign-In Sheet/Liability Waiver is filled out completely and legibly, and 2) number of persons listed matches the number of persons planning to participate. Restate the Waiver of Liability (before outing start)

5.3.2.6

State the �lost person� policy (at outing start, if appropriate)

5.3.3

State the assistant leader�s role (at outing start)

5.6.1

Announce the group size (at outing start)

5.6.2

Announce the points at which the outing begins and ends (at outing start and at relevant points)

5.6.5

Detail the prohibitions (at outing start)

5.6.6

Note Club/Chapter/Outings policy concerning harassment (at outing start)

5.7

Clearly state the transportation policy (at initial contact and at relevant points)

5.8.3

State the �emergency costs� policy (at outing start)

APPENDIX C

OUTINGS COMMITTEE JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Outings Chair

Preside at Outings Committee meetings; provide guidance to Outings staff; promote and enforce Club and Chapter Outings Policy.

Vice Chair

Provide guidance to coordinators; assist Outings Chair; Foreman of COL Review Board.

Secretary

Record minutes of Outings Committee meetings; maintain records; send correspondence.

Treasurer

Record all income and expenses; maintain bank accounts; prepare quarterly reports and annual budget.

COL Benefits Coordinator

Obtain discounts; provide incentives for COLs.

COL Database Coordinator

Maintain COL database; notify COLs of rating problems.

COL Workshop Coordinator

Coordinate workshop preparation and facilities.

COL Newsletter Editor

Coordinate, edit and publish the COL Newsletter.

Leadership Training Coordinator

Coordinate COL Training and chair Leadership Training Committee. Provide direction to Evaluation Coordinator.

Leadership Review and Safety Committee Chair

Coordinates LRSC activities. See 2.4.

Mailing Coordinator

Coordinate Outings Committee mailings.

Medical Coordinator

Coordinate First Aid courses for COLs and Trainees; coordinate Wilderness Medicine Course.

Master Calendar Coordinator

Maintain the Master Outings Calendar; verify compliance of outing with Chapter Policy before publication.

Member-at-Large

COL appointed by the Outings Chair. Duties will be assigned by the Chair.

Outings Editor

Contact COLs for outing submission clarification; outing editing; submission of final outing format to

HI SIERRAN.

Section, Group and Committee Representatives

Representatives from selected chapter sections, groups and committees with interests in outings: e.g., Wednesday in Mountains, Wilderness Basics, Bicycle, Bus, Cross-Country Skiing, FOY, ICO, Singles, North County, Pacific Crest Trail, National Outings, National Council, ExCom, Conservation.

Evaluation Coordinator

Develop a list of COLs willing to evaluate trainees and provide this information to those requesting evaluators.

APPENDIX D

GROUP SIGN-IN SHEET / LIABILITY WAIVER

Located online at the COL Network (http://www.jimmc.com/).�

APPENDIX E

INCIDENT REPORT FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS

Located online at the COL Network (http://www.jimmc.com/).�

APPENDIX F

MINOR RELEASE FORM

Located online at the COL Network (http://www.jimmc.com/).�