The Trip Coordinator is only expected to facilitate the organization of a trip or activity. Each individual participating in the function does so with the full knowledge that they are accepting for themselves all the risks that are inherent in such activities.

 

1. Do not undertake coordination of a trip beyond your capabilities. If you have agreed to take on something beyond your abilities, change the objective or arrange for another coordinator.
2. Be familiar with the area you are going to unless the trip is exploratory in intent. If you have not done the hike or climb recently, do a recce a couple of weeks before the trip. Talk to people familiar with the area, check the guidebooks, old newsletters, or back issues of the Karabiner or CA Journals, or phone the Parks Branch or Forest Service, etc.
3. Decide on a specific meeting place to start the trip and a definite time to meet.
4. Provide information about the trip to anyone who calls to join the trip. Explain the nature of the trip (length, elevation gain, difficulty, time, etc.) If you do not know the person, try to get an understanding of their abilities and/or who they might have hiked or climbed with before. Do not hesitate to suggest that they not come if you feel they are not capable.
5. Make sure that newcomers in particular understand the correct equipment they should have (eg. Proper boots, rain gear, food, water, basic first aid kit, etc.). However - participants must be responsible for making their own decisions.
6. If special equipment such as ice axes, crampons, Pieps, etc. may be necessary, remind participants who do not have their own equipment that they may be able to borrow some from the Club by prior arrangement.

1. Get to the meeting place 10 - 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
2. As people arrive, have them sign the trip waiver form.
3. Wait a few minutes beyond the scheduled time for latecomers.
4. Explain to people you don't know where the trip is going and what difficulties they might expect. Enquire again about their capabilities and whether they are properly equipped.
5. The coordinator should suggest that anyone who is not capable or is not properly equipped not go on the trip.
6. Help make the most economical arrangements for car-pooling. Remind the passengers that they should each pay a reasonable proportion of the vehicle expenses for the trip.
7. Explain the route to the trail head and where vehicles should be parked.

1. When everyone is assembled, make a head count of the people going on the trip. Ensure that everyone has signed the waiver form. Again, suggest that anyone who is not capable or who is not properly equipped not go on the trip.
2. Request a volunteer to come last and make sure that no stragglers fall by the wayside.
3. If a large group is making the trip count on the group to separate into faster and slower groups. Some people may not want to go all the way to the primary objective. Request a volunteer to accompany and coordinate the slower group. Agree on where each group is going and make arrangements to meet at the cars at the end of the trip.

1. Set a pace that allows the party to stay together, both going up and coming down. Space rest stops to prevent straggling. With large groups, count heads frequently to make sure everyone is still together.
2. At places where the trail branches or becomes indistinct, wait for all members of the group to catch up so they know which way the group is going.
3. The coordinator doesnít need to be in front providing he or she can maintain contact with the group. The coordinator and all experienced members have a responsibility to give assistance to the less experienced. Try to team experienced members with newcomers or novices.
4. All decisions should be made by the group with a margin of safety in mind. When in doubt, use common sense and follow accepted normal procedures:
   • allow enough time for the trip; start early
   • rope up before a difficult section
   • turn back when necessary: difficulties, a weak group, lack of time, weather, fatigue, etc.
   • watch for avalanche and rock fall hazards and act accordingly
   • in wet or cold weather ensure that everyone watches for signs of hypothermia
   • stay in touch with the groups feelings and respect them.
5. The coordinator should remain at the cars until everyone is back.

1. Remind participants to return any equipment promptly so others can use it.
2. Send a trip report to the newsletter editor.
3. If any difficulties or injuries have occurred on the trip, contact the KMC Trips Director and explain the situation.