Instructors - Child to Responsible Adult Ratio
Many questions are asked about Instructor to student ratios for competitions at National and International level particularly when competing abroad. There is no definitive answer to be given.
The ratio will depend on a number of factors:
- the age, sex and ability of the students
- the number of students involved
- students with special educational or medical needs
- their previous experiences of being away from home and of the activities involved
- the degree of responsibility and discipline shown by the group
- the type of visit and the nature of the activities involved
- the amount of risk
- the location and travel arrangements
- the time of year
- the experience and quality of the supervisory staff available
- requirements of the organisation or location to be visited
- first aid cover
If the students have special educational needs, there should be a higher Instructor to student ratio.
Ratios in themselves do not guarantee safety. In all cases, the duty remains with the Chief Instructor or Coach to ensure adequate supervision for the particular group and for the particular activity.
