How were the standards written?
The "standards" have been around for years in the form of company "manuals." The core of the standards represents the large portion of the construction and operation "manuals" from the PRCA Board of Directors and the Advisory Board. These "manuals" were the basis from which the standards where first drafted. Hundreds of hours were spent researching and documenting sources of information to be used and guide the standards further. Once versions had been drafted, they were circulated for additional input from a wider range of industry professionals, to include program and operational professionals. This hybrid approach allowed for broader and more inclusive language within the standards document. A final draft was circulated to an informal 'at-large' review team for final input. Then, the standards were presented to the board for approval. An ongoing "Standards Committee" (Consensus Body) will receive and review information for consideration in future versions, reporting their recommendations to the board and membership for approval. This committee is also tasked with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved procedures that the PRCA must follow. This allows the PRCA standards to become the ANSI American National Standard (ANS). The PRCA is already a certified ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (ASD).

Why are the previously submitted candidate ANSI standards by the PRCA over 250 pages?
Actually, the portions of the document that will actually be considered "standard" are roughly only about 120 pages, and of those pages, they are split into two columns, the "standard" on the left and non-standard commentary on the right. The remaining pages are annex pages that are full of useful information, graphics, engineer formulas, and other helpful information to aid in making the standard applicable to ropes challenge courses, canopy zipline tours, and aerial adventure courses.

How is the PRCA different for other industry associations?
The PRCA is founded in Illinois and listed as a corporation, not-for-profit, and conducts business as such. The association was founded by and now operated by an elected, voluntary Board of Directors, with no one person retaining any "ownership." Board of Director (BOD) positions are elected by the entire PRCA membership, with BOD Officers being elected by the BOD. Of the BOD positions, two (2) positions are elected solely for the representation of the voting membership; Individual Representative and an Organizational Representative. This provides the membership a dual voice; once in the overall elected format of the BOD, and then ongoing via the elected representatives. All BOD positions serve under term limits.

Proceeds from standard sales and conference revenue are circulated back into the PRCA and overseen by the Board of Directors. The PRCA made a purposeful choice in the early years of the association formation to redirect funds that could have been used to gain a IRS 501 c(6) status and instead focused those funds towards becoming and maintaining title as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (ASD). The PRCA was first to gain this distinctive rank among the ropes challenge course, canopy zipline tour, and aerial adventure industries. Applying for the IRS 501c(6) status is a simple choice and would then allow the PRCA to accept donations. Additionally, this saves funds by removing undo burden upon the PRCA general funds for additional IRS requirements.

Are these minimum standards or best practices?
The current PRCA standard is a minimum standard. Once the standard has become an ANSI ANS, they will remain minimum standards and then become legal. The standards were written to identify current practices, then to also include and to improve upon current minimum industry practices. The standards do not reflect every way to do something, rather provide for a template for understanding and education. Currently, the PRCA standards are in the final stages of becoming the ANSI American National Standard (ANS). The PRCA is already a certified ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (ASD), the first and only for the ropes challenge course industry at this time.

How large of an association is the PRCA?
The PRCA is comprised of a seven (7) member BOD (expandable to 9) with a rolling membership of roughly 120-150 individuals and organizations, worldwide. Different associations count their membership totals differently, which if practiced by the PRCA, would put the PRCA totals roughly around 500 members. The PRCA conducts joint conferences and often merges with other associations for special events, growing the membership temporarily upwards of 500 - 1000 or more, reverting back to the core membership afterwards. As an ANSI ASD, this also connects the PRCA with literally thousands of others within the ANSI community and other ASD organizations.

How do I get a Peer Review for my organization?
Vendors who are interested in being reviewed by the PRCA Vendor Review process should send a letter of request for an application packet to the PRCA office. There is a small $100 non-refundable application fee that will be applied towards your total fees and charges for review. Once your application is received, the PRCA will contact you to begin the process of Peer Review. Total Peer Review may take upwards of 12 months due to scheduling and time requirements. The criteria is based on objective and subjective review by a two person team and approval of the PRCA Board of Directors.

Is the PRCA known outside the industry?"
Yes. The PRCA has been referenced in major media markets such as USA Today, LA Times, NY Times, and regional newspapers. The PRCA standards have been referenced in lawsuits and legal decisions in various states. The PRCA standards are also in other research, both legal and educational.

Does the PRCA have access to insurance programs?
Yes. The PRCA has developed a general and commercial liability master insurance policy for the ropes challenge course industry. This will be available to member programs and /or commercial vendors currently in or successfully completing the Professional Reviewed Organization process. See Insurance under this website navigation.

PRCA: www.prcainfo.org