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).

Are these minimum standards or best practices?
Once the standard has become an ANSI ANS, they will become minimum and legally binding standards. 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 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.

How is the PRCA different from other associations?
The PRCA has many similarities with other associations when it comes to ropes challenge courses. A primary difference is the PRCA is a non-profit association, not a trade association. A basic principle of a trade association is that it governs practices against the economic or material gain of it trade members. This means what is good for a trade association, is not necessarily good for an industry from which a trade association originates. Some other differences you will notice in the PRCA may be found in the association structure and governing bodies, the PRCA is an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer, additional material surrounding program operations, national certification requirements for vendors that "certify" ropes course instructors, higher breaking strength requirements for construction materials and anchor components, and the only specific source for standards applying to zip line / canopy tours. Each association member will need to determine which association best suits their program requirements.

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.

How many visits has the PRCA website had since July 2005?
Over 1 Million visits from over 32 countries and growing!

PRCA: www.prcainfo.org