No high ropes course can be operated without belay system as safety always goes first. To choose a proper belay system, it’s necessary to learn the categories of belay systems for ropes course. And this article is mainly based on European Ropes Course Standard EN15567:2005.

EN:15567 for Ropes Courses has identified three different types of belay systems.

1. Assisted Belay System

Definition: “Belaying system where the participant is secured by at least one person”: also known as top roping, bottom top roping, V Belaying or M belaying.

Normal Use: This system is normally reserved for a developmental ropes course. The use of the course requires direct supervision (see definitions) which generally requires a high instructor/participant ratio.

2. Continuous Belay

Definition: “Belaying system that enables participants to progress from one action system to the next and does not require participants to undo or change the connection to the belay system at height”.

Normal Use: Ideal for recreational use or for outdoor centers where a high throughput of participants and minimum supervision is required.
3. Self Belay

Definition: “belaying system which is operated by the participant”; formerly known as a cow’s tail system.

Normal Use: Ideal for developmental use. Although used in France for recreational use the requirements of the EN: 15567 for Ropes Courses are such that these courses will now require a much higher level of supervision than was formerly provided if they are to conform.
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