Route Setting Development

Route Setting Development (RSD) is the route setting division of the Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC).
RSD aims to provide aspiring and established setters with recognised qualifications and workshops in order to improve setting safety, productivity and creativity, and to support the growth of the workforce.
Why has the ABC taken on RSD?
The ABC recognises that setting is a cornerstone of the indoor climbing industry.
The ABC aims to support climbing walls through RSD by helping to ensure that when it comes to setting:
- Safety standards are adhered to
- Productivity is maintained or improved
- Creativity is promoted and developed
- A sufficient number of setters are available
RSD Courses
RSD - Boulder Setter - Level 1
This qualification allows holders to route set and strip boulders and traverse walls.
To take part in an RSD Boulder Setter Level 1 course you need to have:
- Route setting experience (desirable)
- The ability to climb V3
- The ability to safely and independently use basic hand tools & an impact driver
Assesment
The assessment is ongoing throughout the course and completed on the same day as your training.
RSD - Roped Setter - Level 1
This qualification allows holders to route set bottom rope, auto belay and lead climbing routes.
To take part in an RSD Roped Setter Level 1 course you need to have:
- Route setting experience (desirable)
- The ability to climb F6b
- The ability to competently lead climb and safely belay a leader
Assessment
The assessment may be a single stand-alone day, or it might be directly following a two-day training course. In both instances the requirements remain the same. Thus, to proceed directly to an assessment straight after training you will need to have a minimum of fifteen routes roped experience prior to attending the training course.
Direct Entry to Assessment
- Extensive roped setting experience
- Evidence of previous RSA or RSD roped course attendance,or evidence of in-house training accompanied by a statement of competence
- The ability to climb F6b
- The ability to competently lead climb and safely belay a leader
- The ability to identify and list the equipment needed to act as a setter
- Knowledge and understanding to complete a theory paper.
Note: Direct entry to assessment is for the most experienced candidates only.
If you would like any further information on anything related to setting please contact our Route Setting Development Coordinator, Naomi Hatto, [email protected]