members will not be able to participate in outings
using ice axes/ropes/climbing gear. They remain welcome on other trips. The
membership requirement and the medical insurance coverage reflect. the Club's
recognition that members are less likely to sue 'their Club" than non-members,
and that accident victims with adequate medical coverage are also less likely
to sue. For at least another year or so, formal fee-charged training
courses, such as Basic Mountaineering Training Course (BMTC) and the RCS class,
will remain prohibited. Some major past accidents have occurred in training
courses, and insurers remain yet shy in covering them. This does not prevent,
however, the Leadership Training Committee (LTC) from conducting M and E
checkoffs for rock and snow, nor does it prevent qualified leaders from
conducting an ice axe/rope practice session as part of a mountaineering
outing. Credit for insurance restoration belongs also to the Club's Board of
Directors for recognizing mountaineering as a high-value traditional Club
activity, an activity which attracts and retains members and which feeds
capable leaders into all aspects of |
the Club's endeavors. Credit goes as well to all of us
who passionately voiced our concerns and frustrations at the loss of climbing
and who patiently hung in there even when prospects appeared hopelessly
dim. Details of implementing the restored mountaineering program are in
process at National. Leader certification is one item under review. This should
not be a problem for Angeles Chapter M and E rated leaders. Trips can at least
tentatively be scheduled now for next spring and possibly a little sooner. No
longer a Club member? Regular Sierra Club membership is available for $35/yr
for individuals ($43 joint). Seniors, students and limited income categories
are $1 5/yr ($23). Your Club membership number appears on the mailing labels of
Sierra magazine and the Southern Sierran. Lon Ives, Schedule Editor, can now
quickly and easily verify anyone's current membership status. (Her database is
updated electronically twice a week.) Give her a call or jot. So, sign-up or
renew already!
Bill Oliver, Activities Administration Committee Chair,
11/06/93 |