Knot Master Challenge

(Knots, Levels, & Links to Knot Instructions)

Rules and Guidelines:

1.           Everyone must start out by earning the Entry Level first. A white rope and white whipping will be provided to each Scout and Scouter to demonstrate Whipping and the Cow Hitch (Lark’s Head). This rope is to be fused, then whipped with the white whipping and worn with the uniform by tying a Cow Hitch (Lark’s Head) over the belt.

2.           Each of the succeeding levels must initially be earned in order. Upon successful completion of all knots for each level, the appropriate colored whipping will be provided which is to be whipped around each end of the rope just above the previous whipping.

3.           In order to advance to a new level, all the knots for that level must be tied during the same meeting or activity (i.e., they cannot be spread out over several meetings).

4.           In addition to tying the knot, the knot’s use, to include identifying other knots with which it is likely to be used, must be known.

5.           A level cannot be attained if the scout or scouter does not have their rope with them. If a rope is lost, the scout or scouter must start over with the entry level.

6.           Ropes must never be used inappropriately. Anyone using their rope to tie or hit another person, swinging it in the air, or using it in any other dangerous manner will lose their rope and will be returned to the Entry Level once their rope is returned to them.

 

Knot Master Challenges:

7.           Anyone may be challenged to tie a knot for any level already attained. Without looking at a book or receiving any other help, the Scout or Scouter will have two attempts to tie the knot and explain its use. If they are unable to do so, the whipping associated with the corresponding level is to be removed and the Scout or Scouter must re-earn that level. (Special circumstances exist for failing a challenge at the Hitch Level and/or if the KnotMaster Level had already been attained – see below).

8.           Once a whipping has been removed, that level cannot be earned until the next meeting or activity. If/when the level has been re-earned, the whipping associated with it is to be placed in its original position.

9.           If a Scout or Scouter cannot tie one of the Hitch Level knots, ALL other whippings must also be removed from their rope.

10.       If a person achieves KnotMaster Level and fails a challenge on another level, in addition to losing the whipping associated with the challenged level, the KnotMaster whipping must also be removed and cannot be re-earned until after the challenged level has been re-earned.

The idea for Knot Master Challenge was borrowed from Troop 362, La Mesa, California