Requirements for Full Membership

1. Read and understand The Constitution and By-Laws of The VPI Cave Club.
2. Remain a prospective member for at least 10 weeks during which time he/she/it must spend at least 40 hours underground on at least 6 club trips.
3. Demonstrate elementary climbing skills.
4. Show a working knowledge of belay methods, including a cable ladder belay.
5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of rappelling and prussikking (with knots) in a cave.
6. Be able to tie a seat with webbing to the vice president's satisfaction.
7. Demonstrate how to rig and pad a rope correctly.
8. Be able to change-over from ascending to descending and from descending to ascending using the same gear he/she/it uses when caving.
9. Write a trip report for "The Tech Troglodyte" that is acceptable to the editor.
10. Be able to tie and explain the appropriate uses of certain knots.
11. Have a working knowledge of a carbide lamp and pass a lamp test.
12. Pass a comprehensive general quiz.
13. Be endorsed by an active member in good standing.
14. Be approved by a two thirds vote of the active membership.

This may seem like a lot, but it's all stuff you learn as you cave with us. Come to a meeting, join the listserve, or email the vice president/trip coordinator at vp@vpicaveclub.org. You'll learn this stuff in no time! The first step to becoming a member is to pay your dues and receive a copy of the "The Tech Troglodyte New Member Issue" which includes your membership Sign-off and Hours sheets. As you complete each requirement, get a member to sign it off.

Need another Sign-off (PDF) or Hours (PDF) sheet? These sheets are in PDF format, so you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. You can download a free reader from www.adobe.com.