etude des aptitudes, des motivations, des profils socio ... - snpsc

2.2.1 The dynamics of the evolution of conduct : we suggest to distinguish four
levels of abilities, as well as behaviours and knowledge typical of each of them. These
levels are as follows :
the beginner, whose problem is, in our mind, more psychic than motor. Without
apparatus, speleology demands simple motor function (walking, creeping, climbing...).
On the other hand, the beginner must overcome his apprehension of going
underground, compare his experience with the cultural impression he kept of it in his
memory, and which is often negative (association of the cave with the representation of
death, claustrophobia, the child's fright of the dark, refusal of soiling his clothes...). On
that account, only a small majority of people agree to go underground and a tiny
percentage of them carries on with the practice beyond initiation (or simply beyond a
tourist visit in a converted cave).
the team member of the club has chosen to practise regularly and has become
autonomous. He knows how to use his equipment for all kinds of change of location
(descent, crossing or climbing on apparatus, swimming, going through a narrow way,
climbing, carrying a kit...). He becomes integrated into a team.
the person in charge of the outing has assimilated, into the bargain, all the
proceedings to procure equipment for people to be safe. He is able to lead away a light
team underground, that is to say to choose a suitable objective, to provide for the
necessary equipment, to organize the outing, facing up to the unexpected events or
emergencies, by being capable of ensuring assistance or by reacting efficaciously in
case of an accident, should the occasion arise. It is the level of the initiator certificate of
the French School of Speleology (EFS).
the person in charge of the club : his experience and his command of
speleology enable him to face objective dangers (hearth cavity, damp vault, an irrigated
well...). He knows the local ground both out in the field and in the library, which allows
him to give useful support in "premières". His commitment induces him to take on
responsabilities at the level of the club or of the federal authorities. He is also capable of
giving advice on the expediency of an outing or on a teaching progression. It is the stage
of specialization in a form of practice (instructor for pedagogics, explorations abroad, but
also photography or diving at the bottom of the cavity, for instance).
2.2.2 Scheduling of the rules of action : we have seen above the principles of
action proper to speleology. The rules of action define the conditions that are to be
respected and the elements to take into consideration for the concrete action to be
effective. They develop according to the level of the practising person and state a
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