The NSW AAS have been established as minimum standards for organisations and leaders conducting outdoor recreation and adventure activities or programs for dependent groups (where participants have a level of dependence upon the organisation and leader), to undertake activities in a manner that is safe for both participants and providers. The NSW AAS may also be a useful reference for any in-formal group or individual undertaking the activities they describe.

The necessity for minimum standards has arisen as the outdoor recreation sector continues to develop 'best practice'. AAS encourages activities to be conducted in a manner appropriate to the specific organisation, the participants being led and the nature of the activity being undertaken, and provides a common benchmark for providers as well as enabling new organisations to be informed and helping build consistent practices across the commercial and not-for-profit sector.

Adventure activities take place within a wide diversity of landscapes, climates and cultures.  This diversity means that many variables are considered by organisations and leaders when planning and conducting adventure activities.  The NSW AAS represent practtices that are common to all providers of adventure activiites in NSW, however, organisations and leaders will often apply additional practices and procedures that are relevant to their specific needs.

The guidelines make it clear that those involved in group-based activities should have an opportunity to be appropriately informed of the legal expectations and responsibilities that they accept.  The NSW AAS ensures that those who lead and participate in group-based activities have an opportunity to be informed that the appropriate duty of care for self, others and the environment is afforded. Organisations and their leaders should interpret the AAS for the specific needs of the participants, purpose and the complexity of each specific activity.

The NSW AAS documents present guidelines (as a minimum) for the planning and provision of adventure activites for dependent participants in NSW.  They do not reflect all possible scenarios and variables; an interpretation of the NSW AAS is required to apply the NSW AAS to the specific activity and context.

ORIC supports the pursuit of best practice to optimise safety and quality of activities for participants, leaders and the environment. The AAS provide clarity on risk management and environmentally sustainable practices for the outdoor recreation sector, which includes commerical and not-for-profit providers.

The objectives of the NSW Adventure Activity Standards are to:

• foster a safer and environmentally sustainable outdoor recreation industry in NSW.
  
  
• promote consistency between groups conducting outdoor recreation activities and the agencies responsible for managing and monitoring their environmental impacts.
  
  
• develop clear standards and benchmarks for the skills/competencies required by leaders and managers of outdoor recreation activities.
  
  
• ensure minimum requirements regarding pre-planning of activities, including risk management, safety and emergency procedures, equipment (including communications) and standard operating procedures are met for each activity.
   
• provide clear, understandable and easily accessed guidelines which can be supported by land managers and all external agencies.
  
  
• foster an understanding of and compliance with the principles of minimal environmental impact.
  
  
• provide clear, understandable and easily accessed guidelines to assist the community (end-users), particularly those not conversant with the outdoor industry, to make decisions about outdoor recreation activities and those who provide them.

A wide cross-section of the industry was involved in the development of the guidelines.  The NSW AAS was developed by the industry, for the industry, and involved many organisations, groups, agencies and individuals, including:-

• State government departments
• Activity specific peak bodies
• Professional associations
• Commercial operators
• Clubs, Community and Not-for-Profit organisations
• Independent industry experts
• Vocational and educational institutions
• Environmental organisaitons
• Tourism organisations
• Insurance and ancillary industry representatives

The development and implementation of the NSW AAS will allow the outdoor adventure and outdoor recreation industry to demonstrate its collective integrity and agreed standards. This, in turn will provide a measure of quality for the purposes of assisting:-

• Organisations (both commercial and voluntary), leaders and guides plan and conduct an outdoor recreation activity.
• Providers in considering aspects and practices including planning, leader competency, equipment, safety, emergency procedures and environment.
• Any in-formal group or individual undertaking the activities they describe.
• Consumers of our services to make informed choices about the services they select.
• Training organisations to produce graduates who understand and meet industry standards.
• Media, insurance and legal scrutineers of our industry and its members, to understand what is acceptable practice and what is not.
• The development of sustainable use practices that consider the specific natural and cultural heritage values.