ANSI/ ACCT Standard Update

ANSI Updates,

ANSI BSR Upholds Its Prior Decision to Approve ANSI/ACCT 03-2016 As An American National Standard

On August 24th, 2016 the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) was notified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Board of Standards Review (BSR) that the appeal filed by the Professional Ropes Course Association (PRCA) in connection with the BSR’s decision to approve ACCT 03-2016 Challenge Course and Canopy/Zip Line Tour Standards as an American National Standard (ANS), has been denied. As a result, the BSR upheld its prior decision to approve ANSI/ACCT 03-2016 as an ANS.

In its conclusion, the BSR found that “PRCA had not provided sufficient or compelling evidence to warrant the withdrawal of the approval of ACCT 03-2016 as an American National Standard. Accordingly, in light of the written evidence and oral testimony presented by all parties and based on the specific discussions set forth earlier in this decision, the ANSI BSR Panel denies the appeal and finds that its prior decision to approve ACCT 03-2016 as an ANS was appropriate.”

On September 29th, 2016 PRCA filed an appeal of the BSR decision, this time to the ANSI Appeals Board. The Appeals Board is the final level of appeal within ANSI. According to the ANSI Appeals Board Operating Procedures: “The Appeals Board shall consider an appeal based on the evidence before the body of ANSI that made the decision from which the appeal is taken (e.g., ANSI Board of Standards Review, ANSI Executive Standards Council). Any decision that is appealed shall not be reversed by the ANSI Appeals Board unless the Appeals Board finds that such decision was clearly erroneous. The burden of persuasion shall rest with the appellant. Pending resolution by the Appeals Board, the original action of the decision-making body shall stand unless the decision-making body determines otherwise.”

ACCT will keep you informed when we are notified of the Appeal Board’s decision.

ACCT Mission Statement
The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) establishes and promotes the standard of care and measure of excellence that defines professional practice and effective challenge course programs. ACCT develops, refines, and publishes standards for Installing, maintaining, and managing challenge courses; provides forums for education and professional development; and advocates for the challenge course and adventure industry.

ACCT Vision Statement
The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) is the undisputed industry leader, advancing the industry and enabling members' on-going success.