Page 144 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

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Progressive Group Task

The Conduct

This is the third activity in the GTO test series and first among the practical tasks. The competition
stage of the group discussion continues through this stage at least in the beginning. In this task, there

are four obstacles which the group has to cross in 45 minutes following certain rules. The group is
also expected to carry a load which is in the form of a blue drum/barrel. The obstacles are nothing but
a certain area of the ground will be marked by a start line and a finish line, and the ground between
the lines will be declared as out of bounds, and since you have to cross this out of bound area without
stepping on the ground it becomes an obstacle. The distance between the start and finish lines is

normally 10 to 15 feet. To facilitate tackling these obstacles, certain helping materials are provided
which are in the form of plank, balli (a round thick wooden piece similar to a bamboo) and ropes.
The length of the plank and balli are normally 5 feet and that of the rope is normally 6 feet. Also,
there are certain structures placed in the out of bound area which can be used. Using the structures
and helping materials, the group has to cross the obstacles. Pictures of obstacles are given for better
appreciation of how the obstacles look.

There are five rules that are required to be followed while tackling these obstacles. A clear
understanding of these rules is important as the same rules will be used in subsequent tasks too.

Rules

1. Group Rule This rule implies that all members of the group must have crossed an obstacle
before anyone can go to the next one. Since the approach is narrow and candidates can
move one by one there will some who will cross first and the others will follow.
Therefore, make sure that even if you are the first to cross the obstacle wait for all the
candidates to cross before you move on to the next. Remember that someone who does not

wait for others is seen as a selfish person.

2. Distance Rule This rule implies that any distance that is more than four feet (in some cases
the GTO may even say three feet) must be bridged and not jumped. For example if you find
the distance between the start line and the first structure is roughly 5 feet, even if you are
capable of jumping that distance, you are not permitted to do that. You are expected to
bridge the distance by using the helping material. Do not violate this rule as it will mean
that you lack grasp. Also, do not ask your GTO to clarify as to how much is 3/4 feet

because at your age you are expected to have a rough judgment of time and space.