Landowners have refused permission to enter their caves because of the rude and thoughtless actions of some cavers. Serious or fatal accidents have occurred when inexperienced, poorly prepared groups of cavers have failed to observe safety rules. Because caving is quite strenuous and requires physical and emotional maturity, it is strongly suggested that the activity not be planned for young people under junior high school age. All participants should be healthy, well fed, and rested before the trip. The group should consist of from four to ten people.
Larger groups tend to be slow, noisy, and hard to control.
Very large youth groups should split into two or more sections, each with one or more leaders, for the caving trip. One or more knowledgeable adults with caving experience should lead youth group caving trips. The NSS can supply the name of its closest chapter, or grotto, which may be able to provide a trip leader. In any case, the leader's decisions on all matters should be followed during the cave trip. The cave should be suitable to the group, taking into account the capabilities of the slowest, youngest, or least experienced member.