The third and fourth day is full of exciting physical activity in the Group Testing Grounds. The candidates will be briefed by the Group Testing Officer in the morning about all outdoor activities. The primary concern here is to see how you will face the obstacles and the tasks allotted to you and your attitude towards other members of the group both while working with them and while directing them. Group tests do not require specialised individual skills on your part, logical thinking, coordinated team efforts; workability to receive and give suggestion is what is looked at by assessors.

GOR or Group Obstacle Race or Snake race is the fourth task conducted in the GTO test series and the last one in basic series. In this task, all the groups have to compete in a race through a series of six obstacles while carrying a rolled-up stuffed tent which looks sort of a snake and that’s why the name Snake Race. Maximum of four groups take part in it at a time. Groups are made to compete with each other through a series of 6 obstacles and the objective of all the groups is to reach first on the finish line and win the race.

The four teams are assigned one channel or path to follow each. This is a high tempo task and the candidates will be thoroughly excited before this task as it is considered as a rally on the enemy lines. The continuous shooting of the war cries by all the candidates and the respective groups makes the environment full of Josh and adrenaline. The group must shout the war cry loudly in order to motivate its group members and also to spook the rival group. The aim of conducting the GOR is to assess the physical and mental stamina. They will see group dynamics maintained by an individual and courage in individual candidates.

Let’s have a look at the rules of the GOR that are told by the GTO before the beginning of the race:

• Once the group picks up the snake, the snake should not touch the ground before the race is complete. Individual running is prohibited and the group must run together.

• The snake should not be folded or passed from the sideway of the obstacle in any manner. It should take the same course as the candidates while going through the obstacles.

• All candidates should be holding the snake when running from one obstacle to another and while crossing the obstacle, at least three candidates should hold the snake and remaining ones should ensure the proper adherence of the rules.

• Even if you cross the obstacle first, wait for the others to do so and then only proceed to the other obstacle as the group should run together and by holding the snake between the obstacles.

• Some portions of the obstacle will be in red colour, you are NOT supposed to touch them and if touched by mistake while going through the obstacles, then you are expected to repeat the obstacle. This can cost you time and that’s why the colour rule should be kept in mind all the time. The colour rule of the PGT also applies here.

• The group has to use the channels that have been assigned to them. In case any rule is violated, the GTO will impose certain penalties.

Let’s discuss the various obstacles that are in the GOR:

1. Single Ramp Jump:
The group is expected to climb up the ramp and jump down while carrying the load which must be held by at least 3 candidates while crossing over it.

2. Figure Of Eight:
The group is expected to make a figure of 8 through the obstacle demonstration for the same is given before starting. The load is also expected to make a fig of 8 with the group.

3. Spider Web:
Group has to simply cross over two slant webs in a triangular manner made of ropes. Take care and ensure that your legs don’t get tangled in the ropes as they will cause you to fall down due to continuous swinging.

4. Double Wall:
Two walls are connected by wooden log and group is expected to climb the first wall, walk through the log and then jump down from the other wall. Candidates should walk through the log carefully as they may slip and it is to be remembered that you have to cross the log by walking and not by sitting and sliding.

5. Single Wall Climb:
Wall is higher than the double wall and the group members are expected to help each other in climbing this wall by formulating a strategy. Heavier to be sent up by clasping hand by two candidates and at least two must remain on the wall to pull up others. Good strength is needed in this obstacle and the candidates should know to handle their body weight as injury can be severe.

6. Giant Slide:
It is like a slide and group is to go up using narrow steps carrying the load and then slide down from the other side. It is important to keep the proper position of your legs as it can cause injury upon stopping with heavy force.

Let’s talk about some tips to get through the GOR successfully:
• Be enthusiastic and keep cheering the team members by displaying of Josh as it is contagious.

• If fit takes initiative and help others as it is one of the OLQ to help your group members. This race is a team effort and not an individual display of power or physical fitness.

• Take responsibilities of the snake and other team members by showing initiative of doing obstacles again on their behalf in case of rule violations.

• Everyone gets tired but don’t give up by being determined and persistent.

After the race, there is a short 20 minutes break for rest and refreshments and this will taste like heaven after the rigorous GOR.

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Jai Hind