QUALIFICATIONS

The Irish Stunt Register is divided into 3 levels of membership

  • Stunt Co-ordinator
  • Stunt Performer
  • Probationary Stunt Performer

Each of these levels is based on members experience. Applications to join the Irish Stunt Register or to be upgraded within the system may be made to the Committee. New applications and upgrades are assessed in January of each year. Prior to making an application for membership, or an upgrade, an applicant must be a resident of Ireland, and must be familiar with the rules of the Irish Stunt Register that set out the required procedures and qualifications required.

To apply to join the Irish Stunt Register an applicant must:

  • Provide evidence of a minimum of four weeks professional experience as an actor / performer.
  • Be aged 18 years and over. Evidence of age may be required.
  • Provide a medical report as to their fitness to undertake stunt work.
  • Provide a valid First Aid Course Certificate (St. Johns Ambulance, Red Cross, Civil Defence, HSA/ HSE approved courses). In all cases foreign equivalents may be acceptable if verifiable or demonstrable.

 

Fighting

This is a compulsory qualification

  • Aikido: 1st Kyu or Brown Belt equivalent from the appropriate governing body
  • Karate: As above
  • Jujitsu: As above
  • Judo: As above
  • Kung Fu: As above
  • Tae Kwon Do: As above
  • Kick Boxing: As above
  • Swordsmanship: Advanced IDCA (or equivalent from BASSC/ SAFD/ FDC)
    This skill does not replace the compulsory Martial Arts /Boxing/Wrestling Qualification but can be used in addition, should you choose it towards your skills.
  • Wrestling: Evidence of skill and successful competition experience
  • Boxing: Evidence of skill and successful competition experience

Riding and Driving

Horse

Qualification Stunt Test
The examiner shall be a qualified member of the Irish Stunt Register who is approved to undertake such examinations. A fee will be charged to cover the cost of the examination.

  1. The applicant will be required to tack up a horse efficiently with an understanding of the safety and comfort of the tack for the horse and rider. The applicant will be required to lead in hand with consideration for the safety of the horse, self and other people in the vicinity. Transitions from pace including walk to canter and canter to walk should be shown. Circles of varying sizes should be shown in three paces of a suitable size for the horse being ridden to be executed with balance and rhythm. Accuracy of transitions at set marks should be shown. A few steps of rein-back will be required. The applicant may be requested to ride in pairs, threes and four abreast.
  2. The applicant will be required to jump a short course of fences not exceeding 0.76m
  3. The applicant will be required to vault on and ride bareback in all three paces and over fences not exceeding 0.76m
  4. The applicant will be required to ride in all three paces holding lance or sword and shield showing good overall control of the horse.
  5. The applicant will be required to shoot arrows from a bow at a specified target whilst cantering.
  6. Where the applicant is below the required standard, the examiner may stop the applicant at any time in the interest of safety of the horse and rider. Completing the test does not necessarily indicate a pass has been achieved.

Notes:

  1. To pass, an applicant must show a correct basic position with balance, which is independent of the reins. His/ her aids must be correct in order that the horse and rider show harmony in the work.
  2. Each section of the test must be passed on the same day.
  3. Two Horse Masters must be present to facilitate the running of the test. Spectators are not permitted.
  4. In making an application for the test, an applicant is accepting that the decision of the examiners is final.
  5. An applicant failing the test on three occasions may not re-take the test for at least one year from the date of the last test.
  6. Riders must provide suitable riding attire for the test with particular attention to hats and footwear. No jewellery should be worn. Whips or spurs will not be allowed.
  7. Results of the test will be given along with a written report outlining strengths and weaknesses as soon as possible following the test.

Cars

Proof of successful competition experience, and provision of relevant competition licenses or Advanced Stunt Driving Certification.

Motorcycle

Proof of successful competition experience and provision of relevant competition licenses.

Falling

Notes:

  • High Diving

All dives are to be performed from the 10m platform.

The test will be comprised of the following dives over two sections:

Unclothed:

  1. Forward dive straight/ standing
  2. Forward dive straight/ running
  3. Back dive straight
  4. Forward somersault any position
  5. Reverse dive straight/ standing
  6. Fall off back somersault any position
  7. Forward dive with half twist running
  8. Barani somersault any position

Clothed:

(Long sleeved shirt/ blouse, long trousers, shoes and socks.)

  1. Reverse somersault any position, standing or running
  2. Forward somersault any position, running
  3. Falling back somersault

Applicants will be expected to show full control of each movement required.

Each dive must be demonstrated to a satisfactory standard.

The test will be carried out, with bubbles, at an approved venue.

A fee will be charged for each applicant to cover costs of the examination.

Examiners will give marks out of 10 per dive.

To pass an applicant must average 5 out of 10 over all dives.

  • Parachuting/ Skydiving

Category 10 Unlimited height from IPC (or International Equivalent – BPA or USPA) with B License (min 50 jumps)

  • Trampolining

Section A – all moves

Back somersault (S)

Back somersault to seat (T), 1/2 twist to feet

Front somersault (P)

Barani (any)

¾ front somersault straight (crash dive)

Back somersault (T), tuck jump, Back somersault (T)

Full twist to back drop

Back Pullover

Section B – four moves

Back somersault (P)

Back somersault (T), back drop

Back somersault (T), front somersault (P)

¾ back somersault to front drop (S) (lazy back)

Back drop, full twist to feet

Front drop, full twist to feet

Back drop, back pullover to front drop

Back drop, full twist to back drop (cat twist)

One of the below 3 routines in combination

Routine A

¾ front somersault straight (crash dive)

1/2 twist to feet

Straddle jump

Back somersault (T)

Tuck jump

Back somersault to seat (T)

1/2 twist to feet

Full twist jump

Pike jump

Front somersault (P)

Routine B

Back somersault (S)

Straddle jump

Barani (S)

Full twist jump

Tuck jump

Back somersault to seat (T)

1/2 twist to feet

1/2 twist jump

Pike jump

Front somersault (T)

Routine C

Front drop full twist to feet

Full twist to front drop

Back drop full twist to feet

Full twist to back drop

Full twist to seat drop

Full twist seat, full twist to feet

Full twist front, full twist to feet

Full twist back drop full twist to feet

Water

Sub Aqua

Scuba diving qualification to the relevant standard:

PADI: Divemaster

CMAS: Three Star

HSE: Scuba

BSAC: Advanced Diver

Swimming Qualifications

National Inland Open Water Lifeguard Certificate from Irish Water Safety (IWS) or equivalent

and

AIDA 2 Star Freediver (or equivalent).

Agility and Strength

 

Rock Climbing: S.P.A (Single Pitch Award) from MCI or equivalent

or

Mountaineering: M.I.A (Mountain Instructor Award)

or

M.I.C (Mountain Instructor Certificate)

Gymnastics

All elements should be attempted for assessment. It is a requirement that the gymnast attains all skills to a competent level, with an overall pass level of 70% and no individual section below 60%.

MALE REQUIREMENTS

Floor Exercise

  1. Handstand forward roll.
  2. Back roll handstand.
  3. Two cartwheels.
  4. Round off.
  5. Standing back somersault.
  6. Round off back somersault.
  7. Front somersault from springboard.
  8. Three back flick-flacks.

Pommel Horse

  1. Half shear off left then right leg.
  2. Five double leg circles on a mushroom pommel trainer.

Rings

  1. Five swings to horizontal back and front.
  2. From inverted hang layaway and inlocate.
  3. Dislocate from swing.
  4. Swing and back flyaway dismount.
  5. Muscle up and hold half lever.

Vault

  1. Cross horse 1.3m high.
  2. Layout squat through.
  3. Handspring.
  4. Long horse 1.3m high.
  5. Straddle Vault.

Parallel Bars

  1. Swing to handstand and hold three seconds.
  2. Back uprise from upper arms.
  3. Upper arm upstart.
  4. Short upstart on end of bars.
  5. Flank vault dismount

Horizontal Bars

  1. Low Bar.
  2. Backward circle.
  3. Forward hip circle.
  4. Float upstart.
  5. Straddle sold circles dismount.
  6. High Bar
  7. Backward long swings using gloves and loops.
  8. Forward long swings using gloves and loops.
  9. One or the other of 1 or 2 without loops.
  10. Swing and back flyaway dismount.

Mini-tramp

  1. Tuck jump.
  2. Straddle jump.
  3. Dive roll.
  4. Front somersault tucked.

Rope

  1. 4m rope-climb without use of legs.

FEMALE REQUIREMENTS

Floor Exercise

  1. Handstand forward roll.
  2. Back roll handstand.
  3. Two cartwheels.
  4. Round off.
  5. Standing back somersault.
  6. Round off back somersault.
  7. Front somersault from springboard.
  8. Three back flick-flacks.
  9. Forward walk-over to back retaining hands on floor, arrive in arabesque.

Vault

  1. Cross horse 1.2m high.
  2. Layout squat through.
  3. Handspring.
  4. Long horse 1.3m high.
  5. Straddle vault. 

Parallel Bars

  1. Swing to handstand and hold three seconds.
  2. Back uprise from upper arms.
  3. Upper arm upstart.
  4. Short upstart on end of bars.
  5. Flank vault dismount.

Horizontal Bars

  1. Low Bar.
  2. Backward circle.
  3. Forward hip circle.
  4. Float upstart.
  5. Straddle sold circles dismount.
  6. High Bar.
  7. Backward long swings using gloves and loops.
  8. Forward long swings using gloves and loops.
  9. One or the other of 1 or 2 without loops.
  10. Swing and back flyaway dismount.

Mini-tramp

  1. Tuck jump.
  2. Straddle jump.
  3. Dive roll.
  4. Front somersault tucked.

Rope

  1. 4m rope-climb without use of legs.

Specialist Skill

May only be used with prior agreement from Committee

  • Evidence of a high standard of qualification in a relevant skill not listed above may, at the discretion of the Committee, be accepted in substitution of one of the categories listed, or as an additional category.
  • Applicants should already have this qualification, and it should be of an advanced standard e.g. National level or as a result of successful competition.

Terms and conditions

  • A member of the Irish Stunt Register may undertake work as a featured actor. If stunt work is also involved, the rules of the Irish Stunt Register and the appropriate terms and conditions for the engagement of stunt performers will apply.
  • A member of the Irish Stunt Register may not undertake work in film or television as a background / walk-on / extra.
    Male members of the Irish Stunt Register may not undertake work doubling for female actors and vice versa, unless in exceptional circumstances.
  • A stunt co-ordinator must always first attempt to fill a required role from members of the Irish Stunt Register before trying to fill the role from outside. In this event the stunt co-ordinator should register this situation with the secretary of the Committee.
  • Members of the Irish Stunt Register should endeavour to keep copies of all their contracts and / or call sheets which may be useful in the future, in particular for disputes, residual claims, upgrades and so forth.
  • Membership of the Irish Stunt Register granted on the basis of inaccurate or fraudulent information will be withdrawn.
  • Members of the Irish Stunt Register will, when engaged as stunt performers, only take instruction through the stunt co-ordinator
  • The Committee will notify all members of the Irish Stunt Register of any   changes to these Rules immediately following endorsement of any change.