What defines a Static Belay System in terms of points of contact?

• A. Three points of contact: the harness, the belay anchor point, and the belayer.
• B. Two points of contact: the belay anchor point and the harness.
• C. One point of contact: the harness.
• D. Four points of contact: harness, anchor, belayer, rope.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how a static belay system is defined by fixed points of contact. In a static belay, the rope is secured at two fixed points: the climber’s harness and a fixed anchor. The climber is attached to the rope through the harness, and the rope is anchored at a fixed point to create a stable, stationary setup. The belayer manages the rope but does not constitute a fixed, load-bearing point in the system, since they can move and the system relies on immovable connections. So two points of contact—harness and anchor—best describe a static belay system.