Since it’s adoption in the early 1980s, the BCDTM has been the defacto gold standard for rope rescue belay efficacy. A number of standards such as NFPA 2500 (1983) and ASTM F2436 utilize BCDTM parameters as the underpinnings of their performance criteria. As innovation in the rope rescue community continues at record pace with regard to tools, techniques and strategies, many have begun to question the validity of the BCDTM. Does the BCDTM currently address the capabilities and limitations of modern ropework systems? How effective is the BCDTM in assessing Two Tensioned Rope Systems? Should the BCDTM still hold the mantle as the gold standard for ropework backup system competence? If not, what revisions could be considered? Join the discussion to explore these questions and more as we deep dive into the modern roll of this seminal standard.