For me I only had to do them when we got the physicals tests. Never had to touch the ropes outside of those, also we only had 1 rope in the gym for every school I went to that had them, so it was a very much a thing that only 1 person at a time could use. Also, the end of the rope was always held by a member of staff or another student, to keep students from swinging, as I guess that was a tempting thing.
I only remember doing this in Elementary and Jr. High though, I don't know about high-school , I was kicked out in the first term so never had to do the physicals there.