Safety Policies

• The climbing facility is not to be used without a climbing supervisor on duty.
• Patrons must sign a Liability Waiver form before using the facility. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signature on this form before climbing. Minor under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult during recreational climbing times.
• No one is to climb above the designated height of eight feet without being tied into a rope, with a belay.
• Bouldering must occur below the designated eight-foot line and must not interfere with roped climbers or belayers. (e.g. no bouldering under climbers.)
• Only those who have passed a competency evaluation by a climbing wall supervisor may belay a climber. Beginners must attend an orientation session, while experienced climbers may demonstrate belay skills to a supervisor. To qualify for a belay check, the patron must be 13 years of age or older and demonstrate how to:
     a. Properly fit an approved harness (including doubling back through the buckle if recommended by the manufacturer);
     b. Tie directly into the harness according to manufacturer's recommendations using a properly tied figure eight follow through knot (with at least a six-inch tail);
     c. Give and respond to the appropriate belay commands;
     d. Perform safe belay skills including belay setup, taking in rope, catching falls, and controlled lowering; and
     e. Other proficiencies the climbing wall staff see fit.
  
• Before each climb, patrons must be checked by climbing wall staff to insure proper fit of equipment, tightness of harness, double back, knots tied correctly and tied into appropriate anchor.
• To avoid possible injury while climbing, patrons must remove any inappropriate jewelry (e.g. dangling earrings, long necklaces, large belt buckles) and hats that may get caught on holds or in belay system.
• Only climbing shoes or athletic footwear are allowed on the wall (no open toe or open heel). Care should be taken to tuck in loose clothing and tie back long hair that could become entangled in equipment. Clothing should be comfortable and allow a full range of movement.
• Only climbers, belayers, spotters, and climbing wall staff are allowed in "fall zone". All other participants must remain in the warm-up/observing area until it is your turn to climb.
• Harnesses and shoes are the only person equipment climbers may use on the climbing wall. All equipment must be inspected and approved by a supervisor before climbing. Supervisors have the authority to disallow the use of questionable gear.
• Patrons must be alert to indoor climbing hazards such as falling or swinging climbers, objects on the floor, and overuse injuries.
• Do not climb above the anchors or interfere with lighting pipes, or other fixtures.
• Although the staff conducts regular safety inspections within the facility, each patron has a responsibility to point out possible safety concerns to a climbing wall staff member.

** Failure to abide by these rules may result in injury to yourself or others at the Climbing Wall and will lead to immediate removal.

Age Qualifications

Because of the potential risk involved with indoor climbing, special considerations must be made for children's use of the climbing wall. Accordingly, these provisions shall be met before anyone under the age of 18 will be allowed to climb. All climbers under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the Assumption of Risk Waiver before participation. (All participants regardless of age must have a signed Assumption of Risk Wavier on file before climbing is permitted.)

* All climbers must sign the Liability Wavier and acknowledge they understand the risk involved with climbing.
* For anyone under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian must sign the appropriate forms including the Assumption of Risk Waiver before participation is permitted.
* Participants must be at least 13 years old to belay. In addition, all participants who want to belay must complete a belay clinic conducted by Community Center Staff.
* Participants of any age are permitted to climb but must fit properly in harness.
* A parent or legal guardian must be present with their child at all times while climbing. (Exception: A Wytheville Community Center sponsored group or program supervised by staff.)

** Staff members have the right to deny access to the climbing wall for any individuals whom they consider a safety risk to themselves or others.