Participation Statement “All climbing and bouldering activities have a risk of serious injury or death. Participants must be aware of and accept that even if they follow all good practice there may still be the risk of accident and injury. It is the responsibility of the participant to adhere to the conditions of use.” It is important that you understand this document. There is inherent risk involved with climbing centres and associated activities. By signing this form you are stating you understand that these risks cannot be completely removed. If you do not understand any of the terminology or content contained within this form, ask a member of staff to clarify.
CONDITIONS OF USE FOR AWESOME WALLS CLIMBING CENTRES All climbing and bouldering activities have a risk of serious injury or death. Participants must be aware of and accept that even if they follow all good practice there may still be the risk of accident and injury. It is the responsibility of the participant to adhere to the conditions of use outlined below It is important that you understand this document. There is inherent risk involved with climbing centres and associated activities. By undertaking to climb or boulder within this centre you are accepting these risks and acknowledging that these risks cannot be completely removed. If you do not understand any of the terminology or content contained in this document, ask a member of staff to clarify. The bouldering wall is the site of most injuries at a climbing wall. THE SOFT MATTING DOES NOT REMOVE THE RISK OF INJURY. Injuries can still occur even after a controlled/planned jump but are more likely after an uncontrolled fall. You should always be doing your utmost to avoid the risk of uncontrolled falls. This includes paying attention to how you will land and continually assessing the risk of each climb that you undertake. Lead climbing also contains inherent risks, which are always present. Any leader fall can result in an injury and you must exercise great caution and preparation before you expose yourself to that risk. In top rope climbing and lead climbing, the greatest risk is presented by the belayer. Always make sure they are skilled enough to keep you safe; if you are unsure consult a member of staff. Climbing beyond your capabilities on any wall is likely to result in a fall. Any fall may result in an injury despite the safety systems in place to avoid it. You must make your own assessment of the risks whenever you climb. Our Duty of Care The rules of the climbing centre are not intended to limit your enjoyment of the facilities; they are part of the duty of care that we, as operators, owe to you, the customer, by law. As such, they are not negotiable and if you are not prepared to abide by them then the staff may ask you to leave. Your Duty of Care You have a duty of care to act responsibly towards the other users of the centre, follow good practice and abide by the rules of the centre. Statements of ‘Good Practice’ are posted around the centre adjacent to the relevant facilities. These describe the accepted methods of use of equipment and climbing areas. Unsupervised Climbing Before you can use the top ropes or lead walls without supervision the centre expects you to be competent in the use of a climbing harness, a suitable knot to attach a rope to the harness and a belay device to secure a falling climber or lower a climber from the wall using a rope. Before you can use the bouldering walls without supervision, you must know how to use the bouldering walls safely. You are required to register to say that you know how to top rope, lead or boulder, that you are prepared to abide by the rules and that you understand the risks involved in your participation. Anyone who is not competent to climb unsupervised must be supervised by an instructor (competent person). If you are not confident in the use of any of the required climbing equipment or technique then do not attempt to use it without the supervision of someone who is competent to do so. Supervised Climbing An adult who has registered at the centre and proved competency (by attending a centre induction or through assessment), may supervise up to two youth (under 18 years of age) climbers. The member must be the youth climbers legal guardian in order to complete their Acknowledgement of Risk (registration) forms and take full responsibility for the safety of those people. Children Children (persons under 18 years of age) in the centre must be directly supervised (in close proximety) by a competent adult at all times unless they have been assessed by the management and registered for unsupervised climbing. General Safety - Report to reception on each visit before you climb.
- You must exercise care, common sense and self preservation at all times.
- Report any problems with the walls, equipment or other climbers’ behaviour/bad practice to a member of staff immediately
- Be aware of the other climbers around you and how your actions will affect them.
- Do not distract people while they are climbing or belaying.
- Never stand directly under someone who is climbing.
- If you have children, you must keep them under control and supervise them directly at all times.
- Please make yourself aware of the location of the fire exits in the building and fire assembly points.
As a user of this climbing wall, you must be aware of and accept the following: - Volumes on the walls are designed to enhance the quality of climbing but you must be aware that when climbing above them there is an additional risk of falling onto them
- Climbing beyond your capabilities on any wall is likely to result in a fall. Any fall may result in an injury despite the safety systems in place. You must make your own assessment of the risks whenever you climb.
- Participants must understand that climbing while pregnant can increase the risk posed to mother and unborn child.
- Participants must be aware and accept that climbing holds can spin or break
- You must do everything reasonable and practical to avoid endangering yourself or others.
- You have to be aware of and adhere to the safety rules of the centre at all times.
- Stand back from the climbing walls unless you are belaying or spotting a climber.
- You take responsibility for adequately maintaining your equipment.
- Please empty your pockets and remove all jewellery before climbing.
Top Rope Climbing - Many of the climbs in the centre have top ropes already in place. Do not take them down to use on other routes.
- Always use a climbing harness to attach yourself to the rope tying the rope directly into the harness using a figure of 8 knot with a stopper. Clipping in with a karabiner is not advised.
- It is your responsibility to vet your climbing partner's ability before they belay you.
- Always abide by good practice when belaying.
Lead Climbing - Lead belaying requires a higher degree of skill and understanding from top rope belaying and should only be undertaken if you have received training or are experienced in these techniques, if you are unsure ask a staff member.
- When using the lead walls, you must supply or rent (if available) your own appropriately rated dynamic rope.
- Quickdraws/runners/clips are provided on the lead wall. Please don’t use your own.
- You must not skip clips and clips must be clipped in order.
When Belaying - Always use a belay device attached to your safety harness with a locking karabiner. ‘Traditional’, or ‘body’ belaying is not acceptable.
- The sand bags are provided to give support to people belaying a climber who is much heavier than they are.
- Always pay attention to what the climber is doing.
- Always stand as close to the climbing wall as is practical. Sitting or lying down is not acceptable
- regardless of the type of belay
- Regardless of the type of belay device you use, we require that you hold on to the dead end of the rope at all times. Failing to do this will lead to us revoking your status as an independent climber until belaying is improved.
Bouldering - Whenever possible down climb, or if this is not possible, use a controlled/planned jump.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you can climb down or land safely; don’t climb into a situation that you cannot safely get out of.
- Never climb directly above or below another climber.
- Always take your harness off before bouldering.
- Never Top out (climb over the top) of the bouldering surface.
- Remove anything from pockets that could hurt you when landing.
- Always be aware of people climbing above and around you.
- It is your responsibility to ensure the landing area beneath your chosen climb is completely free from obstacles/obstructions.
Training Area - The Training Area is strictly an adults only area. No members/climbers under 18 years of age are allowed to access the training area and use the equipment. You use the training equipment at your own risk. If you are unsure how to safely use any item, do not use it before asking a member of staff.
Auto Belays - If you are unsure in any way on how to use an auto belay, or have never used one before, then ask a member of staff for assistance before using one.
- The coloured box (usually yellow or red) on the ground around the auto belays is a landing zone; be aware of descending climbers when standing within it.
- Good practice instructions are located next/near to the auto belay. To ensure your own safety, please ensure you follow them.
Photo on File - We request and hold a photo of all our registered members on our system. This will be viewed by our staff on your entry each visit
Declaration of Fitness I certify that to the best of my knowledge, I do not suffer from a medical condition which might have the effect of making it more likely that I be involved in an accident which could result in injury to others or myself.
Declaration of Fact I also confirm that the above information is correct and if any information changes I will notify the centre.
I HAVE HAD SUFFICIENT OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD IT, AND I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS.
All climbers will be asked competency questions and to demonstrate a skill from the Rules and Conditions at the front desk in order to complete their registration. Signature of Participant (18 years and older must sign): Date: December 21, 2024 |