Policies

1. Bouldering can be done at any time the Student Recreation Center is open. No body parts may go above the bouldering line of the top-rope wall while bouldering. Rope climbing can only be done during the posted rope climbing hours while there is a climbing wall staff present. During roped climbing hours, bouldering can occur, but individuals bouldering must yield to roped climbers.
2. All rope climbers will be required to fill out an Acknowledgement of Risk waiver and view our climbing safety video. Each time a user visits the wall, they are required to check in at the desk to confirm they have previously signed a waiver.
3. All rope climbers must present a photo ID to gain access to the climbing wall during rope climbing hours.
4. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to boulder or climb on the wall. Participants, age 16 and older, who take our belay class will be given “Probationary Belayer” status for 2 months. Probationary belayers must then take and pass our belay test. Belay tests may not be given on the same day that the patron receives instruction.
5. Climbers must pass a belay proficiency test to belay other climbers. Once this is accomplished the individual will become a WVU Climbing Wall “Belayer” and this status will be added to the computer database.
6. Anyone climbing above the bouldering line must wear a harness, be attached to a rope and belayed through the provided gri-gri. All climbers must use provided ropes, belay devices, carabiners, and other hardware but may use their own harness, helmet, and/or shoes. Shoes must be worn at all times while climbing.
7. Roped climbers must stay “on route” (ask wall staff to define the proper areas) while climbing due to the dangerous swing factor caused by climbing “off route”.
8. Belayers must belay from their harness, not from the floor anchor. Belayers are not required to utilize the floor anchors unless instructed to do so by the staff.
9. Helmets are required for all users by default, though users may sign an additional waiver. Users who sign this additional waiver may choose whether or not to wear a helmet.
10. All accidents and equipment damage must be reported to wall staff immediately.
11. Inform other climbers of any situation seen as unsafe or not in accordance with the Safety Policies. All climbers are asked to assist and encourage other climbers.
12. Participants found to be climbing or belaying in an unsafe manner will first be counseled about appropriate techniques or procedures. If continued abuse occurs, participants will be asked to retake the safety and skills test. If inappropriate climbing techniques persist, privileges will be suspended or revoked. Any infraction of any policy can result in immediate suspension of climbing wall privileges.