Gym Rules and Guidelines

All persons entering the gym must have a Vertical World waiver form on file.

Climbers under 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

KIDS ZONE RULES

• Do not climb above or below anyone and always be aware of your surroundings.

• No jumping from the top of the walls and play structure.

• Down climb when possible, use proper falling technique when necessary (feet, butt, back).

• No running, rough-housing, or gymnastics.

• Use inside voices.

• Absolutely no food or drinks in the kid zone.

• All climbers 13 and under must be directly supervised by an individual 14 years or older.

• Kid zone is accessible to anyone with a Vertical World membership or paid pass.

• Kid zone may be reserved for Vertical World Programs and Instruction, but is open to the public while posted signs are down.

• Check with front desk if you have questions.

CHILD AND INFANT GUIDELINES

• Infants and children must have a current waiver on file signed by their parent or legal guardian.

• Adults may not climb and supervise simultaneously.

• Infants in carriers cannot go on any landing surfaces and must be in caregiver’s direct line of sight.

• Mobile infants that crawl, scoot, roll or otherwise move themselves need to be within arm’s length and closely attended by non-climbing, non-belaying caregiver at all times.

• A Day Pass, Punch Card, or Membership must be purchased for anyone 3 years or older if climbing in the gym.

• There must always be a 1:1 non-climbing supervisor-to-child ratio for kids under the age of 3, and a 1:4 ratio for kids ages 3-13. All climbers 13 and under must be directly supervised by an individual 14 years or older when bouldering and directly supervised by a BELAY CERTIFIED individual 14 years or older when rope climbing.

• Any climber age 14 or older may belay and use auto-belays after they have passed a Vertical World belay test.

• Anyone under the age of 14 is not allowed to operate auto belays on their own. Auto belays must be operated by belay certified individuals.

• Anyone 13 and under must be directly supervised by an individual 14 years or older when in the fitness area.

• All members and guests must check in at the front desk and complete all necessary forms, waivers, and proficiency tests before they may enter the gym.

• All minors under the age of 18 must have their waiver of liability signed by a parent or legal guardian before they use the gym.

• All climbers13 and under must be directly supervised by an individual 14 years or older when bouldering and directly supervised by a BELAY CERTIFIED individual 14 years or older when rope climbing.

• Climbing instruction, classes and teaching belay techniques in the gym can ONLY be done by Vertical World instructors.

• Belay and Lead Checks are only given to climbers 14 years of age or older.

• A Vertical World Belay Check must be passed before ropes and belay systems may be used. A Lead Check must be passed before lead climbing in the gym. A Lead Belay Check must be passed before belaying a lead climber in the gym.

• Ropes, belay devices, anchors, holds and routes are to be adjusted and created only by Vertical World Staff.

• The use of tobacco products, drugs and alcohol is prohibited.

• Vertical World is not responsible for lost or stolen items at the gym.

• Shirts and shoes are required.

• No animals allowed in the gym.

• No bicycles allowed in the gym.

• Do not climb above or below anyone and always be aware of your surroundings.

• Remember that all bouldering falls are ground falls. A fall from any height can result in serious injury.

• Landing surfaces are not designed to prevent injuries to the extremities.

• When falling, try your best to “roll out” of your falls (feet, butt, back).

• Down climbing is always encouraged whenever possible.

• Keep landing surface clear of all equipment except chalk bags.

• Shoes must be worn (no bare feet).

• No running.

• Report any spinning holds or safety concerns to the front desk.

• Bouldering and traversing is allowed within any section of the gym.

• In roped areas no part of your body shall go above the yellow “bouldering height limit” sign when not on belay.

• All climbers 13 and under must be directly supervised by an individual 14 years or older when bouldering.

• Vertical World waiver must be signed by all participants.

• Shirts must be worn at all times.

• Closed-toe shoes are required in all fitness areas, except during yoga classes, or while using climbing training apparatus without weights.

• No rock shoes allowed anywhere except climbing walls.

• Children 13 and under must be directly supervised by an individual 14 years or older at all times.

• Wipe down all equipment after use.

• Put away and organize all equipment after use.

• Outside instruction, coaching, or training is not allowed.

• Be mindful of your surroundings, share equipment, and be respectful of others’ personal space, especially when the gym is busy.

• Do not drop or slam any equipment on the floor.

• You MUST be Lead-Checked by Vertical World staff in order to lead climb.

• If you are not climbing or belaying, please stay out of the red tape zone. Please leave all equipment that is not in use outside of the red tape zone.

• Be attentive and communicate with other patrons.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• If you see an unsafe situation, please notify Vertical World staff immediately.

• Before starting a climb, scan the upper lead wall to see if another climber is intersecting your climb.

• Climbers above always have the right of way.

• Assisted belay device must be used while lead belaying.

• Be mindful of intersecting fall zones when top roping in these areas.

• Please report any spinning holds and equipment issues to Vertical World staff.

• You must have prior, real-life experience before taking the belay test.

• There is NO PRACTICING or REVIEWING prior to test.

• Climbing partners MAY NOT review with you or instruct you prior to test taking.

• You must demonstrate proficient belay skills in accordance with the Climbing Wall Association industry practices during test taking.