Introduction

Hang On Climbing Centre’s Terms & Conditions help us operate a busy climbing centre, while ensuring that the most stringent safety standards are adhered to. These safety standards are required by law, but we see them as much more than that. They ensure that our customers are kept safe and well whilst enjoying our facilities. Climbing is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Your duty of care

The most up to date version of our Terms & Conditions will always be displayed on our website. Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with them. We require our customers to abide by their provisions (whether or not you have read them) and we reserve the right to require customers not acting in accordance with them to leave. No refund will be given. In respect of children and groups attending the Centre, it is the responsibility of the parent or group leader to have familiarised themselves with these Terms & Conditions and the parent or group leader is responsible for ensuring that those in their care understand and abide by them.

General

• All customers must complete a waiver document before climbing at Hang On. Waivers can be completed online before arriving or oat our reception in the centre.
• Every time you use Hang On, please let us know that you have arrived by checking in at reception. Members and ticket holders will be required to scan in.
• You should only go into our bouldering areas if you have registered your details with us.
• As a minimum, registration details must include name, date of birth and a current contact address. If a registering climber has no full time address they must provide current documentary proof of an appropriate contact address and at least one nominated emergency contact.
• Please keep us up to date with any changes to your personal details.
• Please do not take food or drink onto the mats.
• Only food and drink bought from our café may be consumed on the premises.
• If you are involved in an incident or accident, or if you witness one, please ensure that it is reported to a member of our team as soon as possible.
• Aggressive or abusive behaviour towards staff or other customers and / or wilful damage to Hang On’s equipment will not be tolerated.
• We provide lockers for use with your own padlock and cubby holes to store your personal equipment.
• Personal belongings are left at the owners’ risk. Items left in Hang On overnight will be kept in lost property and retained for six months
• Unclaimed items are passed on to local charities or sold in the centre as second hand.
• Hang On accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to your personal property.
• We accept no responsibility for personal injury caused by or during attendance on any activity.
• We accept no responsibility for loss, damage or injury caused by or during attendance on any activity to yourself or your belongings.
• We sometimes take photos and videos of customers for the sole use of Hang On’s publicity and marketing material. Notices will be displayed and permission sought during filming and photography sessions but if you wish not to be caught on camera, please come and tell a member of staff during these events.
• We reserve the right at our absolute discretion to refuse access to and / or membership of Hang On
• For your safety and security we operate CCTV throughout Hang On.
• We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions without notice.

Bouldering general

The British Mountain Council [BMC] recognises that climbing, bouldering and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.

• A full version of the participation statement outlining the risks inherent in climbing activities is made available at Hang On. Please ensure you have read and understood these guidelines before climbing with us.
• All climbers must complete a waiver before climbing at Hang On.
• All customers who are new to climbing must attend an induction session or watch the induction video before completing their waiver. Crew members will ask questions to check your understanding of the risks and safety requirements before signing you in for your first climb, but your safety at the wall is your responsibility.

Bouldering is a high risk, physically challenging activity which frequently results in falls. Any fall can result in serious injury regardless of the level of experience of the climber. By bouldering in our centre you acknowledge that you accept these risks.

The soft flooring under the bouldering walls is designed to provide a more comfortable landing for climbers coming off walls. It does not make bouldering any safer or prevent injury.

Rules to make bouldering safer

• Jumping and falling off the bouldering wall, whether controlled or not may result in a serious injury. You are strongly advised to climb down and step off the wall.
• Before starting a climb, ensure that you plan where you will be able to perform a controlled descent. If you feel a controlled descent is not possible, do not attempt the climb.
• Never walk or climb underneath anyone who is bouldering.
• All climbers are required to wear climbing shoes on the wall. Shoes hire is available and a full range of sizes is available at reception
• Do not hold on to or climb on top of the top of the wall
• Where we provide top out boulders, you must descend via the slide or stairs – never climb back down the wall after topping out.
• When choosing a route to climb, always give way to those already on a climb. Climbers on vertical problems have priority.
• Keep the matting clear at all times. Objects left lying around can cause or exacerbate incidents.
• Be aware of spinning holds, they may suddenly spin and cause you to fall. If you discover a spinning hold, please report it to a member of the crew immediately.
• Jewellery should be removed before taking part in any activity.
• By registering with us you accept that sometimes some areas of the wall may be closed for routine maintenance, route setting purposes or events. This is to improve both the community and the centre and we will not always be able to warn you in advance. We do not offer refunds or reduction of entry fees or memberships due to areas being closed.

Adult unsupervised bouldering

• Once you have completed your waiver and our crew are satisfied that you understand the safety requirements and risks of climbing, you can use the centre without supervision.
• All new climbers are required to complete an induction with one of our crew members or via the induction video, even if accompanied by a more experienced climber.

Unsupervised bouldering ages 14-15

• Climbers aged 14-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on their first visit.
• Once their waiver is signed off by the accompanying adult in person at the centre, climbers aged 14-15 are free to climb unsupervised.

Supervised junior bouldering (U14)

• All climbers under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult. One adult can supervise a maximum of two juniors (including children who aren’t climbing). Hang On crew members will not take responsibility for supervising children except in coach-led sessions.
• We do allow children under 4 in our centres, although not to climb (unless in a specialist session).
• All adults who wish to supervise a junior climber (whether or not they climb themselves) must attend a safety induction. Supervisors are not charged entry.
• Supervision is an active process – you should be able to see and be within earshot of your juniors at all times. Kids who appear ‘unsupervised’ may be asked to leave.