All Individuals utilizing the Climbing Center are required to adhere to the policies and procedures. Anyone that fails to adhere to the policies and guidelines outlined will be asked to vacate the area. As a part of the Department of Campus Recreation and its mission to achieve the highest standards for its participants, we have developed our polices to ensure a safe, fair, and fun environment.
Drop in use is permitted only to students, faculty, staff, and community members with a current campus recreation membership
Participants must check in at the climbing center desk before gaining access to the climbing center
Facility access is relegated only to open facility hours
All participants and visitors must complete and sign a liability waiver before participating in climbing activities
Personal Belongings must be placed in lockers or cubbies provided
Shoes must be worn within the climbing space at all times. No bare feet are allowed
No food or drink is permitted in the climbing center space. Only water in a resealable container will be allowed.
Dress Code
In an effort to prevent additional wear and tear on equipment as well as the potential spread of diseases, all patrons are expected to wear athletic clothing in coordination with Campus Recreation’s Dress Code while utilizing the facility. Shirts exposing the midriff, lower back and chest will not be allowed to be worn. Shirts must be worn at all times in all activity areas (exception: natatorium). Closed toe athletic shoes with non-marking soles are required in all activity spaces (exception: natatorium). Clothing with zippers, buttons, or any metal is prohibited along with open-toed shoes and boots. Shoes must be worn within the Climbing Center Space at all times, meaning, no bare feet are allowed. Patrons that fail to abide by the Dress Code will first be asked to change. If unable to, patrons will be asked to leave the facility immediately. For more information regarding the Dress Code, contact any staff member or refer to the flyers posted within the facility.
Music
The music played throughout the facility is courtesy of Colonel Radio, a constant randomized playlist. Campus Recreation Professional Staff is responsible for controlling the type of music as well as the volume. The music is determined based on the general population within the specific time period using the facility and will not interfere with any other university policy. Only one headphone may be worn while in the Climbing Center. The use of portable sound systems is prohibited within the facility, unless approved for a special event. Personal stereos are prohibited.
Food & Drink
Outside food and drink may not be consumed in the Climbing Center space. Spill-proof, bottles are permitted in the Climbing Center area but must be stored when not in use.
Patrons will be asked to refrain from chewing gum during activities for safety reasons and the upkeep of the facility.
Participant Gear
EKU campus recreation will provide shoes, harnesses, belay devices, locking carabiners, and chalk bags for participants
Participants may use personal shoes, harnesses, and chalk bags Personal shoes must have the sole intact (i.e. no holes in the toe)
Participants accept all liability when using their personal harness
Staff reserve the right to refuse a participant from using a personal harness
In some cases harnesses may be intended for alpine climbing, caving, rope access, or may be too old for safe usage
Loose chalk is not permitted. All chalk must be contained in a chalk sock
Bouldering
All bouldering activities must have appropriate spotters and crash pad placement
It is the responsibility of the climber to secure a spotter before climbing
Active spotting is recommended at all time for the bouldering arch
Bouldering is not permitted above the designated bouldering limit
“Topping out” on any boulder problem is not permitted unless otherwise authorized for special circumstances
Top Rope
All roped climbers and belayers must wear a UIAA approved climbing harness the manufacture guidelines of said climbing harness
All climbers must tie in using a figure-8 follow through knot when tying in to their harness
Free soloing is not permitted in any instance
At no point should you climb above your anchor point
At no point should a participant stand on the platforms intended for rappel set up
All top rope Belayers must use an assisted braking device provided by EKU Campus Recreation
Before every climb both the belayer and climber must conduct head to toe partner checks to make sure all appropriate equipment is on and used properly.
Once the double check is complete, climbing commands must be used at all times “On Belay, Belay on. Climbing, Climb On”
All Top Rope Belayers must display the requisite belay card for top rope belay
All Belayers must first test out on the facility Belay Assessment
Belayers must keep an active belay, meaning that the belayer must watch their climber, manage slack in the system as to minimize fall distance, and generally communicate with their climber.
Lead Climbing
All roped climbers and belayers must wear a UIAA approved climbing harness the manufacture guidelines of said climbing harness
All climbers must tie in using a figure-8 follow through knot when tying in to their harness
Before every climb both the belayer and climber must conduct head to toe partner checks to make sure all appropriate equipment is on and used properly.
Once the double check is complete, climbing commands must be used at all times “On Belay, Belay on. Climbing, Climb On”
All lead climbers must clip every quick draw in the path of their climb. Failing to do so will result in revocation of the lead skills card
All lead climbers must clip all quick draws properly (i.e. no back clipping or z-clipping) Failing to do so will result in revocation of the lead skills card
All Lead climbers must clip both quick draws at the end of a climb Failing to do so will result in revocation of the lead skills card
At no point should a participant clip in to the quick draws located on rappel ledges/stations
All lead belayers must us a facility provided assisted breaking device provided by EKU Campus Recreation
Belayers must keep an active belay, meaning that the belayer must watch their climber, manage slack in the system as to minimize fall distance, and generally communicate with those in the area
All lead climbers and lead belayers must use proper technique at all times
At no point should participants take falls intentionally larger than would traditionally occur in the route they are climbing. i.e. no victory whips, no leaving slack in the belay side of the rope, no skipping clips, no skipping anchor clips, etc.
Auto-Belay
Both Auto-belays are only to be used under proper supervision for special events or clinics: Lead climbing practice, endurance training, rappel clinics, etc.
Auto-Belays are permitted during normal operating hours under the condition that a staff member double checks the climber before usage.
Rappel Ledges/Stations: Rappel ledges are only to be used under proper supervision for clinics or events
Climbing Center Closure
In the event that there is an activity going on in the Climbing Center area, that area will be closed until further notice.
