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Useful resources for climbing walls

From legal advice to top safety tips! Here you will find a range of useful resources that are perfect for climbing wall operators and managers. We aim to share the all the info you need to know about running a safe and fun climbing environment.

In order to represent these interests to the owners and managers of artificial climbing walls, we have produced the following information.

Our guidance is to support development; to maximise usage by climbers, to prevent problems of management before they arise, and to allow for joint projects, events and competitions to be held with Mountaineering Scotland.

Mountaineering Scotland would ask facility operators to take note of these guidelines if the support or recognition of Mountaineering Scotland was being sought.

Mountaineering Scotland liaises with the Association of British Climbing Walls and in conjunction with the BMC have agreed a series of standardised forms and notices that can be used by ABC members.

The following advice relates to Mountaineering Scotland's preferred approach to management at walls and can be downloaded here -

The ABC was established in 1994 with the aim of promoting safe management practices in climbing walls. Today we promote the professionalism, health and growth of indoor climbing.

Why join the ABC?

Professionalism: ABC's guidelines, documents and templates provide a solid foundation on which to operate climbing walls safely. The organisation provides guidance for topical professional issues, for example its GDPR Handbook for Climbing Walls

Health: The ABC consolidates the voice of the industry and, acting at a national level, undertakes activities that benefit the whole indoor climbing sector. It focuses its efforts where economies of scale and shared interests allow for the greatest impact.

Joining makes your voice louder, and lets you reap the benefits of ABC's work.

Growth: Indoor climbing is growing 15-20% per annum and is a new Olympic Sport for 2020  - it’s one of the fastest growing, exciting and interesting industries in the UK right now. Where we can, we bring together people and businesses to support this growth in a way that’s good for the sport.

Visit the ABC website.