REGISTRATION

BMC participation statement:

“The BMC recognises that climbing 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 and involvement.”

Experienced over 18 year old climbers

Experienced climbers can use the wall once they have become registered users of the Beacon. This involves reading conditions of use and completing a registration form declaring your basic competence and a willingness to accept responsibility for yourself and anyone you are supervising in the wall (see special conditions below). You will be issued with a membership card with a unique number, which you sign and keep, and must be able to produce on all future visits. All experienced adult climbers are expected to register, and registration is free of charge at the Beacon.

Novice climbers
Experienced climbers often like to introduce friends to climbing via the climbing wall, which we accept, but we also recognise that there are inherent risks. We therefore have a clear policy to minimise these risks:

Each experienced adult climber is allowed to supervise no more than two novices or under 18 year olds (2 people maximum). The experienced climber reads what their responsibilities are, then signs a form to accept responsibility for the full and constant supervision of their supervisees on the premises. We specifically warn the supervising climbers NOT to teach novices to belay where this puts anyone at risk, and where the supervisor cannot carry out their duties adequately, eg the supervisor climbing whilst the novice or child belaying. If in any doubt, ask a member of staff for advice on policy.

Under 18 years old climbers (U18)
The Beacon encourages youngsters to use the climbing wall, yet takes this responsibility very seriously. The basis of the U18 policy at the Beacon Climbing Centre is that all U18s are regarded as minors and should be supervised in the Centre by an appropriate adult climber, as follows:

• A registered adult climber can supervise a maximum of two people.
• U18s can also be part of a group supervised by a suitably qualified person (minimum SPA qualified) or on a taster session run by the Beacon.
• In line with nationally recognised guidelines, there is a scheme at the Beacon whereby very experienced 16-17 year olds can undertake an assessment at our discretion, and with the written consent of their parents or guardians. If successful in the assessment, the applicant can use the Beacon in the same way as an adult climber, with the exception that they cannot supervise any novices or other U18s.