Vertical
Edge

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS
ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY
and RELEASE OF LIABILITY

WARNING:  There are significant elements of risk in any adventure, sport or activity associated with a "rock gym" climbing wall, bouldering area, and incidental weight and fitness training regimens and equipment (referred to herein as 'Activity'). Although we have taken reasonable steps to provide you with appropriate equipment and/or skilled instructors so you can enjoy an activity for which you may not be skilled, we wish to remind you this activity is not without risk. Certain risks cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. The same elements that contribute to the unique character of the activity can be causes of loss or damage to your equipment, or accidental injury, illness, or in extreme cases, permanent trauma of death. We do not want to frighten you or reduce your enthusiasm for this activity, but we do think it is important for you to know in advance what to expect and to be informed of the inherent risks.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS:  I acknowledge that the following describes some, but not all of the risks: 1) Slips, trips, falls or painful crashes while using the facilities or equipment, climbing walls, bouldering areas, landing pits, work out areas, floors below climbing areas, bathroom facilities, or stairs; 2) Risk associated with crossing, climbing, or down climbing; 3) Misuse of equipment or facilities, or failure of equipment; 4) My physical strength coordination, sense of balance, and ability to follow or give directions while climbing, belaying, or working out; 5) Fatigue, chill and/or dizziness, which may diminish my/our reaction time and increase the risk of accident; 6) Abrasion from or entanglement with ropes or equipment; 7) The presence, actions or falls of other participants.

I understand the description of these risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated risks may result in injury, illness, or death.

EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY:  In recognition of the inherent risks of the activity which I and any minor children for which I am responsible, will engage in, I confirm that I am (we are) physically and mentally capable of participating in the activity and/or using equipment. I/We participate willingly and voluntarily and I assume full responsibility for personal injury, accidents or illness (including death), and any related expenses. I also assume responsibility for damage to or loss of my/our personal property. I also assume risk for accidents or injury caused by the negligence of my belayer or spotter whether such negligence is comparative or contributory. I am aware of the meaning of the terms "Unroped Climbing (AKA: 'bouldering')", "Top Tope Climbing", and "Lead Climbing" and understand the differences between the activities. I accept that lead climbing is the most dangerous due to the hazard to both leader and follower. I agree to be checked out on climbing and belaying skills prior to participation, and to follow posted rules. I acknowledge that wearing appropriate clothing and footwear are basic safety precautions, and that wearing a UIAA approved helmet may help prevent head and/or neck injuries.

I assume the risk(s) of personal injury, accidents and/or illness, including but not limited to sprains, torn muscles and/or ligaments; fractured or broken bones; eye damage; cuts, wounds, scrapes, abrasions, and/or contusions; dehydration, oxygen shortage (anoxia), exposure and/or altitude sickness; head, neck, and/or spinal injuries; insect bite or allergic reaction; shock, paralysis, and/or death.

COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH:  I recognize that you, as provider of services, will operate under a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, but that you may find it necessary to refuse or terminate, the participation of any person you judge to be incapable of meeting the rigors or requirements of participating in the activity. I accept your right to take such actions for the safety of myself and/or other participants.

AUTHORIZATION:  I hereby authorize any medical treatment deemed necessary in the event of any injuries or illness while participating in the activity. I either have appropriate insurance or, in its absence, agree to pay all costs of rescue and/or medical services as may be incurred on my/our behalf. I agree that any film or photographs of me/us, as participants, become your property and may be used for promotional or commercial purposes.

RELEASE: In consideration of services or property provided, I, for myself and any minor children for which I am parent, legal guardian or otherwise responsible, any heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release:
THE VERTICAL EDGE CLIMBING CENTER,
its principals, directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers, and each and every land owner, municipal and/or governmental agency upon whose property an activity is conducted, from all liability and waive any claim for damage arising from any cause whatsoever (except that which is the result of gross negligence).

I have read and understood the foregoing acknowledgment of risk, assumption of risk and responsibility, and release of liability. I understand that by signing this form I may be waiving valuable legal rights.

USE PEN ONLY

Participant's Name: (printed neatly) DOB Age Sex   Climber's Signature
_____________________________ __ /__ /__ ____ M__ F__ ________________________
Date:___ /___ /20___         Phone:_____ /_____ /________
Address:____________________________________________________________________________
Street City State ZIP Code

In an emergency notify:________________________   Phone:_____ /_____ /________

If the Participant is under 18, the Parent or Legal Guardian must also sign:_____________________

 

THE VERTICAL EDGE CLIMBING CENTER RULES

  • Everyone MUST sign a waiver.
  • No Smoking.
  • Belayers and Lead Climbers must be certified by VECC staff. You get one attempt per certification test per day.
  • All belayers must be anchored by a locking carabiner on the front of the harness. Belayers must be at least 14 years old.
  • Climbers must wear a helmet unless a helmet waiver is filled out correctly.
  • No barefoot climbing. All climbers must wear some type of shoe.
  • Chalk must be in a chalk bag. Use ball chalk. No loose chalk.
  • Spotters are recommended when bouldering. Do not remove the mats from the bouldering cave.
  • Parental supervision of kids under the age of 14 is required.
  • Lead climbers must use adequate protection to eliminate ground fall potential.
  • Harness and belayed toprope requires on walls. All harnesses must be approved by VECC staff.
  • Belay with approved belay device only. No Gri-Gri's, hip belays or Muenter Hitches. No sitting belays.
  • Tie in with figure-eight retrace/follow-through knot with safety knot only. Do not tie into carabiners.
  • Before belaying check that carabiners are locked and not cross or tri-axially loaded.
  • Before climbing check and recheck harness and tie in knot.
  • No food or beverage, except water, is allowed in the climbing areas.
  • No one under the influence of alcohol or drugs is allowed on the premises.
  • No climbing or bouldering directly below or above other climbers.

The Vertical Edge Climbing Center reserves the right to deny facility access to any individual or groups permanently or for a specified period of time for breach of contract in following the safety rules, or for any conduct that is viewed by the VECC staff as unsafe or inappropriate.

Thanks for your cooperation. The Vertical Edge, Inc.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE RULES. __________ (initial)

HELMET WAIVER (Sign if you will not wear a helmet.)
I, the undersigned, recognize the dangers inherent to climbing. I am assuming the hazard of the risk upon myself since I wish to climb. I realize I am subject to injury from this activity and that no form of preparing can remove all of the danger to which I am exposing myself. I am aware of the safety policy requiring the use of a protective helmet which could prevent permanent brain damage in the event of an accident. Against the advice of The Vertical Edge Climbing Center, I am refusing the critical safety protection.

Climber must write in the above space: I have read and understand this helmet waiver.

Climber's (Parent's if under 18) Signature:______________________ VECC Staff Signature:______________________

Official Use Only

Belayer Check-Out

 
______ 1. Have customer put on his/her harness and demonstrate its proper use.
______ 2. Tie into harness using a figure eight follow-through know with safety know passed through harness correctly without assistance.
______ 3. Customer is to be advised that the belayer and the climber are responsible for double-checking each other (BARK).
______ 4. Have customer demonstrate a proper belay setup. Customer is to demonstrate proper signals and belay technique (Brake hand on ropes at all times, no visible slack in rope).
______ 5. Have customer hold an announced fall.
______ 6. Have customer hold an unannounced fall.
______ 7. If the customer fails, direct them to a training session offered by the VECC.
Completed by:____________________________ Date:______________________