Policies and Procedures

Personal Responsibility

Indoor rock climbing and bouldering involves certain inherent risks. It is the participant’s responsibility to understand these risks and make the decision to participate. At Amarillo Rock Climbing House (A.R.C.H.) all climbers and boulderers must acknowledge these risks and take personal responsibility for their own safety by signing our Online Liability Waiver.

Facility Rules

  • Everyone at A.R.C.H. must check in at the front desk.

  • All participants must sign a Liability Waiver. Minors 18 years or younger must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

  • Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children. Children younger than 7 years old must either have adult supervision or be a participant in an A.R.C.H. activity program.

  • Drugs, alcohol, or objectionable language is not permitted. We are a PG facility. Offenders may be removed without refund.

  • Walking only please. No running, jogging, skipping, cartwheeling, back flips, etc.

  • No swinging or bouncing on the ropes. 

  • Do not pull ropes down off of the wall.

  • Any unsafe condition or damage to equipment or climbing walls, including loose holds, and any accident or injury must be reported immediately to facility staff.

  • Please pick up after yourself. Help to keep the gym clean for yourself and others.

  • Shoes and personal belongings must be kept in cubby holes or on tables.

  • A.R.C.H. is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Climbing Rules

  • Do not climb above or below other climbers; this includes traversing.

  • Do not wear jewelry while climbing, especially rings, watches or bracelets, dangly earrings, etc. 

  • All climbers must wear shoes while climbing. The use of shoes, boots, crampons, etc. that may damage walls, floors, etc. is not permitted.

Top Roping Rules

  • Climbers’ heads must not go above the marked line without being properly tied in on the top rope wall.

  • All climber must be certified by an A.R.C.H. staff member before top-rope belaying, lead belaying or lead climbing.

  • Climbers must tie in using the rewoven figure eight knot with at least a six inch tail.

  • Climbing and belay partners must check each other before climbing. Check each other’s harness, knots and belay device before every climb.

  • We prefer the standard climbing commands. “On belay?” “Belay on!” “Climbing?” “Climb on!” 

  • You must be aware of the possible trajectory of another climber’s fall, particularly on lead climbs and overhangs. Stand clear! 

  • If you are climbing and think you may endanger another if you fall, speak up!

  • Do not grab bolt hangers on the top-rope wall.

Equipment

  • Harnesses must be commercial products designed for climbing. Rescue, tree, and fire equipment are not permitted.

  • Gri-gri’s are permitted for advanced climbers only.

  • Allowable belay devices include UIAA approved “tuber” type belay devices. 

  • Belayers must belay from their harness.

  • Belayers must be standing up.  No sitting or lying down while belaying.

Bouldering Rules

  • Boulderers must take responsibility for not climbing beyond their ability, ensuring their own safety, and the safety of others in the bouldering area.

  • Bouldering with harnesses is not permitted.

  • A.R.C.H. recommends the use of a spotter during bouldering activity.

  • Climbers are responsible for appointing their own spotters. Climbers should always assess their comfort level in spotting another climber, or in being spotted.

  • Topping out is allowed in marked areas.

A.R.C.H. staff has the right to revoke any or all climbing privileges either temporarily or permanently for unsafe or inappropriate behavior without a refund.

(Updated 10/10/2019)