Climb Wall Policies and Rules

UT Recreational Services climbing staff must be present in order for members to climb or be in the climbing area
All participants must read and understand the climbing rules
All participants are required to sign a policies and waiver form before being allowed to climb
All personal belongings and bags should be kept off the floors
Items can be stored in lockers or cubbies
A maximum of 6 people can be on the wall at a time
Members and guests cannot climb above yellow line unless they are wearing a harness and are properly tied in and belayed by either a UT Recreational Services Climb Wall Specialist or by a person who holds a current UT Recreational Services climb card
Climbing commands must always be used when top roping

Bouldering

When bouldering at the UT Recreational Services the person’s waist must stay below the yellow line
Bouldering can be done by anyone age 5 or over, and no climb card is required

When top roping climbers must be belayed by either a UT Recreational Services Climb Wall Specialist or by a person who holds a current UT Recreational Services climb card
Quick descents or swinging from the rope will not be permitted
Proper belay techniques and commands must be used at all times
Climbers are required to use the UT Recreational Services equipment such as: Ropes, Carabineers, and Belay Devices
Only one climber per rope
Never use lead climbing anchor as hold
Tie belay ropes to looped anchor rope when not in use
Top roping ropes must be tied to the daisy chains when not in use

Climbers must wear clean athletic shoes, running shoes or climbing shoes
Boots, sandals, hard-soled shoes or bare feet are not permitted
All hand jewelry or long necklaces must be removed. Hair must be tied back when necessary
All pockets must be free of items (e.g., coins, keys, knives, cell phones, etc.)
No hats are permitted

Climbers with climb cards who are attempting to top rope must use Rec Center carabineers and belay devices
Climber using their own chalk bags must also use their own chalk
UTREC Center provides harnesses for climbers wishing to top rope
Personal harnesses are permitted but must pass inspection from the climb wall supervisor on duty.
Supervisors look for the following when inspecting personal harnesses:
- Manufactured less than 10 years ago
- Bend the belt in an inverted "U." Watch for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage.
- Check D-rings and D-ring metal wear pads for distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges.
- The D-ring bar should be at a 90 degree angle with the long axis of the belt and should pivot freely

Climbers must be at least 5 years of age and able to fit into a child harness
Please note minors (climbers 17 years of age and younger) must have a parent’s or legal guardian’s signature on all forms
You must be at least thirteen years of age to participate in a climb clinic, to hold a climb card, and to use the belay devices