Logo

NCC Terms of Use

Last Reviewed: July 2025

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of Nottingham Climbing Centre facilities. By entering our premises and participating in climbing activities, you agree to be bound by these terms. Climbing and bouldering are activities with inherent risks of serious injury or death. Participants must recognise that even when following all safety guidelines, accidents can still occur. It is your responsibility to understand and accept these risks.

Participation Statement

"The British Mountaineering Council 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."

The indoor climbing environment presents risks no less serious than outdoor climbing. Additional risks include climbing holds that may spin, break, or become loose. Any defective holds must be reported to reception immediately.

Your Duty of Care

The most current version of these Terms and Conditions is always displayed on our website. You must familiarise yourself with and abide by these provisions. We reserve the right to refuse entry or require departure for non-compliance, without refund. Parents and group leaders are responsible for ensuring those in their care understand and follow these terms.

Registration and Check-in

  • All customers must complete a valid waiver demonstrating suitability before climbing.
  • Registration must include name, date of birth, current contact address, and agreement to waiver terms.
  • Those without permanent addresses must provide documentary proof of contact details and emergency contact.
  • You must check in at reception on each visit before climbing.
  • Keep your personal details current with us.
  • Visitors or non-registered members are not permitted to enter climbing or training areas.

Facility Rules

  • Food and drink are not permitted on climbing mats.
  • Only food and drink purchased from our café may be consumed on premises.
  • We serve alcohol but customers must not climb or use training facilities after consuming alcohol.
  • Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave.
  • Report all incidents or accidents to staff immediately.
  • Aggressive behaviour or equipment damage will not be tolerated.
  • Personal belongings are left at owner's risk.
  • Items left overnight become lost property (retained for one month).
  • We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.
  • CCTV operates throughout the facility.
  • Training room is restricted to over 18s only.
  • We reserve the right to refuse access or membership at our discretion.

Photography and Marketing

We may photograph or film customers for marketing purposes. Notices will be displayed during such activities. Please inform staff if you do not wish to be included.

Risk Acknowledgment

CLIMBING RISKS: Nottingham Climbing Centre is an artificial environment, but risks are no less serious than outdoor climbing. Additional risks include:

  • Holds that may spin or break unexpectedly.
  • Falls resulting in serious injury regardless of experience level.
  • Impact injuries despite safety matting.

BOULDERING RISKS: The soft matting provides more comfortable landings but does not eliminate injury risk. Broken bones and sprains are common in bouldering. Jumping or falling may injure yourself or others.

ROPED CLIMBING RISKS: Equipment failure, human error, and falls can result in serious injury or death despite safety systems.

You must assess risks before attempting any climb and climb within your capabilities.

Competency Assessment

All Climbing Members must pass a comprehensive competency test administered by qualified staff or in-house certified assessors, including:

  • Harness Skills: Correctly fitting and adjusting climbing harness.
  • Knot Proficiency: Tying in with a recognised knot with an accompanying stopper knot.
  • Belay Competency: Demonstrating proper belay technique on simulated rope including:
  • Correct rope handling and taking in.
  • Catching a fall safely.
  • Lowering climber smoothly and safely.
  • Auto-belay Proficiency:
  • Identifying and attaching TrueBlue Triple Lock carabiner correctly.
  • Demonstrating pre-climb safety checks (pulling strap, checking for obstructions).
  • Showing confident, competent technique.

Assessment Standards:

  • Staff discretion determines competency - our decision is final.
  • Competency status may be revoked if unsafe practices observed.
  • Correctly completed roped waiver required for rope competency sign-off.
  • Only qualified staff or in-house certified assessors may conduct tests.

Registration Types

  • All Climbing Members (Unsupervised): Must demonstrate competency in harness use, knots, and belay techniques. Entitled to use all facilities unsupervised.
  • Boulder Only Members: Competent in bouldering but not roped climbing techniques. May only use bouldering facilities. Cannot use roped walls or auto-belays as climber or belayer.
  • Novice/Supervised: Anyone not registered for unsupervised access. Must be supervised at all times by competent All Climbing Members.

Supervision Requirements

  • One All Climbing Member may supervise maximum 2 novices/children.
  • Supervisors must maintain a proximity to their supervisees that enables immediate and effective intervention.
  • Groups of 3+ novices require qualified external instructor with:
  • Valid external public liability insurance.
  • Current first aid certification.
  • Registration with front desk staff before session begins.
  • Supervisors take full legal responsibility for those in their care.
  • All supervisors and anyone entering bouldering mats or supervising areas must complete a waiver - risks are present even when not actively climbing.
  • Staff provide advice only, not supervision or instruction (except during paid staff-led instructional sessions).

Auto-Belay Access

Separate competency assessment required for auto-belay use. Must be signed off by staff before first use.

Age-Related Policies

Under 14s:

  • Must be supervised by registered adult at all times.
  • Exception: coach-led sessions only.
  • Supervisors must maintain sight and sound contact.
  • One adult per child ratio for under 7s.

Ages 14-17s:

  • Site 1 (New Basford Centre - Ropes and Bouldering):
  • Must be accompanied by parent/guardian on first visit for waiver signing.
  • Unsupervised bouldering requires "Youth Assessed" status.
  • Youth Assessment conducted by staff through NICAS or private session.
  • Must achieve minimum NICAS Level 2 standard with parental consent.
  • Once assessed and registered, may boulder unsupervised during operating hours.
  • Site 2 (Lenton Centre - Bouldering Only):
  • Must be accompanied by parent/guardian on first visit for waiver signing.
  • May complete waiver for unsupervised bouldering on-site.
  • Once registered, may boulder unsupervised during operating hours.
  • All 14-17 year olds subject to other safety requirements regardless of site.

Over 18s:

  • May register for unsupervised access after competency assessment.
  • May supervise minors and novices (maximum 2 persons).

General Safety

  • Report to reception before climbing each visit.
  • Exercise care, common sense, and self-preservation.
  • Report equipment problems, hold defects, or unsafe behaviour immediately.
  • Be aware of other climbers and how your actions affect them.
  • Do not distract climbers, belayers, or supervisors.
  • Stand clear of climbing walls unless actively belaying or spotting.
  • Never position yourself under climbers or in fall zones.

Bouldering Rules

  • Climb within your capabilities.
  • Descend by down-climbing when possible; avoid uncontrolled falls.
  • Never climb directly above or below others.
  • Do not climb over the top of walls.
  • Keep mats clear of all belongings except chalk bags.
  • Watch for falling climbers.
  • Report spinning or loose holds immediately.

Roped Climbing Rules

When Climbing:

  • Solo climbing prohibited on roped walls (defined as climbing without rope protection or using inappropriate equipment for the route type).
  • Always use climbing harness.
  • Tie directly into harness with appropriate knot and an accompanying stopper knot (no karabiner clipping).
  • Identify route type (top-rope or lead) before starting.
  • Respect existing top-rope setups.
  • Keep fall zones clear.

When Belaying:

  • Novices must have ground supervision with brake rope backup.
  • Use belay device attached to harness with locking karabiner.
  • Traditional/body belaying prohibited.
  • For significant weight differences between climber and belayer:
  • Top rope: Rope twist recommended to compensate.
  • Lead climbing: Edelrid Ohm available for borrowing to enable safe belaying of heavier climber.
  • Maintain attention on climber at all times.
  • Position close to wall unless using floor attachment points.

Lead Climbing:

  • Supply own appropriately rated dynamic rope.
  • Do not use centre's top ropes for leading.
  • All clips must be made - missing clips significantly increases risk of serious injury or death.
  • Clip all runners on chosen route in sequence.
  • Secure rope to lower-off anchor.
  • Protect second climber from swing falls with appropriate quickdraw placement.

Auto-Belay Rules

  • Use only if registered and signed off.
  • Supervised climbers require constant supervision.
  • Check harness fit and device operation before each use
  • Ensure carabiner gate faces away from climber.
  • Never climb alongside or above auto-belay line.
  • Clear landing area before descent.
  • Descend feet-first, using feet to control landing.
  • Stop immediately if line fails to retract and request assistance.

Training Room Rules

  • Age Restriction: Training room access limited to 18+ only.
  • All general safety rules apply.
  • Training equipment must be used appropriately and safely.
  • Report any equipment faults immediately.
  • Clean/return equipment after use.

Responsibilities and Requirements for Supervising Others

  • Maximum supervision ratio: One supervisor may oversee maximum 2 novices/children at any time.
  • Active supervision required: Maintain visual and auditory contact with supervised persons at all times; passive observation is insufficient.
  • Legal liability: Supervisors accept full legal responsibility for the safety and actions of those in their care.
  • Waiver requirement: All supervisors must complete their own waiver before entering climbing or supervising areas, regardless of whether they climb.
  • Intervention authority: Supervisors must actively prevent unsafe behaviour and have authority to stop supervised climbers immediately if safety concerns arise.
  • Emergency response: Supervisors are responsible for immediate incident response and must report all accidents involving their supervised group to staff.

Bouldering Supervisors must confirm they:

  • Have good understanding of bouldering safety and Nottingham Climbing Centre best practices.
  • Will follow centre guidelines at all times.
  • Can identify dangers and take appropriate risk minimising actions.
  • Have sufficient confidence and experience to instruct and safeguard up to 2 people under direct supervision.

Equipment Rental

  • Climbing shoes: Available for rental (not provided free).
  • Harnesses: Available for rental.
  • Chalk: Available for purchase.
  • Personal Equipment: Customers responsible for ensuring their own equipment (including personal harnesses) is properly maintained according to BMC recommendations.
  • Equipment Standards: We reserve the right to reject customers using equipment deemed unacceptable for safety reasons.

Route Setting and Closures

  • During route setting, affected areas will be closed and clearly marked.
  • Do not climb in closed areas during route setting.
  • Competitions and Events: May result in partial or full centre closure with advance notice via social media and in-centre signage.

Emergency Information

  • Fire escape routes: Clearly marked throughout centre, full evacuation plan available at front desk.
  • First aid equipment: Available at front desk including defibrillator.
  • Emergency procedures: Follow staff instructions during any emergency.

Our Responsibilities

We provide facilities and basic safety equipment in good working order. We maintain appropriate insurance and follow industry safety standards.

Your Responsibilities

  • Follow all safety rules and instructions.
  • Climb within your abilities.
  • Use equipment correctly.
  • Supervise appropriately when required.
  • Report hazards immediately.

Limitations of Liability

We accept no responsibility for:

  • Personal injury during climbing activities.
  • Loss or damage to personal property.
  • Injuries resulting from failure to follow safety rules.
  • Accidents caused by climbing beyond your abilities.
  • Equipment failure due to misuse.

Medical Fitness Declaration Required: You confirm you have no medical conditions that increase accident risk to yourself or others.

Data Protection and Privacy

We collect and process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR requirements. Full privacy policy available separately. Contact details are used for safety, emergency contact, and legitimate business purposes only.

For queries regarding these terms or facility operations, please speak with staff or contact us through our official channels.