Safety Rules – Ver Var Climbing

Appendix No. 1. Safety Rules and Rules for Visiting the “VER VAR” Climbing Gym

The “VER VAR” Climbing Gym (hereinafter referred to as the Gym) belongs to the Closed Joint-Stock Company (CJSC) “VER VAR.” The Safety Rules and Rules for Visiting the Gym (hereinafter referred to as the Rules) are mandatory for all individuals present on the Gym’s premises (hereinafter referred to as Visitors) and are an integral part of the public offer for the provision of services, approved by the General Director of CJSC “VER VAR,” Anait Agadzhanyan, on March 1, 2025.

The Gym is divided into the following training zones:
– Climbing Gym: Sport Climbing and Bouldering Walls,
– General Physical Preparation Zone (hereinafter referred to as GPP)

1. General Provisions

1.1 Climbing is a sport associated with risk and requires a high level of responsibility, caution, and adherence to all safety instructions.
1.2 Being on the Gym’s premises, using climbing equipment, and engaging in climbing activities pose a danger to life and health.
1.3 Visitors are required to follow the instructions of the Gym staff regarding safety rules, order, and equipment usage.
1.4 If a visitor refuses to comply with the Rules, they are not allowed to remain on the Gym premises.
1.5 Visitors under the age of 16 are allowed to enter the Gym only with the written consent of one of the parents and under the supervision of a responsible person. If the accompanying person is not the parent/guardian of the minor, written confirmation from the parents granting permission for the minor’s supervision is required. Visitors under 16 are not allowed in climbing zones or to use climbing walls, sports equipment, or inventory without an accompanying adult.
1.6 Visitors between the ages of 16 and 18 are allowed to enter the Gym only with written consent from one of the parents or a responsible person.
1.7 It is prohibited to be in the Gym under the influence of alcohol or drugs, strong medications, or with medical contraindications that may threaten health.
1.8 It is prohibited to be in the Gym if you have any medical conditions that make physical activity unsafe.
1.9 The signed ‘Agreement’ form confirms that the visitor has read the Rules, understands them, agrees to comply with them, acknowledges the risks associated with being in the Gym, and takes responsibility for their own life, health, and the safety of others.

2. Equipment Requirements

2.1 When using the Sport Climbing Wall, only fully functional climbing equipment (such as belay devices, harnesses, ropes, carabiners, quickdraws) that meets the standards of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) or European standards (CE) is allowed.
2.2 Equipment may only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, as specified in the documentation accompanying each product.
2.3 For top-rope and lead climbing, only mechanical devices with a locking function, meeting the EN 15151–2 certificate, and semi-automatic devices with the EN 15151–1 certificate, are allowed. A list of approved belay devices is available in the appendix to the Rules. If there are any questions about which devices are approved and which are not, please contact our staff. Belaying with devices such as the “figure eight,” “screw gate,” or other devices with similar mechanisms is prohibited.
2.4 Visitors must check the condition of their own equipment and rental equipment before each climb, as well as inspect the stationary ropes, knots, and carabiners, ensuring their correct usage.
2.5 The Gym staff has the right to prohibit the use of equipment if its safety is in question and to require replacement with functional equipment.
2.6 It is prohibited to leave equipment unattended on the Gym premises.
2.7 The use of green laser pointers or any other laser devices that may pose a danger to the eyes is prohibited on the Gym premises.

3. General Rules

3.1 Every visitor must be fully attentive to their own safety and the safety of other visitors and avoid any actions that could threaten their own or others’ safety.
3.2 Every visitor is required to observe and maintain public order and general behavior norms, act respectfully towards other visitors and staff, and avoid actions that could create a danger to others.
3.3 Visitors must wear clean, non-outdoor shoes inside the Gym.
3.4 Group classes must be attended according to the schedule; individual classes must be attended according to the schedule agreed with the trainer. If a visitor is more than 20 minutes late for a class, the trainer has the right to refuse them entry to
the class or to deny continuation of the training session.
3.5 Climbing or belaying while wearing headphones, using a phone, or engaging in any other distracting activity is prohibited.
3.6 It is prohibited to be in the falling or descending area of other visitors.3.7 It is strictly prohibited to leave personal items on the surface of the belay mats.3.8 It is prohibited to climb above or descend onto other visitors.3.9 It is prohibited to climb routes that intersect with others. The first person to approach the route has priority.
3.10 It is prohibited to climb or go over parts of the climbing wall not designed for climbing or to climb over the top edge of the wall.
3.11 It is prohibited to step on or grab metal eyelets with hands or feet.
3.12 Climbing is only allowed in climbing shoes; barefoot climbing or using non-climbing footwear is prohibited.3.13 It is prohibited to wear climbing shoes outside the premises of the Gym.
3.14 Climbing or belaying with rings, chains, or other jewelry that could catch on holds, structure elements, or equipment is prohibited.
3.15 Climbing or belaying with long loose hair is prohibited.
3.16 Climbing with loose or unsecured items is prohibited.
3.17 Running on mats near climbing areas is prohibited.
3.18 The use of bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, or skateboards inside the Gym is prohibited.
3.19 Climbing with harness gear attached to gear loops is prohibited, except in the designated fenced area. Bouldering while wearing a harness is prohibited.
3.20 It is prohibited to change the position of the holds on the climbing wall without the permission of Gym staff.
3.21 Eating is only permitted in designated areas— in the Gym lobby or café area.
3.22 The consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and smoking tobacco is prohibited on the premises of the Gym.
3.23 Visitors are responsible for their personal belongings and should not leave them unattended or entrust them to strangers.
3.24 Visitors are not allowed to enter staff and other technical rooms or adjust any technical equipment without special permission from Gym staff.
3.25 Children over the age of 4 are not allowed in changing rooms designated for the opposite sex.
3.26 Visitors are required to accompany children under 16 years of age throughout the Gym, except in cases where the children are attending group classes with a trainer.
3.27 For comfort and hygiene, all visitors must wear the upper part of sportswear. For men, it is a t-shirt or tank top, and for women, it is a sports top or t-shirt.
3.28 Climbing with long fingernails is prohibited.
3.29 Chewing gum, candy, or holding any small items in the mouth while climbing is prohibited.
3.30 Being in or climbing in areas marked as “closed” is prohibited.
3.31 It is prohibited to invent and perform climbing routes that pose a danger to the climber or other visitors.

4. Rules for Climbing with Top Rope and Lead Belay on the Sport Climbing Wall

4.1 Only individuals who have demonstrated proper belaying and climbing gear use with a qualified Gym staff member are allowed to climb and belay on the Sport Climbing Wall. All new visitors to the Gym must pass a belay test. The instructor has the right to request retesting for visitors whose belaying skills are in question or refuse a retest.
4.2 When top rope climbing, the rope must pass through two carabiners positioned in opposite directions at the anchor. Carabiners with locking mechanisms must be locked.
4.3 It is prohibited to climb with the risk of a “pendulum”: deviating from the line of the route or climbing adjacent routes not in line with the rope.
4.4 When climbing with top belay, the rope is attached to the system with two opposite-direction locking carabiners into the belay ring of the harness or knot. When climbing with bottom belay, the rope is attached to the harness with a “figure-eight” knot only. The belay device can only be clipped into the strength ring of the harness.
4.5 Only the “figure-eight” knot is allowed for rope attachment.
4.6 It is prohibited to lower your partner too quickly.
4.7 It is prohibited to climb with the risk of rope abrasion: clipping two ropes into one quickdraw or carabiner, crossing the ropes, or climbing when the rope is rubbing against something.
4.8 Belayers must remain within 2 meters of the route they are belaying.
4.9 When top-rope climbing or lead climbing, the belayer must be on the mats.
4.10 Belayer must spot the climber before the climber is clipped into the first quickdraw
4.11 It is prohibited to skip quickdraws.
4.12 The rope length must match the route, taking into account the descent and knots.
4.13 A safety knot must be tied on the free end of the rope before climbing.

5. Rules in the Bouldering Area

5.1 Scattering chalk, throwing chalk bags onto the mats, jumping on them, or kicking them is prohibited.
5.2 Standing under a climber or climbing above someone is prohibited. The climber has the right of way but must ensure they are visible to others.
5.3 When jumping down or falling off the route onto the mats, each visitor must assess their own experience, physical condition, and the surrounding environment to avoid injury.
5.4 It is prohibited to be on the mats in outdoor shoes, barefoot, or with food and drinks. Visitors may be on the mats in indoor sports shoes, socks, or climbing shoes.
5.5 It is not recommended to jump off the finishing holds. Climbers should descend by climbing down or using designated descent holds, lowering at least four holds below the finish before jumping. Before landing, they must ensure the area is clear of others.
5.6 It is prohibited to traverse across the climbing wall (climb horizontally) if someone else is climbing up and the paths intersect.
5.7 It is prohibited to climb in areas where there is a risk of landing outside of the mats. These areas may be marked with special signs.

6. Rules for Visitors with Children

6.1 Children under 4 years old are not allowed in the climbing area (on the mats, in the warm-up area).
6.2 Children under 16 years old are not allowed to be in the warm-up or climbing area without supervision from a coach or responsible adult.
6.3 Children over 16 years old can only be in the Gym with a signed parental consent form, which includes the parent’s passport details, contact phone number, date(s) of visit, and a statement that the parent assumes responsibility for the child’s safety, health, and life.Children under 16 years old can only be in the Gym under the following conditions:- Accompanied by a parent or an older relative/another adult (with a signed consent form from the parents with the parent’s and accompanying adult’s passport details, parent’s contact phone number, date(s) of visit, and a statement that the accompanying adult assumes responsibility for the child’s safety, health, and life);- If part of an organized group with a coach at all times.

7. Rules for Visiting the General Physical Preparation (GPP) Area

7.1 To avoid injuries, we strongly recommend attending the introductory briefing, which is mandatory for all new visitors.
7.2 Be attentive, follow safety instructions, and adhere to the rules for using the gym equipment.
7.3 Please visit the warm-up area in clean sportswear and shoes.
7.4 Children under 16 are not allowed to use the warm-up and GPP area unsupervised. Children can only visit these areas under the supervision of a coach or another responsible adult.
7.5 To prevent accidents, children under 14 are not allowed in the gym area. Children under 14 may only access the gym as part of a class or under the supervision of a personal trainer.
7.6 It is prohibited to step on the campus board rungs with your feet.
7.7 Visitors must handle equipment, gym apparatus, and other items in the warm-up area with care, and return used equipment to its proper place.
7.8 The following activities are prohibited in the GPP area:
7.8.1 Using gym equipment while wearing outdoor shoes or climbing shoes.
7.8.2 Bringing, consuming, or storing food in the GPP area is prohibited.
7.8.3 Using faulty equipment or attempting to repair it independently.
7.8.4 Occupying gym equipment during rest periods.
7.8.5 Climbing with your feet on the top structures of the power frame or sitting on the bars.
7.8.6 Using TRX functional straps and gymnastic rings incorrectly, such as standing with feet in the loops, swinging like on a swing, etc.
7.9 The following rules must be observed in the GPP area:
7.9.1 Choose exercises and loads appropriate for your fitness level.
7.9.2 Before using unfamiliar gym equipment, consult a coach to ensure proper use.
7.9.3 Warm-up before performing any primary exercises.
7.9.4 Use a workout partner to provide safety during exercises.
7.9.5 Before starting any exercise, check the equipment for proper condition, stability, and secure fastening, including weights, handles, and locks.
7.9.6 Perform exercises with free weights at least 1 meter away from mirrors, glass, and other users.
7.9.7 Continuously monitor your health during the workout. Choose appropriate weights and loads based on your physical fitness level. The staff is not responsible for your health condition or injuries if you train without a coach’s guidance or violate safety rules.
7.9.8 Keep the area clean and orderly. Do not scatter weights or dumbbells. Return them to their proper place after use. When unloading a barbell, remove the weights alternately from each side to maintain balance. A 30 kg imbalance on one side of the barbell can cause it to fall.
7.9.9 After using the equipment and mats, return them to the designated storage areas.
7.9.10 If you bring a water bottle into the gym, ensure it is tightly closed to prevent spillage.