Climb Hitchin Under 18 Climber Registration Form Logo

  • 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.”

  • What is this form for?

  • This form is for those who wish to register a child (under 18) to:

    • Attend instructor managed classes such as NICAS, parties, private, school, or youth group sessions; or/and
    • For experienced climber parent/legal guardian who want to bring their children (5+) to sessions and who they will directly supervise and belay for. (maximum ratio of 1:2)
    • Enable an adult experienced climber to be responsible for your child whilst climbing unsupervised by Climb Hitchin staff or instructors; or/and
    • Enable your child to be assessed to be an unsupervised registered climber.

    If you are looking to register yourself as an:

    • Adult (over 18 years of age) novice or experienced climber

    Please use the new climber registration form.


    Please be advised that this under 18 climber form, especially as levels of independence for the under 18 year old increases, may require significant time and several individuals to complete as well as sign (the parent/legal guardian, supervising adult and the under 18 year old).

  • Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement (GDPR)

  • Prior to completing this form, please read the Climb Hitchins Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, prior to completing this form.

  • Climbing for under 18s

  • All under 18’s, whether climbing or not, must be closely supervised by a responsible adult at all times when at Climb Hitchin. All children climbing in the centre must be closely supervised at all times by an instructor and/or a registered adult member, unless they have been assessed by the management and registered for unsupervised climbing.


    The minimum age to climb is 5. The minimum age for NICAS is 7. The minimum age to climb unsupervised is 14. Consent for under 18s is given by discretion and may be removed at any time. Consent for unsupervised climbing for under 18s is at the express discretion of Climb Hitchin. 


    Collection: any parent that brings their children to Climb Hitchin for any activities must ensure that they collect them on time. Persistent late collections could be considered neglectful and a pattern developing will be recorded by the Floor instructor. If the child is not picked up within 30 minutes on three occasions without a legitimate reason the Social Services will be called the parent may be charged for the additional costs of looking after their child and the disruption to our services in addition to refusing future services. Charges are £30 per hour.

  • Risk of Climbing - important information for you and your child

  • It is important that you understand this document. There is an inherent risk involved with climbing centres and associated activities. By signing this form, you are stating you understand that these risks cannot be completely removed. If you do not understand any of the terminology or content, ask a member of staff to clarify.

    This should be read in conjunction with the broader terms and conditions above.

  • General Safety

    • Report to an instructor or member of staff on each visit before you climb.
    • You must exercise care, common sense and self-preservation at all times.
    • Report any problems with the walls, equipment or other climbers' behaviour to an instructor or member of staff immediately. This is particularly important with broken or spinning holds.
    • Be aware of the other climbers around you and how your actions will affect them.
    • Do not distract people while they are climbing or belaying.
    • Never stand directly underneath someone who is climbing.
    • If you have children, you must keep them under control and supervise them directly at all times and be close enough to affect or control the child’s behaviour at all times.
    • Please make yourself aware of the location of the fire exits in the building and fire assembly points.
    • You must not use the wall if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other substances that may affect your judgement or ability to keep yourself and others safe.

  • As a user of this climbing wall, you must be aware of and accept the following:

    • Volumes (screwed on sections of the wall forming a variety of different shapes) on the walls are designed to enhance the quality of climbing but you must be aware of and accept that when climbing above them there is an additional risk of falling onto them.
    • Climbing beyond your capabilities on any wall is likely to result in a fall. Any fall may result in an injury despite the safety systems in place. You must make your own assessment of the risks whenever you climb.
    • Participants must understand that climbing while pregnant can increase the risk posed to mother and unborn child.
    • Participants must be aware and accept that climbing holds can spin or break.
    • You must do everything reasonable and practical to avoid endangering yourself or others.
    • You have to be aware of and adhere to the safety rules of Climb Hitchin at all times.
    • Stand back from the climbing walls unless you are belaying or spotting a climber.
    • You take responsibility for adequately maintaining your own equipment.
      Please empty your pockets and remove all visible and hidden jewellery before climbing.

  • Top Rope Climbing

    • Always use a climbing harness to attach yourself to the rope tying the rope directly into the harness using a figure of 8 knot with a stopper (barrel knot), or a bowline knot with a stopper. Clipping in with a carabiner is not allowed.
    • Where top ropes already in place, do not take them down or move them.
    • It is your responsibility to be assured of your climbing partner's ability before they belay you.

  • Lead Climbing

    • Lead climbing also contains inherent risks, which are always present. Any leader fall can result in an injury and you must exercise great caution and preparation before you expose yourself to that risk.
    • Lead belaying requires a higher degree of skill and understanding from top rope belaying and should only be undertaken if you have received training or are competent to do so. If you are unsure do not climb and ask a staff member for available instruction at Climb Hitchin.
    • When using the lead walls, you must supply your own appropriately rated dynamic rope.
    • Quickdraws/runners/clips are provided on walls where leading is allowed. Where bolts are present but do not have quickdraws, please do not use your own. 
    • You must not skip clips and clips must be clipped in order.

  • When Belaying

    • In top roping and leading, the greatest risk is presented by the belayer. Always make sure they are skilled enough to keep you safe; if you are unsure consult an instructor or member of staff.
    • Always abide by best practice when belaying. If you are questioned by an instructor please do not be offended, they are there to help.
    • Always perform a buddy check before you climb.
    • Always use a belay device attached to your climbing harness with a locking carabiner as per manufacturers' guidelines. ‘Traditional’, or ‘body’, belaying is not acceptable.
    • To ensure your partner's safety, pay attention to what the climber is doing.
    • Always stand as close to the climbing wall as is practical. Sitting or lying down is not acceptable.

  • Bouldering

    • Whenever possible climb down, or if this is not possible, use a controlled/planned jump.
    • It is your responsibility to ensure that you can climb down or land safely; don’t climb into a situation that you cannot safely get out of.
    • Soft matting does not remove the risk of injury
    • Never climb directly above or below another climber. 
    • Always take your harness off before bouldering.
    • Top out (climb over the top) in designated areas only, if unsure climb down.
    • Remove anything from pockets that could hurt you when landing.
    • Always be aware of people climbing above and around you.

  • Training Area

    • You use the training equipment at your own risk. Risk includes accidents, falls, injury and even the potential for death
    • If you are unsure how to safely use any item, please ask an instructor or member of staff. 
    • It is open to all registered climbers over 18. 
    • Over 16 year olds must complete an induction with the floor instructor prior to using this equipment.
    • Pleasure sure any equipment is left tidy and safe for other users. Do not drop weights or other equipment and ensure you wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

  • Climb Hitchin’s Duty of Care

  • The conditions of use of the Climb Hitchin are not intended to limit your enjoyment of the facilities; they are part of the duty of care that we, as providers, owe to you, the customer, by law. As such, they are not negotiable and if you are not prepared to abide by them then you may be asked to leave.

  • Your Duty of Care

  • You have a duty of care to act responsibly towards the other users of Climb Hitchin, follow good practice and abide by the conditions of use of Climb Hitchin. Statements of ‘Good Practice’ are posted around the centre adjacent to the relevant facilities. These describe the accepted methods of use of equipment and climbing areas. If you are unclear please ask an instructor.

  • Unsupervised Climbing

  • Before you can use the top ropes or lead walls without supervision Climb Hitchin expects you to be competent in the use of a climbing harness, a suitable knot to attach a rope to the harness and a belay device to secure a falling climber or lower a climber from the wall using a rope. Before you can use the bouldering walls without supervision, you must be aware of safe bouldering practice. You are required to register to say that you know how to top rope, lead or boulder, that you are prepared to abide by the conditions of use of the centre and that you understand the risks involved in your participation. Anyone who is not competent to climb unsupervised must be supervised by a competent person.

  • Supervised Climbing

  • Groups of three or more novices must only be supervised by an instructor holding the relevant valid Mountain Training qualification and insurance or other relevant qualification. All children in the centre must be supervised by an adult unless they have been assessed by the management and registered for unsupervised climbing.

  • Participant Contact Details

    This should be the under 18 year old climber
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  • Parent/Legal Guardian Contact Details

  • Electronic Photography and Communications

  • Conditions of Registration

    Please answer the questions between the parent/legal guardian and the participant you are registering. PLEASE READ ALL QUESTIONS CAREFULLY. Permission for under 18s to climb is a hierarchy. For example, to allow a child to be supervised, they must first be consented to attend an instructed session.

  • Instructor managed under 18 yeas sessions (Private, parties, schools, youth groups and NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme)

  • Climb Hitchin recognises that some groups will require greater support to understand and respond to the risks involved in climbing. Climb Hitchin will provide tailored supervision for those groups as appropriate, as long as it is reasonably practicable. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to convey the risks to their children and to inform Climb Hitchin of any particular support that may be required.


    The aforementioned under 18 years of age participant will only be permitted to climb under the supervision of a Climb Hitchin instructor.

  • Experienced Adult supervised under 18 climbing

    You must have completed a Climb Hitchin new climber registration form as well and ideally passed your rope comptetency test
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  • This section should be completed by the individual named above as the supervising adult.

    As the completer of this form, you will be responsible for them at all times so whilst they may have completed a beginner course and have been deemed to be able to climb without direct instruction by an instructor, they will need to be under your direct supervision at all times. 

    You agree that:

    • I will ensure that any under 18 year old in my care abides by Climb Hitchin’s general terms and conditions of use.
    • I understand that I am responsible for checking the under 18 year old’s harness, knot and/or belay device and helmet before they or the person they are belaying climbs.
    • I understand that there is a risk of objects falling from height (including other climbers and broken/spinning holds) and accept that these may harm under 18 year olds under my supervision who may be unable to recognise the danger and take evasive action.
    • I will not climb while an under 18 year old under my supervision is belaying.
    • I agree to stand by the under 18 year old climber while he/she is belaying, and act as a backup, holding the dead rope at all times.
    • If supervising under 18 year olds, I understand that all the normal rules and conditions of Climb Hitchin apply and I will ensure that I am not distracted whilst belaying, that under 18 year olds are kept well back from the climbing wall, and that no toys, sports equipment or pushchairs or other items obstruct fire paths or are left near or under the climbing wall where climbers might be lowered onto them or they may compromise effective belaying. Failure to comply with the above conditions, put in place for the safety of you, under 18 year olds, and other users of the wall, may result in you being asked to leave the Climb Hitchin.

  • Unsupervised over 14 Climbing

  • Before completing this, and any following sections, we strongly suggest that you review this in detail with your under 18 year old and work through each statement to assure you of their ability to perform the skills and techniques required by the statements. This section should then be completed by the parent / legal guardian. Your under 18 year old will then need to complete a New Climber Registration form once any assessments have been completed.


    Consent: “I have read the above participation statement, Terms and Conditions and Risk of Climbing and give consent for my child to climb at Climb Hitchin. I have ensured that my child understands that the conditions of use and any instructions given by staff must be adhered to at all times. I undertake to inform Climb Hitchin of any changes in my child’s health, and any medical treatment received.”

  • Following successful completion of a 14-18 year old assessment for TOP ROPING, the aforementioned under 18 year old will be permitted to top rope and boulder without the supervision of an Clmb Hitchin instructor or a competent registered adult climber.

  • I can confirm and provide evidence of my child's competence to climb unsupervised through an award such as NICAS level 2 (or above) or other equivalent documented experience (this could include evidence of paid learn to climb sessions at a climbing centre).

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  • Once this form is completed your under 18 year old should also complete a Climb Hitchin New Climber registration form as themselves (ignore the statements on under 18 and complete this as if they were 18). Please use the same name as used in this form.

  • Please Note: Following successful completion of a 14-18 year old assessment for LEAD CLIMBING, the aforementioned under 18 year old participant will be permitted to top rope, lead climb and boulder without the supervision of a Climb Hitchin instructor or a competent registered experienced climber.

  • I can confirm and provide evidence of my child's competence to climb unsupervised through an award such as NICAS level 4 (or above) or other equivalent documented experience (this could include evidence of paid learn to climb sessions at a climbing centre).

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  • Once this form is completed your under 18 year old should also complete a Climb Hitchin New Climber registration form including the sections relating to lead climbing as themselves (ignore the statements on under 18 and complete this as if they were 18). Please use the same name as used in this form.

  • Medical Statement

    This information will be held in the highest confidence and only used in case of an emergency.

  • Confirmation - Parent/Legal guardian

    All our indoor climbing courses may involve bouldering (climbing without ropes and harnesses) to a maximum height of 3 metres. Climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of serious personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own action and involvement. If you are completing this on the behalf of a participant (ie they are under 18 years of age) you acknowledge these risks and the need to be in direct supervision of the participant at all times during a session.

  • Climb Hitchins Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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  • Confirmation - Experienced adult supervising climber

    All our indoor climbing courses may involve bouldering (climbing without ropes and harnesses) to a maximum height of 3 metres. Climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of serious personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own action and involvement. If you are completing this on the behalf of a participant (ie they are under 18 years of age) you acknowledge these risks and the need to be in direct supervision of the participant at all times during a session.

  • Climb Hitchins Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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  • The climbing wall environment

    Participants at a climbing wall under instruction will experience the following:

    • A range of different noises varying in pitch and volume;
    • The requirement to wear and put on personal protective equipment (Helmet and harness). This may require the assistance of instructors to put these on;
    • The requirement to wear tight-fitting climbing shoes (when being coached and by personal choice - NICAS Level 2 and above) and may require the assistance of instructors to put these on;
    • Participate in physical exercise beyond climbing including a warm-up;
    • To be able to respond to instructions, questions and commands given by their instructor;
    • To be able to respond to questions and act on advice given by coaches (NICAS Level 2 and above); and
    • Be faced with challenges at which they may fail such as tying knots or climbing.

  • Confirmation - under 18 year old participant

    All our indoor climbing courses may involve bouldering (climbing without ropes and harnesses) to a maximum height of 3 metres. Climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of serious personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own action and involvement. If you are completing this on the behalf of a participant (ie they are under 18 years of age) you acknowledge these risks and the need to be in direct supervision of the participant at all times during a session.

  • Climb Hitchins Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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