Rules and Etiquette

Learn it

Team practice rules. Read them out, and give the reason with each one rather than the rule alone.

1. Walk, don't run. So nobody gets run into.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Look up. Never stand underneath another climber or in a fall zone.
3. Keep your hands to yourself. No touching, pushing, grabbing or climbing on other people.
4. Use your inside voices. Don't shout across the gym. Use a voice that lets you and your teammates hear your coaches.
5. Listen to your coaches. They are here to make you a better climber. When a coach gives an instruction, pay attention.
6. Be respectful and be a great teammate. Have fun, encourage each other, and help make Sportrock a place everyone wants to climb.

Then the part that is not a rule: we are not the only people climbing today. Members are paying to be here alongside us.

Explain the strike system in the same breath, so the consequence is known before it is used.

Apply it

Walk the gym and ask them to call it. Point at a fall zone, a busy walkway, somebody's rope, and ask which rule applies and why.

Demonstrate understanding

• They can give you three rules back without the list in front of them.
• They correct each other before a coach has to.
• They move around a climber rather than under one.

If the concept isn't sticking

Same rule broken repeatedly. Name the rule rather than the child, and use the strike system as written rather than improvising a new consequence.

They behave while you watch and stop when you turn. Give the group responsibility for the rule rather than policing it yourself.