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SAFETY
Newburyport, MA

MetroRock's foremost priority is to provide a safe environment for climbing center users and staff. We will not compromise on safety issues. It is our view that safety is best served by providing access to high-quality, patient instruction. We also strongly emphasize personal responsibility and require that each participant sign a waiver acknowledging that personal responsibility and releasing MetroRock from liability. We take lead belaying and lead climbing very seriously, and we continually institute policies to ensure safety in this area.

Personal Responsibility. Participants are informed that rock climbing - and lead climbing in particular - does involve risk and that all climbers and belayers must be willing to take personal responsibility for their own safety as well as that of their partner.

Outlined below are climbing and general policies adhered to at MetroRock. It is your responsibility to be informed about these policies, which may change from time to time.

Climbing Policies:

  • In order to provide a visual safety verification all roped climbers and belayers must display their membership badge or day pass while climbing.
  • No one under the age of 14 is allowed to belay unless permission is granted by MetroRock management.
  • All belayers and climbers must pass a belay test administered by MetroRock staff.
  • Boulderers are NOT permitted to "Topout" on boulders unless so stated on problem placards.
  • Climbers must tie in using the rewoven figure eight knot with a double fishermans backup knot.
  • In addition to the belay test, all lead climbers and belayers of lead climbers must pass a lead test administered by MetroRock staff.
  • Belayers must belay from their harness and not from a fixed anchor point.
  • Lead climbers must provide their own UIAA approved rope (minimum 9.5mm) and the rope must pass an inspection by MetroRock staff.
  • Allowable belay devices include “tuber type” devices and Gri-Gri’s.
  • No sitting or lying down while belaying.
  • No loose chalk.
  • Route setting shall be performed only by those authorized by MetroRock.

General Policies:

  • All customers MUST check in at the front desk.
  • All customers must sign a Waiver and Release of Claims Agreement. Minors 18 years or younger must have their waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while at MetroRock.
  • No drugs or alcohol are allowed in MetroRock.
  • MetroRock staff have the right to revoke climbing privileges either temporarily or permanently for unsafe or inappropriate behavior.
  • Memberships are non-transferable.
  • MetroRock is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property while in or on the premises, parking lots or other areas within the vicinity of MetroRock.
  • No hard sole shoes are allowed on the padded carpet.
  • Please pickup after yourself. Help to keep the MetroRock clean for yourself and others.
No smoking is allowed in the gym.