Climbing Gym Industry Standards vs. Practices
The Climbing Wall Association publishes industry practices, not industry standards. What’s the difference? A practice is a process or procedure that is commonly used or suggested. A standard is something against which one measures something to see if it conforms to the standard. A belay test is common in the industry; how to conduct that belay test is not. A practice suggests methodology while a standard prescribes it. Find out more from my website: www.climbingwalladvisors.com
Read MoreClimbing Wall Association Annual Summit 2013
The 2013 Climbing Wall Association Summit wrapped up on Saturday June 1st. It was a mix of new faces and many that have been around for more than a decade. The lead conference “plenary” session was a panel discussion regarding onboarding new climbers, which produced a spectrum of approaches. The insurance broker is considering requiring a new “form” that the customer must sign. I remain convinced that check boxes and customer signatures are not a substitute for good management systems and believe that they may even work against an operator in the event of a claim from an accident. Attorney Reb Gregg, who was also on the panel, agreed “the less moving parts the better!” Subscribe to my newsletter and I will provide you with...
Read MoreClimb Well Operations and Employee Manual
The Climb Well Operations and Employee Manual is now available for purchase. In this manual I have attempted to incorporate the many lessons I have learned in customer service and risk management over a 22-year tenure in the sport climbing industry. My goal is to help simplify and codify the management practices that will help your gym business thrive. It includes both customer service and risk management practices in a form that allows you to customize the manual for your operation. I provide extensive coaching sections in the guide to the manual to help you in deciding upon your specific practices. Visit the Products page for more...
Read MoreCWA Summit Panel Discussion on Mitigating Risk
There will be a panel discussion at the Climbing Wall Association Summit regarding “Mitigating Risk: A Review of Accidents, On boarding New Climbers, Minimizing Claims, Losses and Lawsuits.” The panel discussion will include gym operators, attorneys and myself in what I think will be a lively discussion about risk management. There have been a several complaints filed by injured customers that have resulted in insurance claims in the past two years. This has captured the attention of industry insurance carriers. There is a movement to require the completion of orientation documents for all customers. This is a contested issue in that it may not address the management issues underlying the risk management problems in the industry. Join us for this panel discussion and make your thoughts known on this critical...
Read MoreClimbing Wall Association Annual Summit Workshop May 30th
The Climbing Wall Association Annual Summit kicks off on May 31st and I will presenting a preconference workshop May 30th on Business Plan Development for climbing gyms (with the intent to raise money). The morning session will be focused on creating plans for a new climbing gym business while the afternoon will be spent discussing strategies for expanding an existing gym operation into new locations. Visit the CWA website for more information.
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