Accreditation for Indoor Climbing Facilities.

To ensure that the rapidly growing climbing gym industry maintains the excellent safety record established so far, the Climbing Gym Association (CGA) has developed the Peer Review and Accreditation Program, a process of review between qualified and experienced CGA reviewers and a climbing facility operator to assess the facility's risk management and operational practices. The CGA has published a list of accepted industry practices (AIP's), which have been approved by the membership and are continually updated. Standards will be further developed by the Peer Review and Accreditation Program. This paper presents observations on procedures and practices drawn from the accreditation manual: control of access; climber testing; monitoring by staff; staffing; management systems; insurance; equipment and maintenance; walls, anchors, and landing surfaces; operations manual; program activities and safety; emergency procedures; and outdoor programs. In discussing staffing concerns, it is noted that a strong tradition of mentoring and apprenticeship, coupled with very low turnover, is an important factor in the exemplary safety record established by U.S. climbing schools and guide services. University climbing programs are also challenged by the dual goals of providing adventure recreation and education with maximum safety and developing leadership skills amongst student staff. The CGA is a useful organization for university climbing programs to join because the process of an accreditation review and the maintenance of an accredited status help maintain continuity of staff professionalism and risk management practices. (Includes the Climbing Gym Association's mission statement and eight accepted industry practices.) (TD)