Salmo Climbing Society (SCS)

Code of Conduct & Youth Safety Policy

Effective Date: Jan 1, 2026
Approved By: SCS Board

Purpose

This Code of Conduct & Youth Safety Policy establishes clear expectations for behaviour, supervision, and safety at Salmo Climbing Society (SCS). It is intended to promote a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants, with particular care given to youth and other vulnerable participants.

This policy operates alongside the SCS Participant Waiver and the SCS Policies & Procedures Manual. It does not replace or limit the legal effect of the waiver.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All participants and members

• Volunteers and staff

• Board members

• Coaches, instructors, and facilitators

• Visitors and spectators where applicable

Compliance with this policy is a condition of participation, membership, employment, or volunteering with SCS.

2. Core Values

Salmo Climbing Society is committed to:

• Physical and emotional safety

• Respect, inclusion, and dignity for all individuals

• Community responsibility and shared accountability

• Clear and appropriate boundaries between participants, volunteers, and staff

3. General Code of Conduct

All individuals in the facility are expected to:

• Treat others with respect and courtesy

• Follow posted rules, volunteer instructions, and safety guidelines

• Use equipment only as intended

• Refrain from aggressive, unsafe, or reckless behaviour

• Avoid harassment, discrimination, or bullying of any kind

Compliance with Gym Rules

All participants are expected to follow posted gym rules and instructions from volunteers. Posted gym rules are considered an extension of this Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in removal from the facility or suspension of access.

Situational Awareness

Participants must remain aware of their surroundings at all times, including fall zones and active climbing areas. Standing, walking, or sitting beneath climbers, or engaging in behaviour that places others at risk, is not permitted.

SCS reserves the right to remove any individual from the facility whose behaviour compromises safety or community wellbeing.

4. Youth Safety Principles

SCS is committed to creating an environment that minimizes risk and promotes appropriate interactions between adults and minors.

The following principles apply at all times:

• Safety is a shared responsibility

• Clear professional and personal boundaries must be maintained

• Transparency and visibility are essential

5. Supervision Standards for Minors

Salmo Climbing Society follows posted age and supervision requirements at all times.

• Participants 16 years of age and older may climb unsupervised (waiver required).

• Participants 19 years of age and under must have a parent or legal guardian sign their waiver.

• Children under 16 must be actively supervised by a responsible adult at all times while in the climbing space.

Active supervision means:

• The supervising adult remains inside the climbing area.

• The supervising adult maintains visual awareness and responsibility.

• The supervising adult is not distracted or engaged in unrelated activities.

Additional supervision requirements:

• Ages 3–5: Must remain within arm’s reach on the mats and have 1:1 supervision from someone 16+.

• Ages 6–15: Must have active supervision from someone 16+ inside the climbing space.

Parents and guardians remain legally responsible for minors unless the minor is enrolled in a designated SCS program that explicitly states supervised instruction is provided.

Supervision Acknowledgement

By signing this document, I understand that children under 16 must be actively supervised at all times while in the climbing space, and I accept full responsibility for the supervision and behaviour of any minor in my care.

6. Boundaries & Appropriate Interaction

The following expectations apply to all volunteers, staff, and instructors:

• No isolated one-to-one interactions with minors in closed or hidden spaces

• Interactions with minors must occur in open, observable areas whenever possible

• Physical contact must be limited to what is necessary for safety or instruction and must remain appropriate and professional

• Personal communication with minors outside of SCS activities (e.g., texting, social media, private messaging) is discouraged and should be avoided unless explicitly approved by SCS leadership

7. Changing Areas & Washrooms

• Volunteers and staff should not enter washrooms or changing areas occupied by minors unless there is an immediate safety concern

• When assistance is required, another adult should be present whenever possible

8. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

• Any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

• Inappropriate touching or sexualized behaviour

• Verbal harassment, intimidation, or humiliation

• Providing alcohol, drugs, or prohibited substances to minors

• Retaliation against any individual who raises a safety concern

9. Reporting Concerns

All staff, volunteers, participants, and members are encouraged to report:

• Unsafe behaviour

• Boundary violations

• Injuries or near misses

• Any conduct that causes discomfort or concern

Reports may be made to:

• An on-duty volunteer or staff member

• A designated SCS board representative

Concerns will be taken seriously and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.

10. Response to Incidents

SCS may take actions including:

• Verbal warnings

• Removal from the facility

• Suspension or termination of volunteer involvement

• Notification of parents or guardians

• Contacting external authorities where legally required

11. Non-Retaliation

SCS strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, raises a concern or reports unsafe or inappropriate behaviour.

12. Review & Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the SCS Board to ensure it remains appropriate, practical, and aligned with community standards, insurance requirements, and operational realities.

Acknowledgement & Agreement

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the Salmo Climbing Society Code of Conduct & Youth Safety Policy.

I understand that failure to comply with this policy may result in removal from the facility, suspension or termination of membership or volunteer involvement, or other actions as deemed appropriate by SCS.

Full Name: {name}
Date of Birth: {dob}

Signature:
Date Signed: {sign_date}

End of Document

SALMO CLIMBING SOCIETY

PARTICIPANT WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT

Participant Name: {name}
Date of Birth: {dob}
Address: {address}
Phone: {phone}

1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I understand and acknowledge that indoor rock climbing and bouldering are inherently dangerous activities. These activities involve risks that may result in serious personal injury, permanent disability, paralysis, or death.

These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Falls from height

• Improper landings

• Collisions with walls, climbing holds, flooring, or other participants

• Equipment failure or misuse

• Overexertion and fatigue

• The acts or omissions of other participants, staff, or volunteers

I voluntarily choose to participate in climbing activities at the Salmo Climbing Society (“SCS”) facility with full knowledge and acceptance of these inherent risks.

2. RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

In consideration for being permitted to participate in activities at the Salmo Climbing Society climbing facility, I hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Salmo Climbing Society, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, instructors, contractors, sponsors, partners, and the facility owner and operator, including the Salmo Valley Youth and Community Centre, from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to participation in climbing activities, including claims arising from negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of British Columbia.

3. INDEMNIFICATION

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Salmo Climbing Society and the parties listed above from any loss, liability, damage, or cost (including legal fees) arising from participation in climbing activities or from failure to follow facility rules, instructions, or safety guidelines.

4. SUPERVISION MODEL & RESPONSIBILITY

I understand that Salmo Climbing Society operates a community-based climbing facility that may be staffed by trained staff and/or trained volunteers.

I acknowledge that:

• Supervision does not eliminate inherent risks

• Participants are responsible for climbing within their abilities and comfort level

• Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising minors unless enrolled in a designated supervised program

5. MEDICAL FITNESS

I confirm that the participant is physically and medically fit to participate in climbing activities. Salmo Climbing Society does not assess individual fitness to climb and does not provide medical advice.

Participation will stop immediately if the participant feels injured, unwell, fatigued, or unsafe.

6. RULES, CONDUCT & REMOVAL

I agree that the participant will follow all posted rules, verbal instructions, and safety guidelines provided by Salmo Climbing Society staff or volunteers.

Unsafe, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the facility without refund.

ADDITIONAL TERMS FOR PARTICIPANTS UNDER THE AGE OF MAJORITY

If the participant is under the age of majority in the Province of British Columbia, I confirm that I am the participant’s parent or legal guardian and have full authority to sign this agreement on their behalf.

I acknowledge that:

• Indoor climbing involves inherent risks, including falls and impact injuries

• Salmo Climbing Society does not provide one-to-one supervision unless explicitly stated in a specific program

• I cannot waive the minor’s legal rights

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought:

• by the minor

• on behalf of the minor

• by me relating to the minor’s participation

• by third parties arising from the minor’s actions

Salmo Climbing Society reserves the right to require additional parental or guardian consent for participants who have not reached the age of majority prior to participation.

7. PHOTO / VIDEO CONSENT (OPTIONAL)

I DO NOT consent to photo/video use for non-commercial promotional purposes.

8. GOVERNING LAW & SEVERABILITY

This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia.

If any portion of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall continue in full force and effect.

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & SIGNATURE

I confirm that I have read and understood this agreement, that I am signing voluntarily, and that I understand I am giving up certain legal rights.

If the participant is under the age of majority in British Columbia, I confirm that I am the participant’s parent or legal guardian and have authority to sign this agreement.

Signature:
Date: {sign_date}