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Joining The ABC

What is the ABC?
The ABC is a non-profit making trade association. It was set up in October 1997 to represent the interests of organisations which operate climbing walls.

Like any trade association the fundamental aim of the ABC is to further the interests of its members. The greater our membership is, the louder the voice of the Association and our ability to effect positive changes in the industry we all operate in. The ABC is not protectionist. The more climbing wall operators who participate the better it is for all.

Who are the Members?
The ABC, first started meeting in 1994 when Undercover Rock, Bristol; The Foundry, Sheffield; Rope Race, Marple and The Rock Face, Birmingham formally met for the first time to discuss the benefits of forming such an organisation.

The current membership of the Association is around 46 members'. Their ownership is varied and includes; private businesses; local authorities; non-profit making companies and registered charities.

Membership Types
There are three different types of membership available:

Aspirant Membership for organizations and individuals who currently operate or are planning to operate a climbing wall. This is the first step to full membership and allows you access to the organizations guidelines etc

Full Membership are aspirant members who have made a commitment that they operating their walls in accordance with the 'ABC Guidelines'

Trade Membership for organizations and individuals who are involved in the climbing wall industry (but do not operate or plan to operate a climbing wall themselves) and wish to share information with the ABC

Only full members of the association can vote at general meetings, become officers of the association and sit on sub-committees elected to deal with specific issues.

How to become a Member
Membership applications can be made by using the appropriate form which can be download from this website. Alternatively you can contact the secretary of the association. Initially you can apply for aspirant or trade membership at a cost of £200. You must become an aspirant member before applying for full membership.

Aspirant Membership

This is the first level of membership for organisations and individuals who are operating or plan to operate a climbing wall.

On application you will receive:

• An uncontrolled copy of "Guidelines for the Management and Use of Artificial Climbing Wall Structures" (i.e. you will not be sent revisions automatically).
• A copy of the self-audit document to help you interpret the guidlines.
• Notice and minutes of all general meetings of the association.
• The right to attend all general meetings. (You will not have the right to vote or to be nominated as an officer of the association, although you may be asked to attend sub-committee meetings in an advisory capacity).
• Access to officers of the association for interpretation of the 'Guidelines'.
• Access to full members of the association to consult on the application of the ‘Guidelines’ to your organisation.
• An application form and the right to apply for full membership or trade membership of the association.
• Access to the members section of the website including the members forum and document downloads.

Once you become an aspirant member you should audit your management and safety procedures so that you operate inline with the guidelines. Once you have done this you can apply for full membership.

Aspirant membership lasts a maximum of one year from application for organisations that are already operating a climbing wall. For organisations that become aspirant members before they are operating a climbing wall the aspirant membership lasts up to one year from their date of opening. After this time their membership will lapse.

Aspirant members may apply for full membership at any time providing they are open.

Download Aspirant Membership Application Form

Full Membership

Aspirant Members who already operate a climbing wall can apply for full membership at any time during their period of aspirant membership once they are happy they operate their climbing wall in accordance with the ABC Guidlines. The application commits their organisation to continue to operate their climbing wall in accordance with the ABC 'Guidelines'.

Full Members will receive:

• A controlled copy of "Guidelines for the Management and Use of Artificial Climbing Wall Structures" (i.e. they will automatically receive any revisions).
• Notice and minutes of all general meetings of the association.
• The right to vote at all general meetings.
• The right to be nominated as an officer of the association and sit on sub-committees.
• The right to display an ABC membership certificate at their climbing walls and use the ABC logo on their company's documentation.
• Benefit from any trade discounts arranged for members.
• Access to the members section of the website.

Full membership lasts as long as the annual subscriptions are renewed.

Full membership costs £200 per year. Full membership application forms are available as a download from the members section of the web site or direct from the ABC membership secretary

Trade Membership

Aspirant members who do not operate a climbing wall but have direct links with the climibng wall industry e.g. technical advisors or climbing wall manufacturers can apply for trade membership. They should do this by completing an application form and by paying the annual subscription of £200. The application commits their organisation to promoting the ABC 'Guidelines' and ABC membership in the industry.

Trade Members will receive:

• A controlled copy of "Guidelines for the Management and Use of Artificial Climbing Wall Structures" (i.e. they will automatically receive any revisions).
• Notice and minutes of all general meetings of the association.
• The right to attend all general meetings. (They will not have the right to vote or to be nominated as officers of the association, although they may be asked to attend sub-committee meetings in an advisory capacity).
• The right to use the ABC logo (clearly identifying trade not full membership) on their company’s documentation.
• Benefit from any trade discounts arranged for members.
• Access to the members section of the website.

Trade Membership lasts as long as the annual subscriptions are renewed.

Trade membership application forms are available from the ABC membership secretary.

The Next Step

If you wish to find out more about the ABC and gain the benefits of membership then fill in the application for aspirant membership form provided and return it with the fee of £200 to:

The Secretary, The Association of British Climbing Walls

For other enquires not related to membership issues please contact:

The Chairman, The Association of British Climbing Walls

BMC Participation Statement
The BMC recognises that climbing & mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own involvement.