Supervision Expectations

Understanding your responsibilities, and when gym supervision is enough.

Reading time: 5 min•Updated: 2026

Who is responsible

Unless your child is in a supervised class, you are responsible for them at the gym. Gyms set their own minimum ages for unsupervised climbing and for whether a child can be left in a session - always check the specific gym’s policy.

Direct supervision

  • Younger children generally need an adult watching them at all times
  • Being "in the building" is not the same as supervising - stay where you can see them
  • Know which areas your child is allowed in and which need an adult

Belaying and who is qualified

  • Rope climbing needs a competent belayer who has passed the gym’s belay check
  • Children should not belay an adult or each other unless the gym explicitly allows it and they are assessed
  • Auto-belays are simpler but still need an induction and supervision for young kids

In coached classes

In a class, the coach supervises the climbing, but stay reachable and aware. A good program tells you their ratios and where you should be during sessions.

Bouldering specifically

  • Keep the matted fall zone clear - no sitting, bags, or other children underneath a climber
  • Teach kids to look before they jump or down-climb
  • Falls onto another person cause many gym injuries - space matters