Setting The Norm: Exploring The Lack Of Standardization In The Management Of Route Setting Teams In The Climbing Wall Industry

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Andrew Carter Smith (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Advisor
Erik Rabinowitz

Abstract: This Honors Project is intended to highlight certain institutional weaknesses within the climbing gym industry as a whole and to spark a dialogue therein. Specifically, it is meant to highlight the need for standardization within the management of a route setting team in order to help the industry to become more standardized--especially in safety practices. In addition to this philosophical perspective aimed at igniting a dialogue in the climbing wall industry, a survey was conducted in order to identify and to highlight certain necessary standards (staff training practices, such as having a manual, for example) and to analyze if there is ideal number of setters for climbing walls of different sizes. Lastly, this project contains resources (such as a glossary of setting-specific terms), gives concrete examples of sections of a hypothetical staff manual, and shows other examples of standardizing practices that could be tailored by a manager or even implemented as is.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Smith, A. (2018). "Setting The Norm: Exploring The Lack Of Standardization In The Management Of Route Setting Teams In The Climbing Wall Industry." Unpublished Honors Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
Climbing, bouldering, route setting, recreation, climbing gym management

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