Let’s start with a simple statement: climbing is for everyone. No matter our gender (in any guise), race, sexuality, age, level of physical or mental ability or any other distinction, we can all experience and enjoy climbing in a way that suits us. We all start at the bottom and climb in our own way.

A Welcoming Environment

I’ll be honest, you’ll do well to offend me. Prowess sessions are designed to be safe spaces where everyone should feel free to behave in a way they feel comfortable. Please feel free to use whatever language you choose (I have no aversion to swearing, for example, when frustrated, emotional or during a try-hard moment) although please be aware that while a session may be private, that the space around us is not and we do need to be mindful of those around us.

Many people view aspects of themselves including their gender, race, sexuality or other parts of themselves as important to their sense of self. If this applies to you, please feel that you can highlight any aspect of yourself without judgement. In short, if you wish to highlight anything, please feel free. If you don’t, I won’t either.

Occasionally, I may use people as examples for other clients, in order to demonstrate representation or to highlight a particular principle. For example, I may tell coaches on a coach education course of the experiences of someone with a physical disability in order to further educate. In these instances, I will ensure I ask permission beforehand and anonymity will be maintained throughout.

Prowess coaching sessions are entirely student led. This means that every session is tailored to the individual in question. This approach lends itself very nicely to a fully egalitarian approach, where each person is taken as the individual they are. Courses are slightly different, often requiring working to a syllabus, but the principle remains the same: each individual is treated exactly as that, a unique individual.

An Equal Approach to Climbing Disciplines

Climbing comes in many forms. While the majority of Prowess sessions are conducted indoors, there are a wealth of outdoor variants to climbing that are open to us should we wish to take them.

However, historically, there has existed a strict hierarchy on which of these climbing disciplines hold value. In the past, many have viewed ‘trad climbing’ as not only the ultimate end goal but the only end goal that we should hold.

As Prowess, I do not subscribe to this approach.

Likewise, again historically, climbing outdoors has been seen to hold more value than climbing indoors. Originally, ‘indoor climbing’ was seen as a wet-weather alternative to outdoor climbing and it would be tantamount to sacrilege to climb indoors when there was an opportunity to climb outside on rock.

Again, at Prowess, I do not subscribe to this approach. 

All disciplines and environments to climb are treated equally. Whether you are an outdoor trad climber or an indoor boulderer, all climbers will be treated as individuals with their own unique goals and views.

Many have a particular passion for their chosen form of climbing and this is fantastic, I want to encourage people to share their enthusiasm. Likewise, I want to ensure that – even though Prowess does not offer coaching directly for most forms of climbing – everyone knows the options available to them; often done through referral to known experts.

However, when on a Prowess session or course, it is assumed that all attending are also open to allowing everyone to find their own way and their own passions; even if these differ from our own.

Reasonable Adjustments

One phrase you may know of is ‘reasonable adjustments’ which is defined by Mountain Training as “[ensuring] candidates have unimpeded access and equal opportunities to attend” and while this is particularly relevant to Prowess through both Mountain Training and BMC couses, as well as other coach education courses, it is also something I take very seriously with private coaching as well. However there are some details.

While every effort will be made to ensure reasonable adjustments for those who need, it may only be possible if these requirements are known in advance. If you, or anyone on the course/session need reasonable adjustments to be made, the onus is on you to inform me as early as possible; preferably at the time of booking. Prowess cannot be held responsible for not making any reasonable adjustments at the last minute. Let me know early and hopefully, we can find a way to make everything work.

There is also ambiguity over the word ‘reasonable’ and I would like to stress that ‘reasonable’ is a two-way transaction. Any adjustments need to work for the client in question but also for both Prowess and for others attending a course/session. A phrase I’ve used with one climber requiring specific adjustments – a incredibly understanding and accommodating blind climber with a great sense of humour – was “I’ll make all the adjustments I can but I’m not giving you the keys to my Ferrari!” While this is clearly a tongue-in-cheek reference to the film Scent of a Woman it does carry a serious message: climbing is a physical and potentially dangerous activity and sometimes, it is not possible to adjust enough that anyone may participate.

Again, if you require reasonable adjustments in any way, please do contact Prowess at the point of booking and we will strive to find a way.

Consequences

It is highly unlikely that we will have a clash in attitudes during a session or a course.

However, should someone say something that could be seen as offensive, no matter who they are, that person should be prepared to be challenged. On a Prowess session or course, an offensive comment is defined by the person receiving, not by the person making the comment or by a third party ‘being offended on behalf of someone else’ meaning the context at the time is key.

These topics can be complex and it can be difficult to articulate exactly how we feel and they will be given the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, a ‘safe space’ should not be interpreted as a platform to spread offensive comments or hatred.

Prowess cannot be held responsible for the behaviour of everyone attending a session or course. However, should someone say something that causes friction, I will act as an intermediary to attempt to resolve and diffuse the situation.

In extreme circumstances, I reserve the right to evict anyone on a session or course whose behaviour is not conducive to an inclusive environment. This is very much a last resort and will be done following a warning and a written explanation will be provided afterwards. In this event, no refunds will be issued.

XKCD “Free Speech” webcomic. Obtained from https://xkcd.com/1357/

Should I Have a Problem

While I certainly hope that it never comes to this – and at time of writing, there have been no issues – if there are any communications issues, a ‘caution’ will be issued. This should not be considered a particularly serious instance, more an indication of the line being crossed, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Should there be a repeat, a ‘warning’ will be issued. This is more serious and should be carefully heeded.

A third instance will result in termination of Prowess sessions. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, a ban from future sessions may be issued.

It may be the case that there are deeper issues at hand and it may be that we are able to resolve issues with a third party/mediator. In which case, someone will be provided. In the case of under-18s, a counsellor/therapist may be offered.

In extreme situations, Prowess reserves the right to take legal action.

Should You Have a Concern

Prowess is the smallest of small organisations; there is one member of staff. As such, raising concerns could be either very straightforward or remarkably difficult.

Nevertheless, if you have any concerns, your first port of call should be to contact [email protected] with an explanation of your issue. Any issue will be considered fully.

If you do not feel that this is appropriate, Prowess works in partnership with the BMC and you can direct your concerns there. You contact is the BMC Safeguarding Manager, Helen Murphy whose email is [email protected] and whose phone number is 0161 438 3305. More information can be found on the BMC website here.