Resource library
Resources
One place for the documents, forms, and links athletes, families, coaches, and new schools need. Coach compliance records are handled privately by the league and are not published here.
Starting a team
Six steps to a climbing team.
A team needs permission from the school, at least one coach, and at least one student leader. The league recommends recruiting and keeping at least ten student athletes.
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Establish a coach and student leader
Coaches must be 18 or older and not currently attending high school. A faculty member is preferred, but a parent or community member can coach if school policy allows. Climbing experience is encouraged, not required.
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Meet with school administration
Discuss what level of school involvement fits: unofficial club, official club, or team. Each has different requirements and paperwork.
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Schedule your three dates
Pick dates for the school meeting, the free climbing day, and the first practice. The league Director or your regional coordinator helps line these up with a host facility.
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Hold a meeting at school
Introduce the coach and student leader, cover the practice schedule, memberships and fees, the WHSCL mission, and team goals. Promote the free day and first practice, and encourage students to bring friends.
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Run a free climbing day
WHSCL gyms offer a two-hour free climbing day, rental gear included, for anyone from your school. Hold it at the same day, time, and location as your intended practice slot, one week before the first practice. All participants need a visitor agreement on file.
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Hold the first practice
Handle orientations and membership sign-ups, run name games, set the tone for the season, and teach a short intro to routes, grades, route reading, holds, and gym etiquette.
First six weeks
A practice progression that works.
The league’s recommended ramp-up for a brand-new team.
- Week 1 — Free day
- One week before the first practice, at the normal practice day and time. A good moment for the coach to meet interested students.
- Week 2 — First practice
- Orientations, membership sign-ups, name games, season expectations, and a short intro to climbing.
- Week 3 — Second practice
- Knot tying and belaying class. Requires a Climbing Wall Instructor, or a coach holding a current Climbing Wall Instructor certification.
- Week 4 — Third practice
- Review belaying and knot tying; belay checks for athletes who are ready.
- Week 5 — Fourth practice
- Belay checks continue, plus a technique and movement class.
- Week 6 — Fifth practice
- Bouldering class.
Contact the League Director or your regional coordinator to schedule Climbing Wall Instructors or to hold a practice at another gym.