This paper examines current standards and procedures used in rope and climbing courses and offers alternatives to standard practices. The techniques and issues covered include belay techniques, belay signals, and the use of the initiative wall. Current techniques are often not the most efficient or even the safest, but they have stood the "test of time." Departing from standard techniques opens the door for increased safety and liability risks in addition to the criticism of peers. For example, the current method of teaching belaying, a method for securing a hold during climbing, is one that has evolved over the years from the hip belay. Though effective, hip belaying is an exacting technique that offers little room for error. As a result, few climbers or programs use a hip belay. A simpler method of belaying is described and diagramed that is especially suited for nonskilled groups. Standard belay signals can be confusing to learn, especially for non-skill-oriented groups. Traditional signals are listed with simpler alternatives. Other suggestions include an alternative backup knot for the figure 8 knot and a miniature hacksaw for rope cutting. Finally, this paper suggests that using a belay on the initiative wall is a much safer practice than the traditional technique of using only spotters. (LP)