Competition climbing rules. In lead, climbers use safety ropes and clip the rope .

Competition climbing rules In the Paris 2024 Olympics, the sport climbing competition has been divided into two separate events for each gender, diverging from the combined format seen at Tokyo 2020, where all three events were combined. The document outlines the competition rules for climbing events governed by the IFSC, focusing on fairness and safety in the sport. We break down the points system in this guide. The competition rules are relatively simple, but as many situations are subjective and technical officials are human, some decisions will cause debate and discussion. Each country has its own rules and policies for selecting its national team members. Apr 1, 2024 · This guide breaks down the official competition format for Olympic sport climbing's speed event and bouldering and lead combined event. Typically each country will have a competition season. Nov 25, 2025 · The ITCC Committees maintain an official set of rules and scoring procedures for ISA tree climbing competitions as well as equipment specifications and other requirements. The IFSC intends to Sep 27, 2024 · 1. However, there are types of speed climbing that take place This Rulebook is the result of proposals, review, and feedback from the USA Climbing Board of Directors, the CEO and USA Climbing Staff, the Rules Committee, and numerous additional USA Climbing stakeholders, including members of various committees, task forces, and working groups, as well as the National, Divisional, and Regional Coordinator community. Nov 27, 2025 · Comprehensive overview of official Rock Climbing rules and regulations. Refer to the USA Climbing Rulebook for rules related to Region assignment and event participation. Bounder Competition Event Format Separate divisions for both men and women Competition will follow the “redpoint” format: This type of competition provides many different climbing routes. I also recap the news over the last couple of weeks and share my favourite media. It includes detailed sections on the competition area, technical and personal equipment, roles of technical officials, and the procedures for attempts, including their start and end conditions. Oct 15, 2021 · This Rulebook is the result of proposals, review, and feedback from the USA Climbing Board of Directors, the CEO and USA Climbing Staff, the Rules Committee, and numerous additional USA Climbing stakeholders, including members of various committees, task forces, and working groups, as well as the National, Divisional, and Regional Coordinator community. But how exactly do rock climbing competitions work? In this article, we’ll dive into the A comprehensive subreddit for all things competitive climbing. Jul 29, 2022 · Perplexed by the IFSC's scoring system for World Cup climbing competitions? Here's how to decrypt Boulder, Lead, and Speed stats. Learn game standards, common violations, and important guidelines for players. Aug 5, 2024 · Competition Format The speed-climbing route is standardized, meaning climbers around the world train and compete on exactly the same route. All competitors will compete in gender neutral divisions ranging from Beginner to Advanced. Oct 24, 2025 · The definitive guide to competition bouldering setting. 1. A spotter, or anyone else, touches the climber during the attempt Watch a Quick Video on Bouldering Competition Rules This video by the Ontario Climbing Federation provides an excellent overview of common competition rules. Sport climbing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games and quickly captured the attention of fans worldwide. [1] Speed climbing is done on rocks, walls and poles and is only recommended for highly skilled and experienced climbers. Learn how champions will be crowned in sport climbing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The world of competitive climbing is more dynamic and fast-paced than ever. 7. Know the various rules and techniques of Rock Climbing, how Rock Climbing is played in different regions of the world along with some quick interesting facts about Rock Climbing The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is the international governing body for the sport of competition climbing, which consists of the disciplines lead climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing. Mar 30, 2025 · The scoring of top-rope attempts for para climbing follows the IFSC Competition Rules, other than in respect of the determination of successful attempt since the final anchor on the route is pre-clipped. , either between Rock Climbing Rules General Rules A competitor must be established on the start and finish to be awarded full value. These new rules include alterations to the number of semi-final and final spots, modifications to running orders, and a new scoring system. This is how scoring works. Climbing World Cup means any World Cup competition open to competitors in the Open Sport Class only; Competition Area means that part of the event venue allocated for sporting activities forming part of a competition, including: Sep 2, 2020 · This Rulebook is the result of proposals, review, and feedback from the USA Climbing Board of Directors, the CEO and USA Climbing Staff, the Rules Committee, and numerous additional USA Climbing stakeholders, including members of the Competition Task Force, the Realignment Task Force, the Routesetting Committee, the Coaching Committee, the Collegiate Committee, the Athletes’ Advisory Sep 25, 2023 · Notwithstanding other rules within this Rulebook, the USA Climbing CEO, in consultation with the Event Organizer and Jury President of the affected competition, has the authority and discretion (“CEO Discretion”) to cancel competitions, modify competition formats, or advance a category or categories of competitors (e. . , either between Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing. The Sports & Technical Commissions shall be responsible to make recommendations for the establishment, implementation, control, and review of all sporting and technical aspects related to Climbing including but not limited to competition sport equipment, judging, routesetting Redirecting Redirecting Oct 1, 2022 · Notwithstanding other rules within this Rulebook, the USA Climbing CEO, in consultation with the Event Organizer and Jury President of the affected competition, has the authority and discretion (“CEO Discretion”) to cancel competitions, modify competition formats, or advance a category or categories of competitors (e. According to the regulations of the International Federation of Sport Climbing, the wall is tilted at an overhanging angle of five degrees. 8. The wall is 45 feet tall, consists of 20 handholds and 11 footholds, is five degrees overhung, and the route is set according to an official map in the IFSC Rulebook. Region 11 and 12 will make up Division 1, Region 21 and 22 will make up Division 2, Region 81 and Region 82 will make up Division 8, etc. The Apr 23, 2024 · In sport climbing, here are three different kinds of competitions: Speed climbing In this type of sport climbing race, climbers see who can reach the top of a 15m (49ft 2. Nov 19, 2025 · How do bouldering competitions work? It’s the big day of your comp! Depending on if it’s speed climbing, lead climbing, or a bouldering comp, the specifics will be different. Within the USA Climbing competition structure, competitors in categories U17 through Elite will compete in Lead. If there is a technical difficulty with a route (i. Jun 23, 2024 · Competitions are typically overseen by certified judges and safety officials to ensure that all climbers are following the rules and staying safe throughout the event. Panning out, the various changes to the rules came approximately nine months after the formation of the Competition Advisory Committee, a joint group comprised of representatives from the Climbing Wall Association (including many gym owners and operators) and USA Climbing. Aug 5, 2024 · There are two medal events in Olympic Sport Climbing: Speed climbing and Boulder & Lead Combined, which contains two events. Dive into the world of competition climbing! This guide breaks down the basics of comp climbing, from formats to rules to lingo. National federations may vary regulations implementing the rules to suit local constraints, unless such amendments/changes would run contrary to the spirit or letter of the competition rules. We break down IFSC rules, setter paradoxes, and the 4 modern archetypes to give you an edge. Competition Policies and Resources USA Climbing Transgender Athlete Participation Policy Resources The Transgender Athlete Participation Policy remains suspended and is under review. The IFSC announced the new Boulder World Cup format for 2025 last week, which will adopt a new points system for scoring. Find events calendar, all past and future results, ranking, IFSC news, photos, videos. Competition climbing is a form of regulated rock-climbing competition held indoors on purpose-built artificial climbing walls (earlier versions were held on external natural rock surfaces). Sep 24, 2024 · Climbing competitions are a thrilling way to test your skills, push your limits, and connect with other climbers however, climbing competition rules & rankings can be confusing. Competitors in the U13 and U15 categories along with Para Climbing will compete in Top Rope. 1 USA Climbing is recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as the National Governing Body (NGB) for competition climbing in the United States, and is recognized by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) as the National Federation (NF) for competition climbing in the United States. In this ultimate guide to Olympic Sport Climbing, I will break down everything you need to know about this exciting sport, including its disciplines, rules, and some of the top athletes to watch out for. 55in) wall the fastest. In a bouldering competition, you’ll generally show up for a route orientation where you get familiar with the Aug 6, 2024 · Here’s an in-depth look at the rules and structure of Olympic sport climbing. Bouldering scoring Each of the four Sep 13, 2025 · The season consists of three qualifying competitions followed by one championship event. The season begins at a local or regional level and progresses to a national Oct 11, 2024 · The full 2024-2025 rulebook can be found here. The analogous provisions of the IFSC Rules shall be as follow: Sep 27, 2024 · 1. The IFSC fosters links, networks, and frie Speed climbing is a climbing discipline in which speed is the ultimate goal. Our climbing competitions are designed for all skill levels. The IFSC is an international non-governmental non-profit organization whose main objectives are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of climbing competitions around the world. Each qualifying competition will be modified red point, and the championship event will be onsite. Apr 12, 2023 · Looking for a guide to climbing? Here we will explore the rules of climbing, disciplines and recommendations for climbing equipment. The rules will impact the individual athletes and teams competing, as well as the Aug 7, 2024 · What is Sport Climbing? Here's everything you need to know about the Paris Olympics event, how scoring works and the difference between Speed and Boulder and Lead combined. Feb 21, 2024 · Learn about the history of competition bouldering, the current World Cup Scoring system, and new competition formats. Click now to get started! The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) was created on 27 January 2007 as a continuation of the International Council for Competition Climbing, which was created in 1997. Understand how sport climbing is contested at the Olympics and get up-to-speed on everything you need to know ahead of the 2024 Paris Games. Competition Format Sport climbing competitions can take on various formats, including lead climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing. 9. In lead, climbers use safety ropes and clip the rope A framework of everything you need to know about competition climbing, from the categories and types of comps to qualifying for the Olympics. Scoring in each of the Olympic Sport Climbing events is rather complicated, particularly for the Bouldering portion of the Combined event. 2 In Mar 12, 2025 · Welcome to Behind the Wall, your weekly digest on what is happening in the climbing competition world. Apr 1, 2024 · A complete overview of Olympic sport climbing with our guide on official regulations, scoring, and information on all three disciplines. Mar 6, 2025 · The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) just announced several important rule changes coming to the 2025 World Cup series for both Boulder and Lead disciplines. Aug 10, 2024 · A guide to climbing’s inaugural appearance at the Summer Olympic Games. Oct 1, 2025 · Dear USA Climbing Member, Readers of the USA Climbing 2025–2026 Rulebook will immediately notice significant changes to the document’s organization, structure, and language. It mirrors the related changes the IFSC made to its rules and regulations as reflected in the 2025 IFSC Competition Rules and 2025 IFSC Competition Regulations at International Events documents. In Paris 2024, two competitions crowned their own Olympic champion in sport climbing. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, there’s always more to May 26, 2021 · Resources Rules, Policies, and Codes of Conduct Strategic Planning Competition Resources Safe Sport USA Wins 12 Medals at IFSC Pan American Cup Armenia 2025 Jul 19, 2025 · Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing Jun 17, 2024 · What is sport climbing and what are the rules? Olympic sport climbing is split into three formats - speed, boulder and lead climbing where boulder and lead combine to create one medal event and Aug 1, 2024 · Rock climbing has evolved from a niche outdoor adventure sport into a highly competitive discipline, attracting participants and spectators from around the world. Each route has a different level of difficulty and a unique point value commensurate to the level of difficulty. e. Each year we offer a top rope and bouldering competition. For avid fans and aspiring competitors, this guide to IFSC formats: scoring, rules & rounds serves as a definitive resource for understanding the three core disciplines of the IFSC World Cup circuit: Boulder, Lead, and Speed. USA Climbing’s Youth Series is composed of 9 Divisions and 18 Regions. But here’s how my experience has been in participating in the Sportrock Adult league competitions. Apr 24, 2024 · If you've ever watched a climbing competition and been baffled by the scoring system, it's time to unravel the mystery. The Rules Commission and the other Sport & Technical Commissions are established in the IFSC Statutes, Article 14. Be sure to check out both of the Region’s pages within your Division by clicking the Lead climbing involves athletes attempting to climb as high as they can on a wall measuring more than 15m in height within six minutes. No climber is qualified for both Speed and the Combined disciplines. At every event, there will be both top rope and speed climbing. The sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has further popularized it, drawing attention to its various formats and competition structures. We’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the different climbing competition formats, each Sep 25, 2023 · 1. Learn about the different medal events and how each round is scored. This week, I take a deeper look at how the new system works. Aug 9, 2024 · How does Olympic Sport Climbing work? How is it scoried? How do athletes train? Why do some climbers wear two different shoes? etc. 1 All competitions organised by the European Council adopt the IFSC Rules for International Competition Climbing (the “IFSC Rules”) as modified by this document. One was a combined competition of bouldering and lead events, and the second featured only a speed event. To compete in the championship, climbers must attend at least two qualifiers. As usual, I recap where you The climber with the lowest score took home the first Olympic gold medal in the history of sport climbing. Rules only exist in the context of competition, at least when it comes to climbing (aside from crag use ethics), so check with comp organizers. The bouldering competition is held in the Fall semester and the top rope competition is held in the Spring semester. a hold spins or breaks) and climber falls due to the technical difficulty, the attempt does not count against them. 1. The rules are designed to ensure a consistent and respectful USA Climbing recently introduced its new rulebook for the 2020-2021 competition season, with changes to align more with IFSC rules. USA Climbing Athlete Eligibility Criteria USA Climbing National Team Eligibility Policy The competition rules should apply in every competition, independent of the level. Independent of individual views on these decisions, the technical officials' rulings should be respected. Link above for further resources. The video demonstrates correct and incorrect starts and finishes, and is well worth watching. g. [2] Competition speed climbing, which takes place on an artificial and standardized climbing wall, is the main form of speed climbing. An international non-governmental and non-profit organisation, the IFSC's main objectives are the direction, regulation, promotion, development, and furtherance of climbing competitions around the world. All those in authority, especially team officials, have a clear responsibility to sport to respect the technical officials This is a series of climbing competitions of the best climbers in each country. 11. Spartan Summit A favorite event of Outdoor Adventures, the Spartan Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing. 2. 1 USA Climbing Competition Officials (Officials) are appointed to fulfill competition management duties to oversee the fair and impartial implementation of the competition rules outlined in this Rulebook. Mar 5, 2025 · The IFSC World Cup will see a new scoring system in place for the Boulder discipline when action returns for the 2025 Series. There are both male and female categories.