What is it?
A friendly, low stress and fun competition series running during the Summer months May - September. The event is referred to as a 'Ladder' competition as it is possible for juniors to move up (or down) the ladder as they gain more points with every visit.
There are 25 new problems each round specially set for juniors with shorter reach and lower starting points. Each round last 3 weeks and juniors may attempt problems as many times as they like in as many visits as they wish!
There are five rounds plus an Award Ceremony where all juniors will receive Certificates of Attendance, and winners will receive trophies and prizes. There will be a goody packed raffle for everyone with scorecards from each round acting as raffle tickets (so enter 5 rounds and you have 5 raffle tickets) It will not be possible to buy more raffle tickets.
After each round, a raffle ticket (scorecard!) will be picked at random to win a pair of climbing shoes. All scores will be available online on a live scoreboard updated daily.
Youth Boulder Ladder Pre-Event Information
• All Junior Competitions held at Durham Climbing Centre are suitable for novice to advanced Junior Climbers who have climbed before.
• The DCC Youth Boulder Ladder is a dedicated junior competition series suitable for ages 5 – 14 years.
• Route setting is tailored to juniors' age and ability.
• There are 5 rounds + Award Ceremony & Rafffle running from 24th May - 7th September
• Competitors are welcome from any geographic location.
• Competitors must be members of Durham Climbing Centre. Membership may be completed on the day of the event.
• The event is self-scored by parents / juniors & DCC staff.
• The Youth Boulder Ladder is free to enter. Scorecards may be picked up from reception.
• Please sign your child in to each round at reception and give signed consent to photographs.
Categories are as follows -
5 - 7 Years
8 - 10 Years
11 - 14 Years
How does the competition work?
• Juniors may enter every round and attempt problems as many times as they like in as many visits as they like.
• Each round lasts 3 weeks. All problems must be completed within this timescale.
• Scorecards should be handed in at the end of every session so online scoreboard can be updated.
• Scoreboard will be updated daily where possible or always within 3 days.
Youth Boulder Ladder Competition Rules
• All problems start with hands on marked handholds. All problems end by touching two hands (matching) on the final hold.
• Volumes, features & arêtes are included on all problems unless stated on the day. Ask your coach if you are unsure prior to starting a problem.
• When both feet have left the ground, this counts as one attempt.
• The maximum number of points (10) is awarded if the problem is climbed (flashed) on the first attempt. Points are awarded for 2nd attempt (7 points) 3rd attempt (4 points) any attempt (1 point)
• Score-cards are self marked. Be honest - it is important juniors understand how the scoring works.
• Juniors are entered into categories according to age. They should enter the correct category for their age on the date of Round 1: 24th May and remain in that category regardless if they have a birthday during the Youth Boulder Ladder.
Scoring: Points are awarded as follows -
Successful 1st Attempt: 10 points
2nd Attempt: 7 points
3rd Attempt: 4 points
Problem completed in more than 3 attempts: 1 point
Results
• All scorecards must be handed in at the end of each session.
• Results will be live online during each round.
• No award ceremony will take place after each round, round scores are carried forward to overall score.
• Overall score is best 4 out of 5 rounds.
• The three highest scoring juniors (best 4 scores) overall in each category win a prize.
• Trophies & medals are awarded for winners and runners up. All competitors overall receive a certificate to take home on 7th September.
Guidance for Parents
• Parents are responsible for supervising juniors outside the designated supervised climbing lessons.
• The practice of spotting is strongly recommended by parents.
• Parents may help juniors with scoring and filling in scorecards.
• Parents please be aware of rules and scoring system to advise children correctly on how the competition works specifically how problems are started and finished, and number of attempts.
• Please ensure your child completes a warm up prior to climbing.
• Please encourage and support all children taking part, as well as your own.
Round Dates
Friday 24 May – Thursday 13 June
Friday 14 June – Thursday 4 July
Friday 5th July – Thursday 25 July
Friday 26 July – Thursday 15 August
Friday 16 August – Thursday 5 September
Have fun and good luck to all!
