THE RULES

GENERAL

1. All problems will be clearly marked, with fixed starting positions for both hands and feet.
2. The finishing hold will be clearly marked in the same colour as the starting holds.
3. The zone hold will be clearly marked in Blue Tape. It must be held, not just touched, in order to count.
4. Competitors are permitted to use brushes to clean any holds they can reach whilst standing on the ground. Higher holds can be brushed (or brushed for you) as long as you do not touch/inspect the holds.
5. An attempt is classed as successful once the finishing hold has been held with both hands (‘matched’) in a controlled manner and the judge says OK.
6. The qualifying round adopts exactly the same format as our normal bouldering leagues/Comp nights, but has slightly different scoring (see below).
7. The Grand Final Rounds are run in accordance to the [IFSC Rules], with a few exceptions. We’ve summarised the exceptions below and also noted the key points for each round for those not so familiar with the rule book!
8. The Grand Final will have 4 problems for each competitor, which are to be climbed in a set order with timed climbing periods and rest periods.

UNDER 18s

1. We will be accepting junior entires if they fall in to youth categories A, B or C. The minimum age for competitors is strictly 12 years old (i.e. born 2011).
2. Please note there will be NO specially set problems for children. They will compete on the qualifying circuit as set for adults. Although the competition is a fun day, it is set for adults so please be aware of this if bringing your under 18 along to compete.
3. 14 to 17 year olds must be registered as a Junior Unsupervised Climber to compete.
4. If you are not already registered on our system, your parent will need to complete a junior unsupervised assessment form. If unsure please email hello@highballnorwich.co.uk for more information.

QUALIFYING ROUND

1. Competitors can choose which qualifying session (A or B) to take part in when registering online. Each session is 2.5 hours long.
2. There are 30 numbered problems in the qualifying round – competitors can climb them in any order.
3. There is no isolation, all competitors can watch and communicate with others during the session.
4. This round is self-scoring – mark down your attempts and progress accurately as you go. Judges will be present and any cheating will be suitably highlighted!
5. You will use Griptonite to log your attempts on each problem so we advise you download this app and have this ready ahead of time.
6. Competitors have a maximum of three attempts per problem. A successful first attempt is worth 10 points, a successful second attempt is worth 7 points, a successful third attempt is worth 4 points. Holding the bonus hold is worth 1 bonus point, however this point will not be included in your overall score. The bonus point only come into play in the event of a tie break i.e. your score could be 160 points plus 18 bonus points. 16 flashes and 18 bonuses.
7. In the event of a broken hold, a loose hold, or anything else which results in unfair advantage or disadvantage to any competitor, the problem must be repaired. The competitor can make another attempt on the problem.
8. Once both qualifying rounds have taken place, all competitors will be ranked in order of total points scored, then bonus points.
9. The top 20 male and female competitors will proceed to the Grand Final.