Youth Climbing Series

There are 4 rounds in total with 2 roped and 2 boulder rounds. All four rounds must be booked separately.

At the end of the regional series, each competitors best 3 ranking results shall be combined to give a series score. The top 3 series scores in categories U13, U15, U17 & U19 will then be invited to compete in the Grand Final, as part of the Scottish YCS Team.

Climbers in the U11 category are not eligible to attend the YCS Grand Final.

• Competitors must be resident full-time in Scotland
• Scottish National Squad and Scottish Development Squad members are eligible to compete in the YCS
• GB Team members are not eligible to compete in the YCS

Registrations and start times may have to be staggered. Details will follow once bookings close and we know how many competitors are attending.

There are five youth categories which are based on your year of birth:

• U11 & U13 – Top Roping 
• U15, U17 & U19 – Lead climbing

NOTE: U11 climbers can attend the rounds but not the Grand Final

The cost per round for the ClimbScotland Youth Climbing Series is £36 per round. Athletes must be members of Mountaineering Scotland to compete. Mountaineering Scotland membership can be purchased here.

There is a concession rate for those on income support. Please contact with proof of documentation.

Volunteers: Adult volunteers are vital to the running of youth competitions. You can register for the following roles:

• Category Judge (we try to double-up any new judges with those more experienced)
• Top-rope Belayer (belaying U13 and U11 category competitors)
• Lead belayer (belaying Youth U19, U17 and U15 category competitors)
• General (Comp zone, warm-up supervision, chaperoning, and any other required general duty)

Volunteer Registration and Support:

• You can volunteer when booking a place for your child(ren) in the booking portal
• Further information can be found here
• When you volunteer as a lead belayer you will be asked to read and confirm acceptance of a Volunteer Competency Form
• We offer free belay training sessions at local climbing walls throughout the year, which helps ensure belay safety at the competitions but is also a good refresher for any climber
• You will be asked to check-in and register on the morning of the competition
• There will be a belayers’ and judges’ briefing before each competition starts
• Volunteers in any of the positions above get free hot drinks on the day

BMC put together this super list of things that might be useful to read if you haven’t done many comps yet:

• Bring a big bottle of water and plenty of snacks.
• Bring plenty of layers to keep yourself warm, it can get cold!
• Bring a book/magazine/games console to keep yourself busy in between climbs.
• If you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask your judge or event staff, especially if it’s about a climb you’re about to attempt.
• Be sure to read the sequence of your routes/blocs before you pull onto the climb. Check for alternative methods of completing the climb and check for any ‘out-of-bounds’ tape.
• Don’t take the competition too seriously, you’re there to have a good time!
• Equipment; climbing shoes, harness (if roped climbing), helmet (optional) and chalk bag.
• If you need to rent any equipment from the host wall, please call them in advance to ensure availability.
• There is a 30-minute appeals window after the results have been published. Any appeals after this time frame will not be considered.