Future support for Scottish Athletes
Many thanks to those who provided feedback through the surveymonkey shared by ClimbScotland and GB Climbing. A total of 56 responses were received, 15 of which provided feedback directly in relation to the proposed Scottish pathway tiers. Both within the ClimbScotland team, and with GB Climbing, we have reviewed the feedback we have received and have made further changes to reflect this.
We have also provided a questions and answers section below in response to the feedback that might not be covered in the attached documents.
We are at a very exciting stage of development for competition climbing within the UK, and the engagement we have had on the below documents, and with the new proposed changes, has been amazing. It is great to see, that like us, there are so many people that are keen to pitch in to help evolve our Talent Pathway in Scotland.
With this in mind, it is important to remember that these are the early stages of development, and we are venturing into new territory. We still have aspects to learn, people to bring on, and programmes to write. And like with any great success there are bound to be some obstacles along the way.
We will always do our best to learn and build, here at ClimbScotland, and will always keep things focused on the climber, to create something amazing for them. We will also always welcome your feedback (critical or otherwise – but hopefully always constructive), but we will also welcome your patience and empathy as we try to navigate our way to becoming a leading climbing nation.
Many thanks,
ClimbScotland Team
Below are the framework and strategies documents for the Scotland Development Squad, Scotland Talent Squad and link to GB Junior Team:
Scotland Development Squad Selection Strategy
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Scotland Development Squad Benchmarking Framework
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Scotland Talent Squad Selection Strategy
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Scotland Talent Squad Benchmarking Framework
- Link to GB Junior Team info and documents
Please note: If you have any comments or questions in relation to the GB Climbing documents, please contact GB Climbing directly as per the contact instructions in their documents. If you have comments or questions for the Scotland Documents, please email us at: info@climbscotland.netScottish Pathway Tiers
Working together
Development - Wall Teams / Squads / Clubs / NICAS:
These all play a critical part in the whole pathway across Scotland and we will work with these parties in creating a connected network of coaches and setters to support the development of future athletes.
Grassroots - Wall Programmes / NICAS:
Through the Scottish Climbing Wall Network, we will work with facilities and their staff to support and signpost young climbers on to the pathway.
Scottish Competition Pathway
Please note: The above pathway graphic have been produced to visually present the basic format of the pathway and are not but are not exhaustive.Q&A
Will those involved in Development or talent squads be allowed to compete in YCS?
| Pathway Tier |
ClimbScotland Fun Comp |
Youth Climbing Series |
National Series (Boulder/Roped) |
| Scotland Development Squad |
Not Eligible |
Eligable |
Eligable |
| Scotland Talent Squad |
Not Eligible |
Not Eligible |
Eligible |
We have provided the above Competitions Pathway graphic to show what competitions athletes can compete in at the different stages and in turn develop competition experience. The reason that the ClimbScotland fun comps and YCS aren't open to all is to help ensure there is opportunities for new competitors to compete and succeed at these levels.
Are Youth C Athletes able to join the Scottish Talent Squad?
After mixed feedback and opinions on the inclusion of Youth C, and after further conversations within the team and with GB Climbing, we have made the decision to take Youth C out of the Scotland Talent Squad. This aligns with the pathway leading up to GB Team selection and aligns with the England Talent Squad, making proposed joint camps more feasible.
What is the cost of Residential Camps?
The original costs quoted indicated a cost of £1500, however after further review it was reduced to £1000 – however this came to us just as our documents were released.
Do GBNDS athletes need to be selected to join the Scottish Talent Squad?
After reviewing the feedback and having further conversations within the team and with GB Climbing, we have amended this so that GBNDS athletes are not longer automatically selected into the Scotland Talent Squad.
They will, however, be automatically selected into the Scotland Development Squad and will be given an invitation to a Scotland Talent Squad selection event. This aligns with our partners and fits the pathway leading up to the GB Team selection.
What about access to the same standard of setting Provision?
We are currently working on developing the route setting pathway in Scotland to align more with the coaching pathways and demands of our athletes. Part of this will be to provide more training opportunities to raise the standard of route setting in Scotland and sharing knowledge and experience with competition setters across the UK. We are also seeking funding to purchase a set of modern competition style holds that will travel around suitable venues in Scotland, providing every athlete an opportunity to climb on competition standard problems throughout the year.
Who nominates Scottish climbers for GB consideration? What is the consideration to be nominated for GB and how do we ensure there is no favouritism in the nomination process? Will this be fair and above board?
There will be Scottish representation on the selection panel for England Talent and GB Teams. Also, we will be seeking England Talent and GB Climbing representation on our future selection panels where appropriate to ensure we have a fair and robust selection process.
How will coaches be involved in these decisions and who are they/when will we find out who they are?
The selection onto the GB Team will be done through GB Climbing which includes representatives from both the BMC and Mountaineering Scotland.
When will Individual Athlete Development Plans (IADP) be used?
The template for these will be developed by GB Climbing with input from ClimbScotland. Our desire would be that these will be accessible to all, regards of what stage on the talent pathway an athlete is at. In doing so, making both athletes and home coaches familiar with them from an early stage on each athlete's individual journey.