England and Wales Climbing Trials | 5 & 6 December

To select athletes for the England and Wales Climbing Foundation and Development programmes.

The England and Wales programme trials is aimed at young athletes born between the years of (2013 & 2016) who are dedicated to developing their climbing through structured training and competition. They may already have demonstrated aptitude in domestic competition and/or be part of a climbing academy, team or squad, with the long-term goal of achieving GB Team selection.

Lead (U15) Top rope (U13):

• 2 Routes, both flash (no isolation) as per qualification at international competition events. There will be demo videos provided. During an athlete’s attempt we will ask for there to be no coaching or communication from coaches or parents (isolation conditions) except for general encouragement whilst climbing.

• U13’s, routes will be on Top Rope, you will have a 4-minute time limit.

• U15’s, routes will be on Lead, you will have a 6-minute time limit.

• You will have a NOT BEFORE time as indicated on the start list. This is NOT your climb time, this is the time you will not climb before, you may climb after depending on the length of rotation of athletes before you.

Boulder (U13 & U15)

• 5 boulders, flash format (no pre-round isolation) as per qualification at international competition events. There will be demo videos provided. During an athlete’s rotation we will ask for there to be no coaching or communication from coaches or parents (isolation conditions) except for general encouragement whilst climbing.

• 4 mins climbing time per boulder, 15 seconds transition time, 4 mins rest time between boulders.

• You will have a fixed start time as indicated on the start list.

The England & Wales Trials event is the selection event for our national U13 and U15 Foundation and Development programmes. These programmes are designed to add value to an athletes existing home training environment and act as a precursor for GB Team qualification and international competition. Athletes who are selected into these programmes are expected to be aiming at GB Team qualification within 1 to 4 years depending on age. The challenge you can expect to experience at these events is both a reflection of this goal and an opportunity to prepare athletes for the next stage of their development.

U13’s can expect boulders to be starting at U13 YCS grand final difficulty and increasing to what could be expected at U15 national championship events.

For U15’s the difficulty will be ranging from U15 national championship events to U17 international qualification standard. The boulders will be set in a ‘competition’ style, meaning you will be exposed not only to slab and steep boulders but also co-ordination, dynamic and complex movements.

U13’s will climb routes on Top Rope, the grades will be approximately 7b-7c/+. The routes will be progressive in nature.

U15’s will climb routes on Lead, the grades will range from 7b-8a. The routes will be progressive in nature, increasing in difficulty.

1. Athlete’s need to be up for a challenge! This is a day that gives you the opportunity to see what may be possible, but it won’t be easy!

2. For boulder, you need to be able to safely run, jump, catch and land. Movement will be dynamic in nature.

3. U15’s must be competent lead climbers, with a good level of experience attempting routes above their on-sight grade (the grade they can climb first go). Meaning they can clip in uncomfortable positions and are comfortable falling off. Safety is paramount.

England and GB Youth coaches will be on hand all weekend to offer support and assistance where and when required. Please come and find us or let us know in advance by emailing:

ellie.glennie@thebmc.co.uk

Personal coaches are welcome and encouraged to attend, but please be aware you will need to register in advance (same timescale as athletes). Full details are available in the event info.