Now that we are in the grips of a wintry 2008, the second part of the leading ladder is in full swing. Two more rounds have been completed (Manchester CC and WICC) with awesome walls, Liverpool due to finish on Sunday; all these results will be posted next week.

The leading ladder has seen a lot of national interest and also the word on the grapevine is that it has created some heated debates (possibly fuelled by an error in this news report that has been rectified- sorry we are only human).

The report stated that the top 10 in each category would qualify for the grand final. It should have said; The grand final quota for each category will be no fewer than 10 and no greater than 20- see below for further clarification.

As you will understand with any new format, there will always be a bedding in process, stick with us on this one!

We would like to simplify a few points that could possibly be causing concern for leading ladder entrants (taken from the leading ladder rules here);

• What are the criteria for qualification into the national final?

The grand final quota for each category will be no fewer than 10 and no greater than 20. Stated in the rules (reference no. 3.1.4), the final quota will be decided during the series and we can now announce the top 15 scores in each category will qualify. These people will be invited to the ‘grand final’ at awesome walls, Stockport.

• Can anybody obtain entry into the grand final without competing in the series?

No. There will be no ‘byes’ into the final, no special dispensations will be allowed. If you don’t try out, you don’t get in!

The only way to get into the grand final if you don’t initially qualify is;

In the event that one or more climbers are unable to attend the grand final, the BMC may choose to substitute the next eligible climber(s) in the category.

• How do I get into the top fifteen?

You enter as many rounds of the leading ladder as you like, we take your top three scores to create your overall result and placing. In the event that the number of climbers having attended at least three competitions in a category is insufficient, the BMC may choose to invite the next highest scoring climber(s) to attend the Grand Final. If you only decide to do one or two rounds, this is fine but will limit your chances of gaining a place in the final.

So there it is.

With five rounds still to go (see here for the venues), the qualifying places into the ‘grand final’ are still up for grabs.

We will be sending out the letters of invitation to all the successful finalists

on 10 March 2008.

So if you’d like one of these letters to drop on your doormat and be given the opportunity to compete in the grand final at Stockport, then get your climbing shoes on and start cranking!

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