What’s new at Youth Boulder Regionals?
There are a few changes that CEC is putting into the format at Youth Boulder Regionals and we want to make sure you know about these before arriving.
1. There will now be 15 second transition between boulders
What is it?
- A 15 second gap that is placed between one competitor and the next in both the Qualifying and Final rounds.
Why is it?
- Allows for easier transition from one athlete to the next for both athletes and judges.
- Allows athletes to get off the field of play prior to the next athlete starting.
- Allows judges to be finished with one athlete before the next arrives.
2. There will be a Transition zone for the Final Round
What is it?
- A tarped off area with rest chairs for athletes between boulders during Finals. (In the past, athletes have been sitting in rest chairs in front of the boulders but facing away.)
Why is it?
- The IFSC uses a transition zone and we want to ensure our Canadian athletes, coaches and officials are prepared for the Youth World Championships or any other IFSC events they attend.
- It is easier for athletes to know where they are going after each boulder; they always return to the transition zone.
- Athletes are away from coaches and parents who may be tempted to communicate with them; athletes are in isolation at this time, so outside communication is prohibited.
- Athletes are out of public view after a boulder; if an athlete is upset at their performance, they can deal with this privately.
- The floor of the gym has more room for officials, coaches and spectators.
- Note that the transition zone is only for Finals; Qualifiers is a flash format so athletes are not in isolation and can watch other athletes climb.
