Development for Officials

OFFICIALS’ PATHWAY OF EDUCATION

World Climbing is committed to setting and maintaining the highest standards of officiating across all World Climbing competitions. To achieve this, World Climbing identifies, trains, appoints, and rigorously assesses Technical Officials worldwide through a structured and transparent Pathway of Education.

Technical Officials, also referred to as International Technical Officials (ITOs), play a critical role in the integrity and success of competitions. They are responsible for enforcing the rules of the sport, managing competitions, determining and recording official results, upholding the principles of fair play, and ensuring the safety of all participants.

Background and Development

In October 2023, World Climbing announced the revision of the Officials’ Pathway of Education in response to requests from National Federations for clearer guidance, stronger international alignment, and enhanced support for the long-term development of officials, including Judges and Routesetters at continental and international level.

The revision process was informed by consultations with Continental Councils, expert input, and benchmarking research conducted across other International Federations within the Olympic Movement. Initial findings were presented to the World Climbing Executive Board in October 2023 and subsequently shared with National Federations through dedicated information sessions.

The implementation of the revised pathway builds on foundations established from 2022 onwards, supported by the launch of the World Climbing Academy platform and the integration of continental events into the international competition structure. The pathway is designed as a multi-level, open, and globally consistent system, supporting both education and career progression for officials across all regions.

Technical Officials Terms of Reference

The Technical Officials Terms of Reference document is the formal outcome of this ongoing revision process. As a living document, it will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure continued relevance, alignment with strategic objectives, and responsiveness to the evolution of the sport.

The document is structured as follows:

• Section 1 – Technical Officials’ Roles and Responsibilities

Defines all Technical Official roles and outlines the skills, competencies, and expectations associated with each function.

• Section 2 – Technical Officials’ Appointments

Establishes the regulations and principles governing appointments, including guidelines applicable to events at all levels, from continental to international competitions.

• Section 3 – Technical Officials’ Pathway of Education

Describes prerequisites and qualification requirements, course syllabi, and the role of World Climbing Trainers in delivering education programmes.

• Section 4 – Technical Officials’ Review Process

Introduces the evaluation framework, based on the expectations defined in Section 1, including peer review mechanisms and the progressive implementation of an independent evaluation structure.

Through this framework, World Climbing aims to ensure consistency, transparency, quality, and long-term development across the global community of Technical Officials, while actively supporting diversity, inclusion, and excellence in officiating.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Standardisation and Transparency of Technical Officials Pathway (Levels 1–4)

World Climbing has created a unified and transparent education and evaluation system for Technical Officials. This includes:

• Standardised prerequisites, curriculum, assessment, and appointment procedures for Levels 1–4.
• A clear and consistent pathway for progression (and regression) across all roles.
• Mandatory post-competition reporting from all appointed officials, including event evaluations and peer assessments. These reports are essential tools for feedback, accountability, and continuous improvement.

2. Promotion of Diversity and Gender Balance

The pathway is designed to implement diversity across gender, nationality, and background, aligned with the aspirations of National Federations. This aims to:

• Increase access and support for underrepresented groups.
• Strengthen the presence and influence of climbing in national sports systems, including potential for increased funding and Olympic engagement.
• Foster a global community of officials that reflects the international nature of the sport.

3. Raising Standards to Match Competition Growth

With the rising complexity and visibility of World Climbing competitions, the standard of officiating must keep pace. To ensure this:

• Clear role description and responsibilities tied to each level to ensure readiness for modern competition demands.
• Continuous education and professional development opportunities (e.g. seminars, mentorships) are offered.
• An Independent Evaluation Panel conducts biannual reviews of officials (Routesetters in even years, Judges in odd years), ensuring fair and expert oversight.
• This comprehensive approach supports accountability, skill growth, and the evolution of competition standards and rules.

Diversity and Exchange Programme

The Diversity and Exchange Programme began in 2020 with first implementation in 2021 with two female Routesetters appointed. In 2022 the programme expanded to six routesetters (two men and four women); and in 2023 it included additional 6 appointments at continental-level. The programme continued in 2024 and 2025 with the addition of judges. In its fifth implementation in 2026, the programme offers more than 20 placements, open to all Officials to further World Climbing’s commitment to inclusion and long-term development.

World Climbing coordinates an Diversity and Exchange Programme to promote international collaboration, professional development, and inclusion across all Technical Official roles. The programme allows Officials to gain experience at events outside their home country or region, broadening their technical skills, competition knowledge, and exposure to diverse officiating environments.

The programme also actively supports gender, diversity, and geographic inclusion by providing targeted opportunities for Officials from under-represented groups, countries, or backgrounds. Participation may include mentoring, job-shadowing, and on-the-job learning during competitions, with constructive feedback provided to support growth and progression within the World Climbing officiating pathway.

Officials participating in the programme are integrated into the event operations under supervision of experienced peers, allowing them to demonstrate their potential while contributing to high-quality, consistent officiating standards.

Costs of travel and accommodation are covered by World Climbing, and where applicable, partial compensation may be provided in line with standard event allowances.