'The purpose of the federation is to promote and develop the sport of competitive
climbing in New Zealand, and to organise and administer climbing events.'

New Zealand Competitions
The NZSF organises a calendar of indoor climbing events each year. The competition
season generally starts in April with Regional Climbing Festivals around the country
... fun 'give it a go' type events.

These are followed by the National Cup Series, running from May to late September.
The series is organised into Junior and Senior categories. The Junior categories are
Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 years of age. The Senior categories are
Open and Masters (over 35 years of age). Males and females compete seperately.
There are four Junior and four Senior competitions each year.

Results from the National Cup Series are used to calculate National Rankings.

In October each year the NZSF organises the New Zealand National Championships.

International Competitions
Climbing Competitions are organised throughout the world and at Senior level there
is an annual World Cup Series ... the majority of events currently take place in Europe.
Click here to check out the international calendar of competitions.

There is also a World Youth Championships each year ... in 2007 it will take place
in Equador. New Zealand has been represented at the last five championships in
Bulgaria, Scotland, China and Austria.

In recent years, teams from New Zealand and Australia have competed for the Oceania Cup.
This event also determines the Oceania Champion in each Junior and Senior category.
In October 2007 it will take place in Sydney Australia.

Development Programmes
Indoor climbing is increasing in popularity as a competition sport in New Zealand. In 2007 seven climbers under 18 yrs will represent their country at the World Youth Championships in Equador.

The NZSF has designed clear pathways to help develop Junior competition climbers.

Regional Development Squads
The country has been divided into 3 regions, one of which is the South Island. Each has
a dedicated Coach ... Sefton Priestley and Kirsty Trotter are the Regional Coaches on the
south island ... based in Christchurch they can be contacted via The Roxx Climbing Centre.

Invitations to join a Regional Squad are made to individuals who show potential in competitions
and only climbers holding a Domestic Competition Licence are eligible for selection. Each
Regional Coach also organises an Assessment Workshop in April / May and invites schools,
climbing centres and climbing clubs to recommend individuals for inclusion and assessment.

Regional Squads attend weekend workshops three times a year for training and
technique coaching. Personal Training Plans are developed with each climber.

National Development Squad
A National Squad is selected from the Regional Squads and attends training camps
under the instruction of the National Youth Coach ... Emma Hawke.

To be considered for selection to the National Squad, climbers should be able to meet
the following performance targets ... relative to their age group.

Female Climbing Grades

New Zealand Youth Team
Selection of climbers for international events is made by the NZSF. This is based on performance
in national competitions and /or selection trials. Selection to represent New Zealand at the
Youth World Championships is based on their potential to progress beyond the quarter finals.

The full criteria can be viewed on the NZSF website by clicking here but climbers will be
assessed against the following performance test standards as a minimum.

Female Climbing Grades

Category	Year Of Birth	Grade - Flash	Grade - Onsight
Youth B	1991 / 1992	26	25
Youth A	1989 / 1990	27	26
Junior	1987 / 1988	28	27

Male Climbing Grades

Category	Year Of Birth	Grade - Flash	Grade - Onsight
Youth B	1991 / 1992	27	26
Youth A	1989 / 1990	28	27
Junior	1987 / 1988	29	28