Welcome to the Sport of Competitive Climbing!
Our sport is governed by the organization USA Climbing, they are the national governing body of competition climbing in the United States.
They cover Adult (elite), Paraclimbing, Collegiate and Youth climbing.
The country is split into 9 Divisions and sub Regions and our gym’s youth Team competes in Region 82, (Division 8) of the USA Climbing Championships.
Youth
All Youth Competitive Team members must have a USAC Competitor Membership.
If your climber is a member of a GOAT Recreational Team and wishes to compete in a local event, they are required to have an introductory membership. If they qualify for the Regional championship and wish to compete, they are required to upgrade to a competitor membership.
The youth season is split into two sections: Bouldering and Sport (Top Rope/Lead and Speed). All members of our youth program are encouraged and welcomed to compete at any youth local events and will be supported and coached by our coaching staff. Those who qualify, are invited to attend the Regional championships for each discipline, and then onto Divisional and National.
USA Climbing youth age categories for the 2023-24 season by birth year:
2005 or 2006
Female Junior (FJR)
Male Junior (MJR)
2007 or 2008
Female Youth A (FYA)
Male Youth A (MYA)
2009 or 2010
Female Youth B (FYB)
Male Youth B (MYB)
2011 or 2012
Female Youth C (FYC)
Male Youth C (MYC)
2013 or later
Female Youth D (FYD)
Male Youth D (MYD)
Youth D progress as far as the Regional championship. Youth C, B, A and Junior progress to the National Championship and Youth B are required to lead climb during the sport season and participate in Speed.
GOAT Climbing aims to host a minimum of 2 USA climbing competitions each year to give our youth team the opportunity to qualify for the season’s Regional Championships in their home gym.
College Climbers
The collegiate season is a shortened version of the youth season, with the season running from November through May. The country is split into 7 Divisions, with GOAT Climbing and New Jersey located in the Mid Atlantic Division.
To compete in a collegiate competition, you must have a USA Climbing Collegiate or Introductory membership. Introductory is suitable for Recreational climbers; collegiate memberships are required for all competitors who wish to represent their school and attend Regionals.
More info and FAQ at: usaclimbing.org