• Community

    Climbing is a community. Climbers of all abilities are at the heart; but we could not pursue our passion without the tireless efforts of coaches, donors, judges, gym staffs, parents, routesetters, volunteers and others. Check out all the ways you can get involved with
    USA Climbing.

    Environmental Stewardship

    One of our core values is to encourage responsible use, and the protection and preservation of the natural environment – which is why a  portion of USA Climbing membership revenue goes to support The Access Fund. Today, 1 in 5 outdoor climbing areas in the United States are threatened—whether it’s private land lost to development, public land managers over-regulating climbing, or climber impacts degrading the environment, the list of threats is long and constantly evolving. The Access Fund is on a mission to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment.

     

     

    Competitor Membership - $105

    A competitor membership is for competitive youth and adult climbers that wish to compete at regional, divisional, and/or national level events. A competitor membership can also be used at qualifying (local) events and is required for results to count toward regional qualification. In order to obtain this membership, a competitor member that is 18 years or older must complete annual SafeSport Training.

    Introductory Membership - $30

    An introductory membership is for competitive climbers that wish to compete at qualifying (local) events and National Cup Series competitions. Introductory members qualifying event scores will not qualify for regional, divisional, and/or national level events.  In order for a climber’s score to count towards regional qualification, introductory members must upgrade their membership prior to the qualifying competition, in addition to other eligibility requirements, through their USA Climbing account to either a competitor membership (youth/adult) or a collegiate membership (collegiate). In order to obtain this membership, an introductory member that is 18 years or older must complete annual SafeSport Training.

    Collegiate Membership - $65

    A collegiate membership is for competitive collegiate climbers that wish to compete at divisional and/or national level collegiate events. A collegiate membership can also be used at collegiate qualifying (local) events.  In order to compete in non-collegiate events, a collegiate member must upgrade to a competitor membership through their USA Climbing account. In order to obtain this membership, a collegiate member that is 18 years or older must complete annual SafeSport Training.

    Collegiate Recreation Membership - $30

    A collegiate introductory membership is for competitive climbers that wish to compete at qualifying (local) events. In order for a collegiate climber to compete at divisional, and/or national level events, collegiate introductory members must upgrade their membership, in addition to other eligibility requirements, through their USA Climbing account to either a competitor membership (youth/adult) or a collegiate membership (collegiate). In order to obtain this membership, an introductory member that is 18 years or older must complete annual SafeSport Training.

    Paraclimbing Membership - $45

    A paraclimbing membership is for competitive para-athletes that wish to compete at local and national level paraclimbing events. In order to compete in non-paraclimbing events, a paraclimbing member must upgrade to a competitor membership through their USA Climbing account. In order to obtain this membership, a paraclimbing member that is 18 years or older must complete annual SafeSport Training.

    Team Membership - Free

    Details for the fall season coming in August 2021.

    Team Captain Membership - Free

    Details for the fall season coming in August 2021.

    Level 1 Coach Membership - $40

    A Level 1 Coach Membership is for coaches that wish to coach at a USA Climbing Sanctioned Event. Level 1 Coaches do not have competition isolation area (‘iso’) access. A Level 1 Coach does have the ability to file appeals. In order to obtain this membership, a coach must complete annual SafeSport Training, successfully pass a background screen, and provide documentation of their coaching role. SafeSport Training and Background Screens can be accessed through a member’s USA Climbing account. Coaching verification is to be completed independently by the member with documentation uploaded into their USA Climbing account.  Level 1 Coaches can upgrade their membership to a Level 2 Coach Membership at any time through their USA Climbing account.

    Level 2 Coach Membership - $90

    A Level 2 Coach Membership is for coaches that wish to coach at a USA Climbing Sanctioned Event. Level 2 Coaches have competition isolation area (‘iso’) access and the ability to file appeals. In order to obtain this membership, a coach must complete annual SafeSport Training, First Aid/CPR certification, successfully pass a background screen, and provide documentation of their coaching role. SafeSport Training and Background Screens can be accessed through a member’s USA Climbing account. First Aid/CPR Certification and coaching verification is to be completed independently by the member with documentation uploaded into their USA Climbing account.

    Supporter Membership - $35

    Supporter Members are individuals who support the strategic direction of USA Climbing, including but not limited to, purpose, programs, aims and objectives of USA Climbing.

    Certified Routesetter Membership - $100

    A Certified Routesetter Membership is for USA Climbing certified routesetters. In order to obtain this membership, a routesetter must complete annual SafeSport Training. All Certified Routesetters must also successfully pass a background screen. SafeSport Training and Background Screens can be accessed through a member’s USA Climbing account.

    Non Certified Routesetter Membership - Free

    A Non- Certified Routesetter Membership is for individuals in process of becoming a Certified Routesetter by attending a Routesetting Clinic. Once a Routesetter Member successfully completes clinic requirements, they must upgrade to a Certified Routesetter Membership in order for certification to be complete. This membership is also for routesetters who are not certified but are members of a routesetting crew who are routesetting for a USA Climbing competition where a certification is not required. In order to obtain this membership, a routesetter member that is 18 years or older must complete annual SafeSport Training.

    Certified Judge Membership - Free

    A Certified Judge Membership is required for all Certified Chief Judges and Certified Route Judges who appear on the ‘Certified Judges List’. In order to obtain this membership, a judge must complete annual SafeSport Training and successfully pass a background screen. SafeSport Training and Background Screens can be accessed through a member’s USA Climbing account.

    Full Gym Membership - $250

    This membership is required for gyms who are hosting any USA Climbing sanctioned events. It allows inclusion in a searchable gym locator on the USA Climbing website and one free membership of their choice.

    Basic Gym Membership - $100

    This membership allows a gym to be included in a searchable gym locator on the USA Climbing website and access to USA Climbing benefits.

    Additional Facility Membership - $75

    This membership is available for facilities with multiple locations that have already purchased one classic gym membership and are hosting USA Climbing sanctioned events. For example, if a gym has three locations they should purchase one full gym membership and two additional facility memberships.

    Coordinator Membership - Free

    Details for the fall season coming in August 2021.

    Volunteer Membership - Free

    A Volunteer Membership is required by those seeking to volunteer at a sanctioned USA Climbing competition. Volunteer Memberships (Covered and Non-Covered Individuals) are split into two categories based on the type of volunteer position.

    Covered Individuals: Chief Belayers, Isolation Coordinators, Volunteer Coordinators, and Event Organizers. In order to obtain this membership, a member must complete annual SafeSport Training and successfully pass a background screen. SafeSport Training and Background Screens can be accessed through a member’s USA Climbing account.

    Non-Covered Individuals: Non-Certified Judges, Scorekeepers, Runners, and Belayers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

      • Can I compete outside of my Division?

        For Qualifying Events, yes.  Collegiate competitors can compete in QEs in any collegiate division.  For Collegiate Divisionals, collegiate competitors must compete in the division where their school is located.

      • Where is Proof of Enrollment uploaded?

        Proof of enrollment is uploaded in the Documents tab of your USA Climbing Membership.

        Proof of enrollment must be verified for you USA Climbing Collegiate Membership to be current.  Please allow 24-72 hours for this to be approved.

      • What can be used for Proof of Enrollment?

        Proof of Enrollment can be any of the following:

        • A form from the Office of the Registrar that includes: First & Last Name, Name of College, Dates of Attendance. We recommend you run a search for “Verification of Enrollment’ on your college’s website to find information about how to go about procuring such a form from your specific school.
        • A letter from your Rec Sports Department including all competitors first and last name and verifying each competitor meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the USA Climbing Rulebook for Collegiate participation.
        • A class schedule showing First & Last Name, Name of College and semester in which the schedule is for.
        • Verification from the National Student Clearinghouse ($2.50 fee associated with each verification).

        Proof of enrollment must be verified for you USA Climbing Collegiate Membership to be current.  Please allow 24-72 hours for this to be approved.

      • Can I compete at Collegiate Nationals with a Collegiate Recreational Membership?

        No, a competitor must have a Collegiate Membership in order to be able to compete at Collegiate Nationals.  If a competitor wants to be eligible for Collegiate Nationals, they must upgrade their Collegiate Recreational Membership to a Collegiate Membership prior to Divisionals.

      • Can I compete at Collegiate Divisionals with a Collegiate Recreational Membership?

        Yes, a competitor may compete at Divisionals with a Collegiate Recreational Membership.  However competing at Divisionals with a Collegiate Recreational Membership does not allow the competitors scores to be eligible for Collegiate Nationals.  If a competitor wants to be eligible for Collegiate Nationals, they must upgrade their Collegiate Recreational Membership to a Collegiate Membership prior to divisionals.

      • What is the difference between the Collegiate Recreational membership and the Collegiate membership?

        The Collegiate Recreational membership allows participation at Qualifying and Divisional events only. A competitor must upgrade to the Collegiate membership prior to Collegiate Divisionals for their scores to be eligible for Collegiate Nationals.

      • Where do I upload my Safe Sport Certificate?

        Please reach out to info@usaclimbing.org for assistance.

      • Do I need the full training or just the annual refresher, and by what date?

        SafeSport training is required annually.

        Those who have taken the Core training only need to take the 15 minute annual refresher upon expiration.

        Those who have taken the Refresher Course: Recognizing and Reporting Misconduct, only need to take Refresher 2 upon expiration.

        Those who have taken Refresher 2 only need to complete Refresher 3

        Only one training is required annually.

        To access the refresher courses you do not need to renew your Core Training. Click on “Add Center for Safe Sport Training” to locate the refresher courses.

        Each year, the deadline for the annual refresher is one year from the training completion date.

      • The USA Climbing access code isn’t working. What do I do?

        The USA Climbing Safe Sport access code is no longer in use. Please access the Safe Sport training from within your USA climbing account by clicking on the “Center for Safe Sport Training” tab.

      • How do I access the Safe Sport training?

        The Safe Sport training is accessed within a members account profile and an access code is no longer necessary. Once in the account you will see “Center for Safe Sport Training” on the left side of the profile. Click on “Add Center for Safe Sport Training”

      • How often is the training required?

        After the initial Core Training, which may take up to about 90 minutes to complete, annual refreshers are required which generally take about 20 minutes to complete.

      • Are youth members younger than 17 required to take the Safe Sport training?

        Not at this time. The Center has created an optional online training course intended for youth athletes (subject to parent or guardian consent).

      • If I am a volunteer at an event, do I have to take Safe Sport training?

        All Certified Officials must complete Safe Sport training. In addition, Isolation Coordinators, Event Organizers, and Volunteer Coordinators will be required to obtain the Volunteer-Covered membership and to complete Safe Sport training. All other volunteers are encouraged to take the free training by registering for the USA Climbing Volunteer Non-Covered Membership and accessing the “Center for Safe Sport Training” from within your USA Climbing account profile on the left side of your dashboard.

      • What if I am 17 and my parents do not approve of the training?

        Parental consent is required if you are under 18. This is accessed through the training itself in your USA Climbing account. If your parents are concerned about the training or object to you completing the training it is not required until you turn 18. Once you are an adult member you must have the training complete to continue your membership with USA Climbing.

      • What Happens if Training isn’t completed

        If the training requirement applies to your membership, then it is required for you have completed training prior to competing in USA Climbing sanctioned events, participate in USA Climbing camps or other training activities, and to utilize USA Climbing facilities.

        The training is also required in order to utilize USOPC facilities for training, competition or any other reason.

      • Who is required to take the Safe Sport training?

        Under USA Climbing’s existing policies and practices, the following categories of individuals continue to be required to complete the Safe Sport training including annual refresher training:

        This Policy applies to the following Covered Individuals:

        i. USA Climbing Staff

        ii. USA Climbing Introductory, Competitor, Paraclimbing, and Collegiate Members 18-years and older

        iii. USA Climbing Interns iv. USA Climbing Board Members v. USA Climbing Designated Committee Members (NGC, Audit, Judicial, Hearing Panel Pool, and Team Selection)

        vi. USA Climbing National, Divisonal, and Regional Coordinators

        vii. USA Climbing Certified Coaches viii. USA Climbing Certified Officials ix. USA Climbing Certified Routesetters x. USA Climbing Covered Volunteers (i.e. volunteer coordinator, isolation coordinator, event organizers)

        xi. USA Climbing National Team Contracted Medical Personnel (i.e. doctors, trainers, etc.)

        xii. USA Climbing Contracted Massage Therapists

        xiii. USA Climbing Contractors who have regular contact with minor athletes (i.e. official National Team Chaperones)

        xiv. USA Climbing National Team Athletes in USADA’s Registered Testing Pool

        xv. Any other individual that USA Climbing formally authorizes, approves or appoints (a) to a position of authority over, or (b) to have regular contact with any athlete

         

      • Definitions

        Regular Contact (from the U.S. Center for Safe Sport 2022 MAAPP Policies) or “Sustained Interaction” includes ongoing interactions during a 12-month period wherein an Adult Participant is in a role of direct and active engagement with any Minor Athlete.

      • Why is Safe Sport training required for more people than in the past?

        We are all committed to athlete safety. The training is one piece in sustaining a safe environment for all athletes. Safe Sport Training helps all of us to be more aware of unsafe behavior and potential disruptions to athletes’ desire to train, compete and enjoy their sport.

        The law, “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017” authorizes the U.S. Center for Safe Sport (the “Center”) to address the risk of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of amateur athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movements. The Center provides education and requirements consistent with the law, and this training is part of those requirements. The training is required by the Center, the USOC and USA Climbing.

      • The USA Climbing access code isn’t working. What do I do?

        The USA Climbing Safe Sport access code is no longer in use. Please access the Safe Sport training from within your USA Climbing account by clicking on the “Center for Safe Sport Training” tab.

      • Where do I upload my Safe Sport Certificate?

        The system isn’t designed for a member to upload a Safe Sport Certificate. Everything is now completed through your USA Climbing account. If you completed your training outside your USA climbing account, please email your certificate to info@usaclimbing.org

      • I completed the Safe Sport Training but it is showing as “Pending Approval”. What do I do?

        Please click on where the course says “Resume” and click the X at the bottom of the page. This is the finalizing step to a current status.

      • How do I access the Refresher course?

        The Refresher courses can be found by clicking on “Add Center for Safe Sport Training” it will automatically reflect to a current status once complete.

      • My Core Safe Sport training has expired. Do I have to renew the Core Training again?

        No, only one 15 minute annual refresher is required.

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