Sport climbing rules, boulder rules, for watching
Start with the rules you see all the time, then the ones that change results.
Settling an argument? Search all 10 rules
- How does a bouldering competition work?
- How must a climber start a boulder problem in competition?
- What is a zone in bouldering?
- What counts as finishing a boulder in competition?
- How is bouldering scored?
- What happens if two boulderers finish on the same points?
- Why are climbers kept in isolation before they climb?
- What happens if a hold breaks or spins during a climb?
- What equipment can a competition climber use?
- What do yellow and red cards mean in climbing, and how is a result appealed?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| WC Competition Rules plus rule or note number | World Climbing (the IFSC), Competition Rules, version 3, January 2026. Read in full, with the glossary and the notes |
| WC Event Regulations plus annex and section | World Climbing, Event Regulations, version 3, January 2026. Read for this set: Annex C (boulder) in full with its notes |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
All checked on 14 October 2026.
Two layers. The Competition Rules say how an attempt is judged and are meant for every competition. The Event Regulations set the format, points and ranking for World Championship and World Climbing Series events. A national or local event may use other formats, and the pages say which layer a point comes from.
Not covered: the Olympic format for Los Angeles 2028; the World Ranking and series points; the Equipment Code and Speed Licence Rules; para climbing; youth formats beyond a mention; the main text of the Event Regulations on officials, ceremonies and discipline.
Not covered: the Olympic format for Los Angeles 2028; the World Ranking and series points; the Equipment Code and Speed Licence Rules; para climbing; youth formats beyond a mention; the main text of the Event Regulations on officials, ceremonies and discipline.