How must a climber start a boulder problem in competition?
I · Intermediate · The boulder and the score · 1 of 2With both hands and both feet on the marked starting holds, in a stable position, before making any move upward. A start that misses this, or that uses another hold first, is a false start and the attempt is over. It still counts as an attempt.
How it works
- The marks: each boulder has a starting position "marked for both hands and both feet" in a distinctive colour.
- Four markings: always four, however many holds make up the start.
- Leaving the ground: the attempt has started when the climber leaves the ground.
- Validating it: the climber must control the starting holds "to achieve a stable position with both hands and both feet".
- False start: failing to do that, or using any other hold before doing so.
- Two separate things: the judge looks for the movement into the start to be distinct from the first movement of progress.
- Blockers: holds added to limit how a starting hold can be used are not starting holds and may not be controlled at the start.
- The cost: the attempt is unsuccessful and is added to the count.
The glossary has the starting position, the control entry, the false start, the attempt, the boulder and the hold.
Tricky cases
A climber swings onto the starting holds and carries on upward in one movement. Is the start valid?
No, if the judge cannot see a stable starting position that is separate from the move onward.
The markings do not say which hand goes where. Does it matter?
No. The markings "should not indicate specific hand placements". Both hands and both feet must be on the marked holds.
A climber's foot brushes an unmarked hold while pulling on. Is that a false start?
Using any other hold before achieving the starting position is a false start. The rules read do not define a brush against a use at the start.
Does a false start cost anything if the climber steps straight off?
Yes. The attempt started when they left the ground, and it is ruled unsuccessful.
Why the rule exists
Without a fixed start a tall climber could reach past the first hard move from the floor. Four marked points put everyone in the same position before the clock of difficulty starts, and the stable pause lets the judge see it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | A marked four-point start that must be validated | WC Competition Rules 1.12; 7.5 |
| Lead | The attempt starts on leaving the ground, with no marked start | WC Competition Rules 7.1 |
| Speed | A start signal and a pad, with a reaction-time test | WC Competition Rules 7.2; 7.3 |
From the rule book
World Climbing, Competition Rules (version 3, January 2026), Rules 1.12, 7.4, 7.5 and 8.1, with notes 4 and 15. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: World Climbing Competition Rules, January 2026 (PDF) and World Climbing Event Regulations, January 2026 (PDF).