What counts as finishing a boulder in competition?
B · Beginner · The boulder and the score · 3 of 4Both hands on the marked finishing hold at the same time, in a stable position and with clear control of the hold, before the time expires. Some boulders finish with the climber standing on top instead. A slap at the last hold, or hands stacked one on the other, is not a top.
How it works
- The mark: the top is a finishing hold marked in the same colour as the start, or a standing position on top of the boulder.
- Matching: "both hands to have simultaneous contact with the marked finishing hold".
- Hand on hand: one hand placed over the other without touching the hold is not a match.
- Stable: the climber must achieve a stable position before the allowed time expires.
- In control: by using the hold to stop the movement that gained it, or by holding a stable position on it.
- Showing it: shaking out an arm or celebrating, while stable, can show control.
- Not control: touching or slapping the hold, being unable to stay stable or being carried off by momentum.
- Standing finish: the climber "finishes standing on top of the boulder" in time.
- What is recorded: "Top together with the number of attempts required".
The glossary has the top, the control entry, the boulder, the boulder score, the attempt and the climbing time.
Tricky cases
A climber jumps, catches the finishing hold with both hands and swings off a moment later. Is it a top?
No, if they were carried away by their momentum. Control is not shown.
A climber matches the top as the buzzer sounds. Does it count?
Only if the stable position was achieved before the allowed climbing time expired.
A climber has one hand on the hold and the other on top of that hand. Is that matched?
No. Both hands must have contact with the hold itself.
Must the climber wait for the judge's signal before letting go?
The rules read set the test as a stable position with clear and intentional control. They do not require a signal.
Why the rule exists
The last move of a boulder is often a jump, and a hand can hit the final hold without the climber having held it. Requiring both hands, stillness and control makes the top something the climber did, and gives the judge a clear picture to rule on.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | Match the finishing hold, or stand on top | WC Competition Rules 8.5 |
| Lead | Clip the final anchor | WC Competition Rules 8.3 |
| Speed | Strike the finishing pad to stop the timer | WC Competition Rules 8.4 |
From the rule book
World Climbing, Competition Rules (version 3, January 2026), Rules 1.12, 8.5 and 9.6, with notes 21 and 22. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: World Climbing Competition Rules, January 2026 (PDF) and World Climbing Event Regulations, January 2026 (PDF).