Format

Teams 

Individuals must indicate if they wish to be included in the MCS standings and must state their university affiliation, team name, and self-identify as male or female when registering for a MCS climbing competition. 

Requirements: 

• Teams must have at least 3 members, with at least 3 present at a given competition to receive a team score. 

• All team members must come from the same organization (university, club, etc.). 

• Teams must consist of at least one member who self-identifies as a different gender from the others. 

  • The series allows individuals to self-identify as male or female. 

• Teams have the option of fielding different climbers at each competition. 

The majority of host university's climbing walls have a physical capacity of about 60 climbers. To ensure universities are able to send a team to compete, registration will open 2 weeks before the competition for Teams only. During this period, each university’s team limit of six climbers applies. General registration will open 1 week before the competition, and any remaining spots may be claimed by Teams. 

Format 

Each host university will clearly identify the climbing type for their competition prior to hosting (bouldering, top rope, hybrid, sport, speed, etc.). 

Rules

These are the general rules that apply to all completions.  Host universities will provide site specific rules at their climbing competition.

1. Each climber will be given a scorecard at the beginning of the competition. It is the responsibility of each climber to maintain the scorecard.

2. Climbers must start and end routes on clearly marked starting and ending holds. This can be indicated with tape, the top of the wall, or other markers.

3. Climbers must establish control on starting holds prior to moving to the next holds. Once the climber has completely left the ground, the climber’s attempt has begun.

   1. For sit starts (indicated on the route’s label), climber must start by sitting on the ground. Pushing off the ground with hands or feet is not allowed.  

4. Climbers must only use holds that are designated for that route.  

   1. Accidentally touching a hold off route with your hands or feet is only tolerated if it does not assist in the progress of the climb. This rule is enforced at the belayer’s and/or witnesses' discretion.   

   2. All natural holds are on except when specifically stated otherwise.

5. The climber will be lowered upon falling on top route. 

6. If a hold spins or moves while the climber is attempting a route, that climber will be lowered and given another chance to climb it without being penalized.  

   1. However, if a climber decides to continue to climb and then falls, it will be considered a fall.

   2. If a hold spins or breaks during a climber’s attempt, the host staff will be contacted and the route will be returned to its original condition.

7. Neither verbal nor nonverbal help (beta) may be given to climbers from anyone during an attempt of a route.  A belayer can confirm marked holds.

8. For an attempt to count, the climber must have 1 witness that watched the attempt in its entirety sign off with their initials on the scorecard.