The Rulebook

In a cup, special rules apply to bouldering.
Since contests in halls are based on trust, rules must be clearly defined in order to be fair for everyone.

The Start

In the contest, each boulder has a clearly marked start. How this is defined varies depending on the cup. In our OLD SCHOOL ROCKS, the start consists of start holds for the hands, which are marked with tape to the particular start sign. The feet do not have a defined starting position, but must leave the ground as usual.

Competitors must assume the starting position and hold it in a controlled manner (feet must leave the ground). If the start holds cannot be reached from the ground, it is permitted to start the boulder with a jump to the start holds.

Apart from the holds defined as the start, no other holds or volumes (structures) may be touched with the hands to reach the start position. However, the wall itself is permitted.

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The start is rated as „incorrect“ if, for example:

You are unable to achieve a controlled position with both hands and both feet on the starting handles.
(The first attempt counts from the moment both feet leave the ground, regardless of whether another move was made.)

Before reaching the starting position, both hands and both feet touched or used handles or other structures not marked as starting holds.

Flash

A flash is achieved when the boulder is successfully climbed on the first attempt. The boulder may not be tested before!

Conditions:
✅ The start was performed correctly. (The first attempt counts from the moment both feet have left the ground, no matter if another move has been made).

✅ The top hold is held in a controlled manner with both hands (3 sec.) or the boulder is exited correctly.

The Top

A top handle is marked by a top sign. The top must be held in a controlled manner with both hands for 3 seconds. Only then is a route successfully completed. The exit edge must not be touched at any point before controlling the top.

The Zone

In contests and championships, it is usual for each boulder to have a clearly defined zone, the position of which is determined by the route setter and defined by a special marking. In OLD SCHOOL ROCKS, the zone is also marked with a small card.

A zone is reached when the marked hold is held with at least one hand in a controlled manner. A simple touch, e.g. by jumping and tapping, is not valid.

The zone also scores points in the competition if no top is reached and can therefore have an influence on the final ranking. If the zone hold is skipped and the top is still not reached, no points are scored.