We are excited to announce that we will host a Squad Competition at Mitchell on Sunday, November 22nd, open to all members of Rock Rats, Geckos, Mountain Goats, and Rock Squad. The gym will be closed to the general public on the day of the comp. Hume will be open as normal.
It’s going to involve a lot of logistical acrobatics to run a competition that is also COVID safe. But after the year we’ve all been through, we think it’s worth the effort to put on a fun event for our squad community to enjoy.
Comp Format
The competition is open to all current squad members. We will be using a “pumpfest” format, meaning that climbs will be assigned points based on their level of difficulty. At the end of the 3 hours, climbers will add up their top 5 climbs to determine their score.
Each squad will have a designated competition time slot (see tentative comp schedule below).
Rock Rats will be top-roping only, and will have 1.5 hours to compete. Geckos and Mountain Goats will be top-roping and bouldering, and will have 2 hours to compete. Rock Squad will be top-roping and bouldering, and will have 2.5 hours to compete.
We will determine divisions and prizes based on the number of enrolments we receive from each squad. Please note: children under 10 can’t belay at our gyms. They will need someone older to assist them with belaying while they compete.
Due to COVID-19, we will not be able to provide a BBQ as we have in the past. We encourage all competitors to pack lunch and snacks, and we will have the gym well stocked with snacks and drinks to purchase on the day.
Registration
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and our 55-person maximum capacity, we are asking interested squad members to pre-register for the competition, and we will have a limited number of competitor spots available.
Registration will cost $15 (non-refundable), inclusive of any gear hire needed, and must be paid in advance to reserve the competitor’s spot. To register, please contact the Mitchell gym at canrock@grapevine.com.au or 02 6262 4863. We can take payment in person, over the phone, or via bank transfer.
Available Rock Rats entries: 27 (each Rock Rat is allowed ONE belayer)
Available Geckos 10-13yrs entries: 54
Available Geckos 14-17yrs entires: 54
There is space for all current Mountain Goats to enter, with room left over for spectators.
There is space for all current Rock Squad members to enter, with room left over for spectators. (Please note that members of Link Squad should compete in the Geckos 14-17 years old category, regardless of their age)
Final Competition Schedule
Please arrive to check-in promptly.
- Rock Rats check-in (outside): 8:15am
- Rock Rats competition: 8:30am-10am
- Rock Rats podiums, Geckos 10-13yrs check-in (both outside): 10:15am
- Cleaning and preparation (staff only in gym): 10-10:30am
- Geckos 10-13yrs competition: 10:30-12:30pm
- Geckos podiums, Mountain Goats check-in (both outside): 12:45pm
- Cleaning and preparation (staff only in gym): 12:30-1pm
- Mountain Goats competition: 1-3pm
- Goats podiums, Geckos 14-17yrs check in (both outside): 3:15pm
- Cleaning and preparation (staff only in gym): 3-3:30pm
- Geckos 14-17yrs competition: 3:30-5:30pm
- Geckos podiums, Rock Squad check-in (both outside) 5:45pm
- Cleaning and preparation (staff only in gym): 5:30-6pm
- Rock Squad competition: 6-8:30pm
- Rock Squad podiums: 8:45pm
Spectators
Unfortunately, we will have to put limits on spectators so that we can prioritize room for competitors. We will have tables and seating in the parking area just outside of Mitchell’s main entrance for parents. If there is space available in the gym for spectators, we will let you know how many can come in. You may need to take turns. If a category slot is filled completely, there may be no space at all to come in, and you’ll have to see what you can through the open roller doors. (Rock Rats will be handled a little differently, as they will need their parent or guardian’s assistance with belaying).
Volunteering
If you would like to volunteer to help with running the competition, we would greatly appreciate your help. Please email the Mitchell gym at canrock@grapevine.com.au to express your interest.
