Work Climb – Brief Overview

The Work Climb Event tests the competitor’s ability to move throughout the tree using approved tree climbing equipment, and is based on the ISA international tree climbing competition rules. The event setup is the same for all competitors. Each competitor starts from a staging area in the tree and is required to visit five workstations throughout the tree, performing a specified task at each station. Each station in the tree is equipped with a bell (or horn); the competitor shall ring the bell (or sound the horn) before continuing to the next station.

Points are scored by successfully completing the tasks described at each station and ringing the bell (or sounding the horn) with either a handsaw, pole pruner, or hand, as indicated. At certain stations, additional/bonus points can be earned. Competitors can also lose points for failing to properly complete certain other tasks.

Competitors earn subjective points based on safety, control, style, poise, and creativity at the discretion of the judges. A competitor can be penalized for unsafe or uncontrolled acts at the discretion of the Event Head Judge. The Event Head Judge shall issue an audible warning to the competitor should this occur. A second unsafe or uncontrolled act may result in disqualification. The time limit for this event will be determined during the set-up period.