What is USA Climbing?

USA Climbing is a regulatory body that governs competition climbing in the United States. The organization has a specific focus on the disciplines of bouldering, sport climbing and speed climbing.

USA Climbing is recognized and sanctioned by the United States Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and the International Federation for Sport Climbing. Its stated mission is to ensure the success of and growth of climbing as a sport.

The organization began as a division of the American Sport Climbers Federation, but became independent as a not-for-profit organization in 1998 as the Junior Competition Climbing Association. It expanded to include adult climbing in 2002, and the name was changed to USA Climbing in 2003.

Each of the disciplines that USA Climbing governs is represented by a unique series of events: the American Bouldering Series, the Sport Climbing Series and the USAC Exhibitions. There is also a Collegiate Climbing Series exclusive to college students. The competitions as a whole are divided into 15 regions and five divisions. Climbers start in their local region and must win competitions to advance to divisional competitions. They then move to national and international competitions. Advancing farther than regional competitions requires placing in the top seven, attending at least two competitions and formal membership in the organization.