EXECUTIVE BOARD
MARCO SCOLARIS (ITA)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Born in Torino, Italy, in 1958, climber Marco Maria Scolaris turned his passion for the mountains into his profession, becoming a journalist and photographer. Involved in Sport Climbing since the first organised Lead competition, SportRoccia, in 1985, Scolaris was also among the founding members of FASI (the Italian Sport Climbing Federation: Federazione Arrampicata Sportiva Italiana) in 1988, acting as its Sport Director for 10 years. On the International competition scene, he became a Judge as well as a trainer for new Judges and, having attended over 40 international events as an Official, Scolaris was one of the leaders in the development of climbing competitions within the UIAA. In 2007, with a vision to further shape the future of Sport Climbing and in agreement with the UIAA, Scolaris created a new International Federation to govern the sport: the IFSC. Elected IFSC President in 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2017, Marco Scolaris is working to lead Sport Climbing to a youthful and urban future. Securing Sport Climbing’s presence at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and Olympic Games Paris 2024, Scolaris is now guiding the sport onwards and upwards.
DEBRA GAWRYCH (USA)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Debbie Gawrych has served as Secretary General for over 10 years after joining the IFSC Management Committee in 2004. Debbie began her Sport Climbing management positions as a volunteer coordinator for the Junior Climbing Competition Association (JCCA) in the USA, working her way up to the role of President of USA Climbing from 2003-2006. She served as the IFSC Vice President of Finance for two terms before her current second term as Secretary General. Debbie is an active athlete and in addition to climbing has competed in running, triathlons and tennis. Her experience in business (MBA and currently a Leadership Management Consultant) as well as competitive sports has helped her work with the IFSC staff and Executive Board to elevate the organisation and professionalism of the IFSC as a whole. Beginning in 2019, Debbie has begun to work more closely with the Strategic aspects of the IFSC; creating a global Strategic Plan from 2019-2025, and improving strategic and operational functions of key areas working alongside the staff in Marketing & Communications, Membership, Governance, and Administration.
KOBINATA TORU (JPN)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1967, Kobinata started climbing in his teenage years, travelling the world in search of new crags and challenges. Having competed at a domestic level, Kobinata began his climbing career as a Routesetter in the 1990’s, acting also as a Judge and manager of the Japanese National Youth Team. Involved with the Japan Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Association (JMSCA) since the nineties, Kobinata was elected Vice President of the IFSC Asian Council 2013-2017, was a proud member of the IFSC 2020 bidding team, and is now IFSC Vice President. Kobinata is also Vice President of the Japan Urban Sports Support Committee (JUSC). Aside from climbing, Kobinata graduated with a degree in Economics from Yokohama City University and owns his own business.
WOLFGANG WABEL (GER)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Based in Munich, Germany, Wolfgang is currently Managing Director of Climbing and Mountain Sports at the Deutscher Alpenverein (DAV) (German Alpine Club). With a sporting background, Wolfgang has a Master’s in Sport Management and a PhD in Sport Science. After attending the UIAA PA in 1998 on behalf of the DAV, Wolfgang acted as a delegate and then member of the Management Committee of organisations engaged in international Sport Climbing. As President and one of the founding members of the IFSC European Council, Wolfgang’s role encompasses the strategy and structural development of Sport Climbing in Europe. Wolfgang feels that the inclusion of Sport Climbing in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is the crowning achievement of efforts made by the IFSC and its Member Federations.
PIERRE YOU (FRA)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Born in France, Pierre has been climbing for more than 40 years and is retired (engineer transport-operations of French railways). He has been successively vice-president (1999-2001), treasurer (2001-2005), and president (2005-2021) of the French Mountain and Climbing Federation (FFME). He was responsible for organising major championships in Paris, the 2008 European Championships and then the World Championships in 2012 and 2016. He was elected for eight years (2009-2017) to the board of directors at the French National Olympic Committee. He wishes to put his experience at the service of the IFSC so that it develops for the benefit of Sport Climbing.
GEORGE STAINTON (RSA)
MANDATE 2021-2025
George Stainton was born in Zambia before moving to South Africa at a young age. He is an experienced Sports Administrator who sits on the South African National Climbing Federation (SANCF) Executive Board, is the President of the African Continental Council and is an elected member of the SASCOC Brand Marketing, Commercialisation & Communication Commission. He has a passion for many sports, specifically Sport Climbing, rugby, football, mountain biking, and canoeing. Growing up on a farm in Kwa-Zulu Natal, he spent many days hiking in the Drakensberg, competitively paddling on the Tugela, Umkomaas, and Umgeni Rivers, and climbing in the Howick Falls Gorge. On the professional side he was in property and retail management for over a third of his career before becoming a stadium and rights management specialist in 2000. As CEO of Ellis Park Stadium, he formed part of the successful SAFA Bid Committee presenting to FIFA for the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was a SAFA delegate at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Tournament in Germany. He was directly involved in the commercial design and development and management of two 2010 stadiums and has consulted across Southern Africa. He has his own stadium and rights management consulting business and is a partner in two C4 Climbing Training Venues in South Africa.
LI ZHIXIN (CHN)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Li Zhixin [Chinese 李致新; Pinyin Lǐ Zhìxīn] was born in Dalian, located in the Chinese Province of Liaoning, in 1962. A leading Chinese mountaineer, Li Zhixin and partner Wang Yongfeng became the first Chinese couple to climb the Seven Summits on 23rd June 1999. Li Zhixin graduated from the Wuhan Institute of Geology in 1985, where he begun his mountaineering career within the Institute’s Mountaineering Team the previous year. Director of the Mountaineering Sports Administrative Centre of the State General Administration of Sports, Li Zhixin is also President of the Chinese Mountaineering Association.
TIJL SMITZ (BEL)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Based on the outskirts of Leuven, Belgium, Tijl Smitz was elected President of the IFSC European Council in 2021. Whilst studying Physical Education & Sports Management at KU Leuven he became one of the founding members of a fast-growing local climbing club, involved at a national level with performing athletes and successful events. Since 2007 he has coached for the Belgian national team, working mostly with youth athletes, and became a national routesetter for Lead and Boulder in 2012. Employed as Technical Director for the Club Alpin Belge since 2015, he has been active in the IFSC as a representative for Climbing & Mountaineering Belgium (CMBEL), European Coaches Representative in the IFSC Europe Sport Department, and participated in various IFSC working groups. Tijl’s focus within the IFSC Executive Board is on good governance, development, and sport matters.
NAOMI CLEARY (AUS)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Naomi Cleary is the President of the IFSC Oceanian Council. Based in Victoria, Australia, Naomi became involved in climbing as a founding member of the state based climbing association where her children began competing. After joining the board of Sport Climbing Australia in 2015, Naomi has been involved with all aspects of climbing in Australia including implementing a new federated organisational structure, organising National and Continental events, coordinating roles with Sport Integrity Australia, the Australian Olympic Committee, and Sport Australia. Naomi brings to the executive board experience as the owner and finance director of a property development business and board roles in the Property, Government, Not-for Profit, and Peak Industry Body fields as well as qualifications in business, accounting, and company directorship.
SHAUNA COXSEY (GBR)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Climbing since the age of four, Olympian Shauna Coxsey MBE has cemented a global reputation as one of the world's best competition climbers; with a notable track record in outdoor bouldering also. A passionate proponent of widening participation in sport, when she was 18 years old, Shauna established the Women's Climbing Symposium (WCS). Now an annual event, the WCS aims to connect, develop, and inspire women to climb, whatever their level. Shauna is widely recognised as a key spokesperson for the sport and has extensive experience of working with the media and in other public speaking environments to provide insight, explanation and commentary on climbing, women in sport and access to sport. Shauna is also a trustee of Climbers Against Cancer, a charity to unite the climbing community in supporting Cancer Research which was set up by the late John Ellison.
SEAN MCCOLL (CAN)
MANDATE 2021-2025
Born in 1987, Sean McColl is a climber from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, who has been competing in the sport since the age of ten. Dominating the sport in Canada as a junior athlete, Sean claimed five world youth titles, an unprecedented feat. In the senior ranks, Sean has won five World Cup gold medals, over 10 International masters and has an astonishing count of 34 World Cup medals in total. Sean has competed on the show "American Ninja Warrior: USA vs. The World" and hopes to return once again. On the educational side, Sean has a Computer Science degree with Honours from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Sean currently serves on the IFSC Athletes' Commision as the Vice-President, after being President from 2012-2021. Through countless presentations to the International Olympic Committee, Sean led the charge – as athlete representative – for climbing’s inclusion at the Olympic Games.
Documents
Executive Decisions
2024
2024
7 August 2024
- Continental Regulations: Approval
The Continental Regulations are a tripartite document, with general provisions applicable to all Continents, continent-specific MOUs, and continent-specific Action Plans. The general provisions’ part is ready for approval and is presented to the Board for vote.
Vote to approve the 2024 IFSC Continental Regulations. Approved.
10 July 2024
- Continental Regulations: Gender Balance
Following discussion within the Governance Commission on gender equality, the proposal is for the Board to formulate a recommendation to the Governance Commission on this issue.
Vote to approve to transfer to the Governance Commission the recommendation of the Executive Board to include in the Continental Regulations the goal to reach 50-50 gender balance, with a margin of maximum 60-40 in one gender. Provisions to accommodate the needs of specific continents shall be dealt with in the MOU on a case-by-case basis. Approved. - Sustainability: IFSC Sustainability Commitment
IFSC has identified 5 goals in particular out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals drafted by the United Nations, which are connected to Sport Climbing and are the focus for the IFSC Sustainability Commitment: (i) good health and well-being; (ii) gender equality; (iii) responsible consumption and production patterns; (iv) climate action; (v) partnerships for the goals.
Vote to approve the IFSC Sustainability Commitment. Approved. - Membership: Establishment of Application Fee
To decrease the risk of NF insolvency and in application of Article 8.3.1.7 of the IFSC Statutes, the Risk and Finance Commission propose to introduce a non-refundable application fee of 500.00 € for new membership requests, to cover the work required from the IFSC Office in their assessment. This sum shall be deducted from the first annual membership fee for successful applicants.
Vote to approve the non-refundable application fee of 500.00 € for new membership requests in accordance with Article 8.3.1.7 of the IFSC Statutes. Approved. - Rebranding: Registration of “World Climbing” Trademark
In the context of the future rebranding of the IFSC to “World Climbing”, the World Climbing name and logo will be registered as a trademark in the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property.
Vote to approve the trademark registration of World Climbing. Approved.
12 June 2024
- Membership: Admission of Democratic Republic of the Congo
The application received from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was supported by all the documents requested by IFSC and was carried out quickly and efficiently. The Development Plan is very well thought out and the goals that they have in mind are realistic. They do not have an actual climbing gym at the moment, but do have facilities within a few schools across the country.
Vote to approve the provisional admission of the Fédération Congolaise de l'Escalade Sportive (FCES) as new member representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo pending the ratification by the General Assembly. Approved.
24 April 2024
- Appointment of Chair & Vice Chairs of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission
Vote to appoint Prof. Naama Constantini (ISR) as Chair and Dr Cesar Canales (ESP) and Dr Karen Halsell (USA) as Vice Chairs of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission. Approved. - Vote to suspend the following NFs for failing to pay the fees required by the Statutes (ref. Art. 8.4.1.2) unless their payment or its proof is received by 21 March 2024: ALG, CMR, GEO, IRI, LEB, KUW, MAS, MLT, NGR, PAK, PAN, RWA, SEN, SRB, THA, UGA. Approved.
- Membership: Cambodia name change request
The Cambodian Federation sent IFSC a document listing their new Board of Directors and certifying the recognition of the Cambodian NOC. The document also communicated the change of name of the Federation, from the Cambodia Climbing Federation (CCF) to the current Cambodia Climbing and Hiking Federation (CCHF).
Vote to approve the name change request submitted by the Cambodian Federation. Approved.
23 March 2024
- Risk and Finance Commission: New Member
IFSC has received the application of Stephane David (NZL) to become a member of the Risk and Finance Commission.
Vote to appoint Stephane David (NZL) to the Risk and Finance Commission. Approved.
20 March 2024
- National Federations with overdue invoices
A number of NFs with overdue invoices from past financial years have responded to reminders sent by the IFSC and have either indicated that they will carry out the payment or have asked to reschedule the outstanding payment. The Board decides that, unless proof of payment of the overdue invoices is received by 21 March 2024, these NFs will be suspended. The NFs attending the General Assembly in person will be able to physically be in the General Assembly room but will not be allowed to speak or vote.
Vote to suspend the following NFs for failing to pay the fees required by the Statutes (ref. Art. 8.4.1.2) unless their payment or its proof is received by 21 March 2024: CAM, CHI, CYP, GBR, INA, MGL, PHI. Approved. - A number of NFs with overdue invoices from past financial years never responded to reminders sent by the IFSC. The Board decides that, unless proof of payment of the overdue invoices is received by 21 March 2024, these NFs will be suspended. The NFs attending the General Assembly in person will be able to physically be in the General Assembly room but will not be allowed to speak or vote.
Vote to suspend the following NFs for failing to pay the fees required by the Statutes (ref. Art. 8.4.1.2) unless their payment or its proof is received by 21 March 2024: ALG, CMR, GEO, IRI, LEB, KUW, MAS, MLT, NGR, PAK, PAN, RWA, SEN, SRB, THA, UGA. Approved. - 2025 World Championships Quota
The proposal for the quotas for the 2025 World Championships is brought to a vote. All NFs will still have a fixed quota of 2 athletes/discipline/gender and a maximum quota of 5 athletes/discipline/gender. The winners of the previous edition of the WCH and of the Continental Championships preceding the WCH will create extra quota by name and be pre-qualified. The new quota system will introduce the concept of extra quota by name according to performance: the top 40 athletes of the 2024 World Ranking will generate extra quota.
Vote to approve the IFSC 2025 WCH Quota. Approved.
13 March 2024
- Governance: Treasurer
It is proposed to withdraw the EB proposal to amend the Statutes with the addition of a Treasurer. However, the topic of the management of IFSC Finances inside the EB will be kept in the General Assembly Agenda for discussion. Vote to withdraw the vote from Point 11.1 of the XXI IFSC General Assembly Agenda. Approved.
15 February 2024
- Finance
Vote to use the provision for bad debts to cover the uncollectible invoices (total: 8,500 EUR). Approved.
Vote to approve the 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements. Approved.
Vote to approve the 2024 Provisional Budget. Approved.
Vote to approve the 2025 Fee System. Approved. - Membership: Portugal
In January 2024, the Portuguese Federation notified the name change of their organisation from Federação Promotora de Escalada de Competição to Federação Portuguesa de Escalada de Competição. The acronym remains FPME.
Vote to approve the name change request submitted by the Portuguese Federation. Approved. - Membership: Hong Kong
In February 2024, the Hong Kong Federation notified the name change of their organisation from China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union Limited (CHKMCU) to Hong Kong, China Mountaineering and Climbing Union Limited (HKCMCU).
Vote to approve the name change request submitted by the Hong Kong Federation. Approved. - Membership: Palestine
In February 2024, the Palestine Social Sports Climbing Club Association (PCA) submitted a request of admission as IFSC Member. They can rely on two indoor climbing gyms and have a good number of athletes, coaches, and routesetters. Its athletes participated in Lead and Boulder competitions abroad, especially in events organised by the Jordanian Federation in Jordan. The development plan drafted by PCA is well structured, taking into account strengths and weaknesses, and sets both short and long-term goals, together with the strategy to attain them.
Vote to approve the provisional admission of the Palestine Social Sports Climbing Club Association (PCA) as new member representing Palestine pending the ratification of the General Assembly. Approved. - Membership: Ukraine
In the same way as 2022 and 2023, it is proposed to waive the fees for 2024 for the Ukrainian Federation. This decision will be subject to the ratification of the General Assembly.
Vote to approve the waiving of the 2024 fees (membership, licences, registrations, etc.) for the Ukrainian Federation (UMCF). Approved. - Governance: Treasurer
Vote to approve the amendment of Article 11.2 of the IFSC Statutes, introducing the Treasurer as an additional member of the Executive Board elected by the General Assembly. The related articles will be amended accordingly. Approved. [PG NOTE: THIS WAS THEN OVERTURNED IN THE 13 MARCH EB MEETING] - Governance: Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee Terms of Reference were amended with the harmonisation with the changes in the EB composition and the replacement of the Nomination Criteria with the Eligibility Criteria.
Vote to approve the amendments to the Nomination Committee Terms of Reference. Approved. - Governance: Eligibility Criteria
The Eligibility Criteria were amended with the harmonisation with the changes in the EB composition and with the addition of criteria for Continental Board Members and the change of name from Nomination Criteria to Eligibility Criteria.
Vote to approve the amendments to the Eligibility Criteria. Approved. - Governance: Electoral Regulations
The Electoral Regulations were drafted by the IFSC lawyer to cater for an improved process during the elections. They now include provisions for campaigning, dispute resolution, details on ballots, etc.
Vote to approve the Electoral Regulations. Approved. - Governance: Disciplinary Rules
The former Disciplinary and Appeals Rules have been updated to the Disciplinary Rules, following the removal of internal appeals and of the Appeals Commission: all appeals will now be referred directly to the CAS Appeals Division. Anti-doping procedures will no longer be brough before the Disciplinary Commission in first instance but immediately referred to the CAS Anti-Doping Division.
Vote to approve the updated Disciplinary Rules. Approved. - Governance: 2024 General Assembly Final Agenda
Vote to approve the final Agenda of the General Assembly. Approved. - Finance Commission: name change
Vote to approve the name change of the Finance Commission into Risk and Finance Commission. Approved.
17 January 2024
- IFSC Membership – Harmonisation of former Continental membership
IFSC will communicate to the former Continental Members of the Board’s proposal to transition them to IFSC Member, in line with the sole membership category provided in the new IFC Statutes. This transition will be ratified by the GA.
Vote to approve the harmonisation of the former Continental membership in line with the new Statutes to be ratified by the General Assembly. Approved. - Events Commission: Appointment of Sandro Pfister (SUI)
IFSC received a letter from the Swiss Federation asking for the substitution of their Events Commission member, Nils Glatthard, with Sandro Pfister, who is more involved in their events. This request was communicated simultaneously with the withdrawal of Nils Glatthard. No other candidatures have been received.
Vote to approve the appointment of Sandro Pfister (SUI) as a member of the Events Commission in substitution of Nils Glatthard. Approved. - TV & Marketing and Media Commissions: Merger
Vote to approve the merging of the TV & Marketing and Media Commissions into one Media and Marketing Commission. Approved. - Institutional: Updated Code of Conduct
The updated Code of Conduct has revised the main body concerning conflicts of interest and adds, as annex, the Conflict of Interest Policy. The change was carried out to align more closely with international requirements, and the new Code of Conduct will be published on the IFSC website.
Vote to approve the updated Code of Conduct. Approved. - Institutional: Provisional Agenda of the XXI IFSC General Assembly
Vote to approve the provisional Agenda of the XXI IFSC General Assembly. Approved. - Institutional: Organisational Regulations
The Organisational Regulations include the Swiss legal requirement that IFSC must be represented by a person domiciled in Switzerland with access to the list of members. It is recommended that this role is assigned to Dr Bernhard Berger, IFSC lawyer, as he is domiciled in Switzerland and is the holder of the legal address of the IFSC. The section in the Organisational Regulations stating that the Secretary General heads the IFSC Office will enter into force following the 2025 elections, as per the Statutes.
Vote to grant single signatory power to Dr Bernhard Berger, from Langnau im Emmental, in Bern, and to approve the corresponding registration without function of Dr Bernhard Berger with the commercial register. Approved. - Finance: 2024 IFSC Financial Regulations
Vote to approve the 2024 IFSC Financial Regulations. Approved. - Finance: 2024 IFSC Delegation of Authority
Vote to approve the 2024 IFSC Delegation of Authority. Approved. - Finance: 2024 IFSC Executive Board Travel & Compensation Policy
Vote to approve the 2024 IFSC Executive Board Travel & Compensation Policy. Approved. - Finance: 2024 Season IFSC Event Fees
2024 Anti-Doping Fee – The management of IFSC’s anti-doping programme is fully delegated to the International Testing Agency (ITA), to ensure full compliance with the WADA Code and international standards, and facilitate IFSC and the Local Organising Committees (LOCs). The Anti-Doping Fee, as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission, is a contribution asked of LOCs to the IFSC’s Clean Sport programme. The Fee is estimated at 6,000 € per event to cover the costs associated with in-competition testing management, while IFSC still covers out-of-competition testing, education, etc (only about 1/3 of total costs will be covered with these Anti-Doping Fees). The Fee will be applicable starting from the 2024 season (2024 World Cups and Youth World Championships) and will be reflected in the 2024 Hosting Agreements.
Vote to follow the Finance Commission recommendation and approve the Anti-Doping Fee (6,000 € / event) for the 2024 season. Approved.
2024 Sustainability Contribution Fee – The proposal is for LOCs to contribute to the implementation of the IFSC Sustainability Guidelines through the payment of a Sustainability Contribution Fee equal to 1,000 € per event. The Fees collected are to be invested in carbon emission compensation plans. At the end of the season, this should mean around 10,000 € to be donated to carbon offsetting plans. The Fee will be applicable starting from the 2024 season (World Cups and Youth World Championships) and will be reflected in the 2024 Hosting Agreements. The Sustainability Taskforce will assess the potential carbon offsetting plans to select the one(s) most suitable.
Vote to approve the Sustainability Contribution Fee (1,000 € / event) for the 2024 season. Approved.
Bank guarantee for payment of athletes’ prize money – The Finance Commission recommendation is to have LOCs, upon signature of the Hosting Agreement with IFSC, provide bank guarantees as proof that sufficient funds are set aside specifically for athletes’ prize money.
Vote to follow the Finance Commission recommendation and approve the obligation for Local Organising Committees to provide IFSC with proof (bank guarantee) that sufficient funds are put aside for specific allocation towards the payment of Prize Money to athletes for the 2024 season. Approved.
Multi-year agreements – The Finance Commission recommends that IFSC shift towards concluding multi-year agreements for around half of the events, instead of one-year agreements. This would strengthen partnerships with sponsors and providers for both IFSC and LOCs, and improve the preparation of events (more time for operations planning, budget fixing, and procurement of resources). Multi-year agreements could also involve continental events (in such cases they would be established together with the relevant Continental Councils) and may include a third contractor.
Vote to follow the Finance Commission recommendation and approve the principle of multi-year agreements. Approved. - Sport: Youth World Championships format update
The 2023 GA voted to increase the minimum age to attend IFSC senior events starting from 2025, therefore age categories must be aligned with the IFSC senior age starting from 2025. The proposal made to the Board is to change the age categories by one year to U21, U19, and U17 starting from the 2025 season, following the vote expressed by the GA in 2023, and remove the U21 category from the YWCH format. The difficulty of finding organisers indicates a need to change the format. The solution proposed is currently the best compromise between the various solutions analysed to make the event more sustainable.
Vote to approve the change of youth age categories from U20, U18, U16 to U21, U19, U17, starting from the 2025 season. Approved.
Vote to approve the new YWCH format with the removal of the Under 21 age category. Approved
2023
2023
20 December 2023
- Case submitted to the IFSC Ethics Commission for recommendation
The Board decides to instruct the IFSC Safeguarding Officer (currently the IFSC Sport Director) to inform the German Federation’s safeguarding officer of the alleged case of inappropriate conduct concerning one of their members and ask for their collaboration in understanding if the alleged facts are true and report back to the IFSC Safeguarding Officer, who will convey the information collected to the Board.
Vote to approve to instruct the IFSC Safeguarding Officer to contact the relevant person(s) within the German Federation to look into the case and report back to the IFSC Safeguarding Officer. Approved.
7 December 2023
- IFSC-IFSC Europe Memorandum of Understanding
IFSC and IFSC Europe have finalised the Memorandum of Understanding which details the relationship between them. It is a good model for other Continental Councils and will be shared with other Councils to start this process for all continents.
Vote to approve the IFSC-IFSC Europe Memorandum of Understanding. Approved. - World Games 2025 Qualification System
The qualification system for The World Games 2025 is presented. There will be 3 medal events per gender: 2-lane individual, 4-lane individual, and 4-lane team relay.
Vote to approve the Qualification System for the World Games 2025. Approved.
20 November 2023
- IFSC Events Commission: Nomination of Jérôme Meyer as member
In addition to having an important role within the NEOM Masters, Jérôme Meyer has been approached by other independent private organisers and could therefore bring experience and knowledge to improve IFSC events from within the organisation, instead of operating outside of it.
Vote to approve the nomination of Jérôme Meyer as a member of the Events Commission. Approved. - Ethics: Case submitted to the IFSC Ethics Commission for recommendation
The Ethics Commission has made a recommendation to the Executive Board with regards to the case submitted to it on 14 September 2023, which remains strictly confidential. The recommendation is that “the Executive Board instruct an external qualified professional to conduct a preliminary assessment on the possibility that the allegations in the case in question, were they to result true, would indicate a breach of IFSC regulations, either directly or indirectly (i.e. via a breach of national law) and, therefore, provide an answer to the existence or not of a legal basis for IFSC to act.”
Vote to approve the dismissal of the Ethics Case presented on 14 September 2023. Rejected.
Vote to approve to instruct an external qualified professional to conduct a preliminary assessment on the allegations of the case in question. Rejected.
8 November 2023
- Financial situation of the Korean Alpine Federation (KAF)
The KAF has not been paying their debts to IFSC (event registration fees for their athletes and team officials, plus their World Cup hosting fee) and to the athletes (prize money for the World Cup held in Korea). The latest deadlines were at the end of October for payments to IFSC (expired) and on 13 November for payments to athletes.
The proposal is to maintain the deadline of 13 November for payments to athletes of the WC prize money and extend the deadline for payments to IFSC until 31 December. If these deadlines are not respected, the KAF will be suspended until the financial obligations are fulfilled. The suspension would entail the suspension of their voting rights, ineligibility of their athletes and team officials to participate in IFSC events, and, if the problem persists, cancellation of the IFSC events assigned to it (WC 2024, WCH 2025).
Vote to keep the deadline for KAF to fulfil the payment of the athletes prize money by 13 November 2023; any delay after this date, will result in the automatic suspension of the KAF until payments are received. The KAF shall then fulfil their other financial obligations until 31 December 2023 as referred to in the IFSC Letters of 13 October, 19 October, 02 November 2023; any delay after this date, will result in the automatic suspension of the KAF until payments are received in full. Approved. - Membership Jordan: Change of name
Vote to approve the request of name change from Jordan Federation of Sport Climbing (JFSC) to Jordan Climbing Federation (JCF). Approved.
24 October 2023
- No decisions made: preparatory Meeting for the IFSC XX Extraordinary General Assembly
12 October 2023
- Update to the IFSC Continuously Updated World Ranking for 2024-2025
The taskforce convened to work on potential amendments for the IFSC Continuously Updated World Ranking (CUWR) formulated recommendations to the Executive Board towards the update of the CUWR regulation starting from the 2024 season.
Vote to approve the updated CUWR regulation for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Approved.
- Medical and Anti-Doping Commission – Appointment of new members
The applications and CVs of the candidates for the IFSC Medical and Anti-Doping Commission recommended by the IFSC Office were shared with the Executive Board for decision. The recommended candidates are: Naama Constantini (ISR), Karen Halsell (USA), Maria Stefania Ionel (ROU), Gabriel Lima (BRA), Koji Tanabe (JPN). The Executive Board shall appoint the new members of the Commission but leave the choice of Chair to an internal discussion between the new members and the current members.
Vote to approve the appointment of the new members of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission. Approved.
13 September 2023
- Reintroduction of neutral athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports
Following the Executive Board’s approval to start a process for the reinstatement of Athletes with Russian and Belarusian passport as neutral athletes, starting from 2024, the ad-hoc task force presents the ‘IFSC Policy Concerning Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes to IFSC Competitions’ and the ‘Neutral Athletes’ Declaration and Undertaking’.
Vote to approve the IFSC Policy Concerning Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes to IFSC Competitions and the Neutral Athletes’ Declaration and Undertaking. Approved.
- Paraclimbing: Application for Paraclimbing Committee Expert Position
Vote to approve the application of Sebastian Depke (GER) as Expert Member of the Paraclimbing Committee. Approved.
- New Memberships: Guam and Nigeria
Vote to approve the provisional admission of the Guam Federation of Sport Climbing as new member representing Guam pending the ratification by the General Assembly. Approved.
Vote to approve the provisional admission of Sport Climbing Nigeria as new member representing Nigeria pending the ratification by the General Assembly. Approved.
8 August 2023
- Finance: approval of the Q2 2023 budget review
Vote to approve the proposed Q2 2023 budget review. Approved. - Governance: IFSC Statutes revision
Vote to approve the motion to Article 2.1 of the IFSC Statutes draft reading “World Climbing is the designation used operationally by IFSC”. Approved.
Vote to amend Article 10.4.1 of the IFSC Statutes draft to lower the threshold required for National Federations to call an Extraordinary General Assembly from two-thirds to 50% +1 of National Federations (simple majority). Approved.
Vote to amend Article 10.7.1 of the IFSC Statutes draft to allow one proxy vote per National Federation. Approved.
Vote to amend Article 10.9.1 of the IFSC Statutes draft to add a quorum of one-third of Members present, failing which the General Assembly may not validly deliberate. Approved.
Vote to amend Article 10.10.1.5 of the IFSC Statutes draft so that each candidate for one position, if not elected, does not go into the next pool (cannot run for other position). Approved.
Vote to accept the recommendation from the IFSC lawyer (i) to remove Article 14.5 providing for an Appeals Commission from the IFSC Statutes draft and amend the Statutes draft and other IFSC rules and regulations so that appeals may be filed directly before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and (ii) that anti-doping disputes shall be immediately submitted to the CAS Anti-Doping Division for decision of first instance, with appeals possible before CAS. Approved.
5 July 2023
- Membership Bolivia: termination of current Member and admission of new Member
The Executive Board votes to approve the membership termination submitted by the Federación Boliviana de Ski y Andinismo (FEBSA), pending the ratification of the 2024 General Assembly. - The Executive Board votes to approve the request submitted by the Comité Boliviano de Escalada Deportiva (CBED) to be admitted as IFSC Member representing Bolivia pending the ratification of the 2024 General Assembly. The applicable annual membership fee will start from July 2023.
- Membership termination: Fiji
The Executive Board votes to approve the membership termination submitted by Sport Climbing Fiji (SCF) pending the ratification of the 2024 General Assembly.
7 June 2023
- Reintroduction of neutral athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports
The ad-hoc task force presents a report containing its recommendations, drafted following consultations with IFSC and IOC Athletes’ Commissions, IOC Sport Department, International Testing Agency (doping testing providers), Swiss Alpine Club (World Championships organiser), European Council, Ukrainian Sport Climbing Federation, Israeli Federation (regarding security measures).
The Executive Board votes to approve to start a process for the reinstatement of Athletes with Russian and Belarusian passport as neutral athletes, starting from 2024.
- Membership status change: Cambodia
The Executive Board votes to approve the request of membership status change from Continental to Full submitted by the Cambodia Climbing Federation (CCF).
10 May 2023
- Creation of task force to examine reintroduction of neutral athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports
A task force comprised of Executive Board Member Naomi Cleary, Athletes’ Commission President Shauna Coxsey, and the IFSC Development Director is created to consult the Athletes’ Commission, Event Organisers, IOC, other IFs, and NFs and to collect information about how it could work if the EB were to make the decision to reinclude athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports as neutral athletes. - Southern Pan America representation
As the Pan American Federations were divided in their administration between North and South but only the representative of the Norther Federations attends Executive Board meetings, to remedy the lack of representation of the Southern Federations the IFSC President invites Willy Montenegro (President of the Chilean Federation FEACH) to future Executive Board meetings. - Statutes revision: discussion and decision on items which received only soft majorities at the 2023 General Assembly
The Executive Board addresses the proposals that only obtained soft majorities during voting at the General Assembly to instruct on their inclusion, non-inclusion, or change of form in the new Statutes. - Waiving of HON & ESA fees
The Executive Board votes to approve the waiving of the 2022 fees for the Federación Hondureña de Deportes de Montana y Escalada (FEHDME) and the Federación Salvadoreña de Montañismo y Escalada (FSME). - Financial support for UKR
The Executive Board votes to approve the payment of the General Assembly 2023 travel contribution to the Ukrainian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UMCF), as the flight ticket could not be refunded due to the short notice visa refusal from Singapore authorities.
2 April 2023
- Debrief of the General Assembly
Debrief of the General Assembly and schedule of the next Executive Boards
29 March 2023
Preparation of the General Assembly, running order and coordination
8 March 2023
- Discussion on the Governance Commission proposals
This Executive Board meeting had only one point in agenda. The discussion was focused on the different points presented by the Governance Commission
22 February 2023
- General Assembly agenda
Approval of the final agenda
- Approval of IFSC Code of Conduct 2023
It sets out several behavioural rules that all participants in IFSC activities are bound by, with retroactive effects. Reports of unethical conduct will be handled by the IFSC Ethics Officer, the IFSC Ethics Commission is reinstated as a research and advisory body.
- Approval of IFSC Safeguarding Policy 2023
It covers all types of harassment and abuse against and committed by all individuals involved with IFSC, both athletes and non-athletes, and determines the responsibilities of all major actors. The positions of the external and independent IFSC Safeguarding Officer and of IFSC Event Safeguarding Supervisor, assigned to be present onsite at individual competitions.
- Approval of IFSC Disciplinary and Appeals Rules 2023
IFSC Disciplinary and Appeals Rules 2023 implement language revisions and the inclusion of disciplinary proceedings for breaches of the IFSC Code of Conduct 2023 and of the IFSC Safeguarding Policy 2023. - Vote to approve the IFSC Subsidiary Plan
IFSC entrusted consultancy firm EY to build a solid plan on a commercial subsidiary for IFSC. The setting up of a subsidiary is another step forward to adhere to the Strategic Plan and it becomes necessary, due to IFSC’s growing revenues. Goals: follow the increasing trend of most IFs (and many of our NFs) creating more centralised and professionalised media and marketing services centres; as a legal entity, could allow for development of IFSC into a more agile, efficient, and sustainable organization; positive consequences would be fiscal benefits and potentially new sources of revenue for IFSC to reinvest in Sport Climbing. - Appointments of IFSC Ethic Commission members
The General Assembly will vote for the appointment of Italian sports lawyer Mario Morelli as second member of the new Ethics Commission after Patti Rube from the USA. Third member will be IOC member from Ethiopia, Dagmawit Berhane. - Waiving of UKR fees
Vote to approve the waiving of the 2023 fees for the Ukrainian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UMCF) - Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Caledonia, Portugal
Vote to approve the request of membership termination submitted by Air and Extreme Sports Federation of Azerbaijan (AESFA) and admission of the Azerbaijan Mountaineering Federation (AMF). - Vote to approve the admission of the Kosovo Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation (KMSCF) and of the Kuwait Climbing Committee, of the Lebanese Federation of Sport Climbing and Mountaineering (LFSCM). Vote to ratify the request of membership termination (Observer Membership) submitted by the Comité Régional de la Montagne et de l’Escalade de la Nouvelle Calédonie.
- Vote to approve the name change for IFSC Member representing Portugal from Federação Promotora de Montanhismo e Escalada to Federação Promotora de Escalada de Competição.
- Governance Commission
Vote to approve the inclusion of the Governance Commission headline proposals with the Agenda documents for the General Assembly. Ad hoc meeting set for 8 March. - Finance, 2022 Audit and Financial Statement
Vote to approve the 2022 Audit and Financial Statements. They are presented as consolidated, including both revenues and costs of IFSC and of Continental Councils. Both total turnover and costs increased from 2021, resulting in a slight net profit. - 2023 provisional budget
Vote to approve 2023 provisional budget. It’s presented, and an increase in both annual turnover and costs is expected. - 2024 fee system
Vote to approve the new fee system The first major update is the increase of calendar fees for IFSC World Cups, related to the higher level of services provided at these events, which includes anti-doping in-competition testing to be coordinated by IFSC. The second major update is the increase of registration and licence fees for competitors; this is the first amendment to these fees since 2014. - Sport, Athletes’ health
Vote to approve the updated procedure for athletes’ health screening. The goal is to protect the athletes in the upcoming season. The process is described in the accompanying documents. The screening of athletes will occur at every competition as usual. If an athlete falls within a “critical” BMI/MI zone, then he/she may be excluded from the competition, unless his/her National Federation has presented the medical certification required by the IFSC Medical Commission in advance. This is the same procedure as in 2022, but athletes with a critical BMI/MI have to produce the required documentation before the screening and not after upon receipt of the IFSC notification. - 2025 World Championship Host City
It is proposed not to present bids to host the 2027 Climbing World Championships at the 2023 GA in Singapore, but only to present and vote on the host for the 2025 Climbing World Championships. Two bids were received for 2025, from South Korea and China. - Age limits
Vote to approve the proposal to adopt only the Junior and Youth A age groups for the Youth World Championship starting from 2025.
Vote to approve the increase of the minimum entry age (year of birth) for World Cups and World Championships to 17 years old starting from 2025.
18 January 2023
- General Assembly provisional agenda
Approval voted. - Paris OQS
Approval voted. - Athletes’ health
Vote to approve to continue the process for the establishment of protective measures for athletes competing in IFSC events, which may result in the suspension of athletes’ licence. The implementation of the measures will be ready by 2024; the timeline and process until 2024 will be established in consultation with the IFSC Medical Commission, the IOC, and legal experts. - Finance regulations
For 2023, some amendments are proposed to simplify and standardise processes, improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and adjust to the increased cost of living. The proposed amendments are a reference to EB compensation rules, Continental Councils budget procedures, and updated wording for Annexes.
- Travel & Compensation policy
Vote to approve the 2023 Executive Board Travel & Compensation Policy. The proposed amendments are minor improvements, an updated base for reimbursements for the use of a personal car. No changes have been made to the Compensation Policy.
Vote to approve the 2023 Staff Travel Policy. The proposed amendments are minor improvements, an updated base for reimbursements for the use of a personal car, and updated daily allowance for meals and incidentals.
Vote to approve the 2023 Contractors Travel Policy. The proposed amendments are: standards shall apply to all contractors (not only officials as was the case in the former Officials Compensation Policy), adjustment of standard ceiling for travel expenses, introduction of daily allowance for meals and incidentals, updated base for reimbursements for the use of a personal car.
Vote to approve the 2023 Officials Honoraria. This new document contents were previously included in the former Officials Compensation Policy. The Officials Honoraria describes the mandate agreement process, sets the principle of the daily rate, and includes trainers and speed wall inspectors.
- New HQ Bank Loan
New HQ Bank Loan Authorization, as per request of the Bank. In the fourth quarter of 2022 the IFSC submitted to Banca Patrimoni Sella & C. all the documents necessary to obtain the bank loan, following Finance Commission recommendations and Executive Board approval. Banca Patrimoni Sella & C. requires an official vote from the Executive Board with reference to the bank loan conditions, in order to proceed. The final answer on behalf of Banca Patrimoni Sella & C. is expected within the end of January 2023.
2022
2022
- 14 January || Approval of the Statutes Review
- 14 January || Approval of the XVIII IFSC General Assembly provisional agenda
- 14 January || Approval of the IFSC Risk Management Guidelines
- 14 January || Approval of the membership termination of (FECODEM), and admission of Costa Rica Climbing Federation (CRCF)
2021
2021