The IFSC is set to host its annual Officials Seminar in Tai’an, China, bringing together Officials from around the world for two days of collaborative discussions and meetings. The Seminar will serve as a platform to review the past season, share knowledge, and prepare for the upcoming competitions.

This year's seminar will bring together a wide range of IFSC Officials, including Event Delegates, Assistant Event Delegates, Routesetters, Para Routesetters, Judges, and Trainers. For the first time, such a broad group of roles will convene in one seminar, setting a benchmark for future IFSC Officials Seminars and strengthening collaboration across different officiating roles.

Held annually and rotating across different continents, the seminar ensures balanced travel opportunities and fosters collaboration with the hosting National Federation. This year’s edition marks a return to the in-person format, following a virtual event in 2024. The previous in-person seminar was held in Prague, Czechia, in 2023.

Held annually and set to rotate across different continents, the seminar ensures balanced travel opportunities and fosters collaboration with the hosting National Federation. This year’s edition marks a return to the in-person format, following a virtual event in 2024. The previous in-person seminar was held in Prague, Czechia, in 2023.

TOPICS AND PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

The seminar will feature plenary sessions, group discussions, and hands-on workshops, covering a wide range of topics:

• A review of the 2024 season and upcoming event preparations;
• Sport-specific updates and equipment developments;
• A roundtable with Olympic officials;
• The roles and responsibilities of IFSC officials;
• Diversity and inclusion discussions led by guest speaker Ms. Wang Li; and
• Practical sessions on judging and routesetting at the climbing gym.

With 72 participants, including Olympic officials, the event aims to enhance excellence in Climbing competitions at all levels. The Seminar will also serve as an opportunity for the remaining Sport & Technical Commissions – namely Routesetters and Judges – to hold meetings that did not take place during the IFSC Commissions Week in Torino last December.