Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Attempt Termination
An attempt is terminated (the climber must stop and is scored at their current point) in the following situations:
- Fall: The climber detaches from the wall (caught by rope in lead, lands on mat in bouldering)
- Time limit exceeded: The clock runs out (6 minutes for lead, 4–5 minutes per boulder problem)
- Using an artificial aid: Using a bolt, screw, quickdraw, wall edge, or any feature not intended as a hold. The attempt is terminated at the last legitimately held position.
- Using a hold from an adjacent route: Touching or using a hold that belongs to a different route or problem. Attempt is voided.
- Skipping a quickdraw (Lead): Climbing significantly above an unclipped quickdraw creates a dangerous fall potential. The judge may stop the attempt for safety.
- Starting incorrectly (Bouldering): Not using the designated start holds in the correct position. The attempt does not count, but the athlete may restart within the time limit.
7.2 Speed Violations
- False start: Leaving the start pad before the start tone. First false start per athlete per race = re-run. Second false start by the same athlete = loss of that race.
- Lane interference: Reaching across the partition into the opponent's lane (extremely rare due to wall design). Loss of the race.
- Equipment failure: If the auto-belay system malfunctions or the timing system fails, the race is re-run. Equipment failures are not counted as attempts.
7.3 Isolation Zone Violations
- Communication breach: Receiving information about the routes or problems from outside the isolation zone (via phone, messaging, coaching signals). Penalty: yellow card (warning) or disqualification depending on severity and whether the information conveyed was substantive.
- Electronic device use: Using a phone, tablet, or any device capable of receiving external communication while in isolation. Penalty: yellow card or disqualification.
- Leaving isolation: An athlete who leaves the isolation zone without permission is not allowed to return and receives a DNF for the remaining problems/routes.
7.4 Protests and Appeals
- Protests must be filed verbally to the Chief Judge within 5 minutes of the disputed score being displayed
- A written protest with a protest fee (refundable if upheld) must follow within 30 minutes
- Video review is the primary evidence for resolving disputed holds, touches, and times
- The IFSC Jury (composed of the Chief Judge, Technical Delegate, and athletes' representative) makes the final ruling
- Appeal beyond the Jury is possible to the IFSC Appeals Tribunal, but only on procedural grounds (not judgement calls)