Youth Climbing Series
Youth Climbing Series 2010 
The YCS indoor competition for young climbers in Scotland was formerly called the British Regional Youth Competition Series (BRYCS) and was set up by the BMC many years ago. It is now operated as four separate series in the different Nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) using the same general format and coming together for a British Final.
The BMC organises the event in England; the BMC in Wales; the MCofS in Scotland and the MCofI in Ireland. The BMC organise the British Final.
The BMC Youth Competition Series in England has 7 Regions operating 3 rounds on the same dates across the country. Winners from each of the 7 regions form teams that compete at the British Final. Wales has a slightly different arrangement: Cymru/Wales holds 2 rounds in each of their North and South Regions and then holds an all Cymru/Wales Final to identify a single Team from Wales. The top 3 in each category from the Cymru /Wales Final then go through to the British Final.
In Ireland, the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCofI) run 1 Region and 3 rounds for their Youth Climbing Series. The top 3 in each category in Northern Ireland goes through as a single team to the British Final.
In Scotland, we maintain two Scottish Regions (North and South), both of which compete at the British Final.
How the Competition is run in Scotland
The three rounds of the competition are run regionally across Scotland (two regions: Scotland North and Scotland South) at local participating climbing walls allowing young climbers wishing to take part to do so without having to travel great distances (which also helps their parent taxi service!).
The competitions are open to any young climber and although competitive are also fun and a great way to meet other young climbers in the area. All age categories compete on boulder problems and routes – the lower age categories top-rope their routes, the upper age category has to lead their routes.
The top three climbers in each age and gender category make up the MCofS Regional Teams for Scotland North and Scotland South. These teams then compete with the other regional teams from England, Wales and Ireland at a British Final.
To be eligible for the regional team and to compete at the British Final it is necessary to take part in at least two regional rounds.
How to Apply
[Please note that you must apply to MCofS if competing in Scotland]
The MCofS make all arrangements for the Scottish Series and application forms are available from participating walls and from the MCofS before the event. To compete in this event you will have to be a member of the MCofS. Current members (Youth or family or club) gain a discount on the entry fee. The entry fee to the series by non members will include 3 months membership of the MCofS covering the period of the series only.
Application Forms are available from the Glasgow Climbing Centre reception.
Categories
The age category definitions for the MCofS Youth Climbing Series is based on their year of birth. In 2009 the youngest an entrant can be at the first round is just over seven and a quarter and the oldest age eligible to enter is 16. This allows a smooth transition for those climbers making the step from the Youth Climbing Series to European Youth Competitions and other Internationals, where year of birth is used to determine categories.
For full details of age categories for the current years competition see below.
FUTHER INFORMATION:
The Rough Guide 2009
The Full Rules 2009
Information for Parents pdf
