The IFSC website is reporting that they will be hosting an International level routesetting course during the 2008 Youth Worlds in Sydney, Australia this August 23rd – 31st.

After last year’s successful clinic during Youth Worlds in Ecuador the IFSC has decided to have a go at it again. The clinic will be taught by legendary setter Jacky Godoffe and International Chief Donghyun Kim and will take place before and during the actual competition.

So, what does it take to be accepted to an Internationals course? Well, once you can redpoint 8b+ and boulder 7c (after work) then you need to get your national federation to approve you. If you happen to live in an Oceania or Asian country you will be given preference for admittance; if there are spots still available they will be opened up to setters from outside the region.

Wait that’s not all! There is a €500 ($772 US) fee for the nine day course. This does not cover travel, hotel or food.

This clinic is not for newbie’s, gumby’s or weaklings; this is the start of the top of the food chain. If one can successfully complete two days of theory, a written test, route analysis, manage a team of international setters, know all international rules pertaining to routes and boulders and can set pleasurable, original routes than one just might leave Australia with a IFSC Aspirant Routesetter Certification.

So if you think you can hack it with the the big boys and girls during the biggest Youth comp in the world, then get your application pen ready. In the end if you don’t make it you will have tossed away a few thousand dollars and probably ruined your reputation, but at least you will have gotten a trip to Australia out of it!

You can download the application and get more info at the IFSC website.

Judges

If, on the other hand you’re looking for something a little less physically demanding but no less mental, you should think about the International Judges course which is also being held during the Youth Worlds in Sydney.

This is where judges come to cut their teeth on the International stage. The course will be taught by Austrian Susi Knable and Ake Nilsson from Switzerland.

This five day course will only leave your pocket €300 ($463 US) lighter, which, as with the routesetters, does not cover travel, hotel or food. You must also be approved by your federation and Oceania and Asian judges will be given preference. There is a 20 person limit.

The five day schedule looks like this: Rules, lunch, rules. Rules, lunch, rules. Repeat. You’ll also learn how to act like a judge and how to handle bitchy parents, coaches, climbers and even unfair colleagues. After that judges will learn how to use video cameras to back up their decisions and then they’ll take a 4 hour rules test.

And of course these hapless judges will be ruling on and breaking the hearts of youngsters from around the world during the actual competition.

If you’re interested in applying for the judge’s course then download the application at the IFSC website.

Good luck!

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