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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-onsight

In a USA Climbing on-sight round, what are competitors NOT allowed to do?

Watch other competitors climb the route.

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  1. Watch other competitors' attempts ✔
  2. Touch the starting holds while observing
  3. Warm up before the round

Why: On-sight means climbing with no extra information about the route. USA Climbing rules ban watching other competitors' attempts or the routesetters at work.

Huh, didn't know that: In an on-sight round, coaches and spectators may not pass any route information to a climber until that climber has completed the round.

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Why did the climber wear a blindfold to the iso zone? Out of sight, out of mind, still on-sight.
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References

Answer: Watch other competitors' attempts. On-sight means climbing with no extra information about the route. USA Climbing rules ban watching other competitors' attempts or the routesetters at work.

  1. USA Climbing Rulebook 2026-2027, rule 5.3 A usaclimbing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/USA_Climbing_Rulebook_2026-2027.20260901.pdf
    Observing other competitor’s attempts, or the work of the routesetters in creating the route, is prohibited.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. USA Climbing Rulebook 2026-2027, rule 5.4 A usaclimbing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/USA_Climbing_Rulebook_2026-2027.20260901.pdf
    competitors may observe the routes/boulders, and touch the starting holds, but must not practice any moves
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. USA Climbing Rulebook 2026-2027, rule 5.4 C usaclimbing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/USA_Climbing_Rulebook_2026-2027.20260901.pdf
    coaches and spectators must not communicate any information about or relating to the routes/boulders with competitors until they have completed the round
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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