Volunteer as a Technical Official at the World Climbing Series in Manchester 2027

Overview of Roles

Below is an overview of the volunteer technical official roles for the World Series Event in Manchester.

Role allocation will depend on individual experience, relevant qualifications, event requirements and the briefing provided by the event organising team. Please note that not all applications for technical roles will be successful. There will also be further opportunities to volunteer in other capacities through Manchester City.

The deadline for applications is on Friday 9th October 2026. The dates and location are still embargoed, but all those shortlisted will be invited to attend a pre-call where the provisional event schedule and dates will be shared.

Technical Official and Volunteer Requirements

The event requires volunteers and officials across several key areas:

• Isolation and Warm-Up Area Volunteers: 4–8 people
• Call Zone Volunteers: 4 people
• Judges: 2 per route, with approximately 8–10 judges in total
• Belayers: 16, plus 2 reserves
• Judges Team Leader: 1
• Belayers Team Leader: 1
• Call Zone/Isolation Team Leader: 1

Judges

Judges are responsible for observing and accurately recording athlete performances in accordance with the competition rules. Depending on the climbing discipline, this may include:

• Recording athlete scores and results
• Confirming performance using route maps or other scoring information
• Monitoring timings and attempts
• Supporting the accurate production of rankings
• Identifying and reporting any issues or irregularities

Judges must remain impartial, attentive and consistent throughout the competition. They should have a good understanding of the relevant competition rules and be able to maintain concentration during periods of high activity. Any questions, disputes or appeals should be referred to the appropriate senior official.

Belayers

Belayers play a critical role in maintaining the safety of athletes during Lead and other roped climbing activities.Their responsibilities include:

• Providing safe and consistent belaying throughout an athlete's attempt
• Following all event-specific safety procedures
• Using the approved belay system and equipment correctly
• Managing slack appropriately
• Lowering athletes safely and under control
• Maintaining clear communication with athletes, judges and other officials
• Remaining focused and alert throughout each climbing session

Because of the safety-critical nature of this role, belayers will need to meet the required experience and qualification standards set by the event organisers.

Call Zone and Isolation

Call Zone and Isolation officials help manage the movement and preparation of athletes before they enter the competition area.

Isolation

Isolation officials help maintain the controlled environment in which athletes wait before competing. This is an important part of ensuring a fair competition, as athletes in isolation must have limited access to outside information about the routes, performances or results of other competitors.

Call Zone

Call Zone officials are responsible for ensuring athletes are ready to compete at the correct time.

Their duties may include:

• Calling athletes in the correct order
• Checking that athletes are ready and have the required equipment
• Coordinating movement between the isolation, warm-up and competition areas
• Helping the competition run according to the timetable
• Communicating with athletes and other officials

Team Leaders

Team Leaders provide coordination and support for groups of officials and volunteers working within a particular area of the event. There will be Team Leader positions for the judging, belaying, and Call Zone/Isolation teams.

A Team Leader acts as an important point of contact between their team and the wider event operation. Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting the initial briefing and allocation of duties
• Ensuring team members understand their roles and responsibilities
• Coordinating the team throughout the competition
• Helping resolve operational issues
• Maintaining communication with senior officials and event control
• Ensuring the team follows the event timetable
• Supporting compliance with safety and safeguarding procedures
• Escalating concerns or issues promptly to the appropriate senior official