CLARIFICATION: OCF Competition Update – Letter from the Executive Director

March 6, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Climbing Federation would like to issue an explanation for how we arrived at the formats for the upcoming competitions on March 9 (Boulder Parc) and March 10 (Climber’s Rock).

As we have outlined in previous posts, the OCF had a very challenging time finding enough gyms who were able to host competitions this 2023-24 season for all age categories and all disciplines. In our efforts over the late summer through to the end of the fall of 2023 to secure enough venues for our competition schedule, we identified a few gaps, notably a venue for any Difficulty B/A/Jr/Adult Qualifier (we were able to work with True North and Aspire Whitby to get those qualifiers sorted – thank you to them!), and venues for a second Boulder qualifier in all age categories. The only options presented to us that allowed for a second qualifier in the Boulder discipline was to run one-day events with modified formats. The alternative was to not host any additional qualifier events at all.

It is important to note that this is NOT to lay any blame or point any fingers – this is very much simply a product of the circumstances we all found ourselves in. Once again, the reasons for this have been discussed before, and you can find those posts on our website.

Additionally, I certainly acknowledge the challenges I personally have had in ensuring communication is sent out to our members in a timely manner. This is not the responsibility of the OCF Board, but of me in my role. The timing of the communication was poorly executed, and I do apologize for that. We are working on getting as much information out in advance of Provincials before the end of the week to ensure as much lead time for athletes and parents to plan as possible. The turnaround following our last Boulder qualifiers to Provincials will be tight, so please keep your eyes open for communication on Monday, March 11.

Finally, in the very near future we will be providing further information regarding what is coming up next for the OCF for 2024-25 and beyond.

Please do not hesitate to can reach out to info@climbontario.ca if you require any additional information or assistance. I will be happy to be in touch personally.

Nathan Abdelnour