The competition aims to simulate working conditions of arborists in the field. Male and female competitors perform five different events during preliminary rounds. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally, and safely perform tree-climbing tasks in a timely manner.

Tree climbing competitions are held under ISA rules in countries around the world. 2019 International Championship ISA highlight video!

The winners of the 2024 Master's Challenge in both the men's and women's divisions will qualify to represent the Texas Chapter in the ISA 2024 International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) October 24-27, 2024 in Atlanta, GA.

This year's competition:

The competition will be held in Waxahachie, TX. All preliminary events are scheduled for Friday, May 17th (weather permitting). The Master’s Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, May 18th. All events are open to the public, so please feel free to bring family and friends!

Events Overview: 

Ascent - tests the competitor’s ability to efficiently and safely use their selected and approved ascent system. The event assesses the competitor’s efficiency in attaching the ascent system to the ascent line(s), ascending to the bell, and transferring into a descent system. The actual descent is not part of the event. Points are earned for speed as well as for meeting predetermined safety objectives. Ascent Event Video

Throwline - tests the competitor’s ability to accurately place a throwline and/or climbing line in a tree. Competitors toss a throwline or climbing line through two of eight targets set in trees. Targets vary in difficulty and number of points earned. Each competitor is allowed unlimited throws within 6 minutes. Highest cumulative points total wins.

Aerial Rescue - tests the competitor’s ability to ascend and safely lower a 160-pound injured climber. The event assesses the competitor's efficiency in assessing the injury/casualty and the risk performing an aerial rescue. All relevant techniques are allowed that ensure the rescue process does not exacerbate the pre-decided injury or endanger the rescuer. Points are allocated for performance throughout the event with highest points total winning the event. Aerial Rescue Video.

Work Climb  - tests the competitor’s ability to move about the tree using an approved climbing system. Each competitor starts from a staging area in the tree and is required to visit five workstations in the tree, performing a specified task at each station. Competitors earn objective points for successfully completing the task at each station. At certain stations, a competitor can earn points for completing the additional tasks. Competitors can also lose points for failing to properly complete certain tasks. Competitors earn subjective points based on safety, control, style, poise, and creativity at the discretion of the judges. Finally, a competitor can be penalized for unsafe or uncontrolled acts at the discretion of the Event Head Judge that could result in disqualification. The time limit for this event is 5 minutes. Work Climb Video.

Speed Climb - tests the competitor’s ability to climb a predetermined route from the ground  50 feet up a tree with a belayed climbing system for safety. The event is timed, and the competitor who reaches and rings the bell in the least amount of time wins.

Masters’ Challenge - The competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events advance to the Masters’ Challenge. The Masters’ Challenge is designed to judge the competitors’ overall productivity and skill. Competitors are judged and scored on their knowledge and ability to demonstrate mastery of different climbing techniques, use of equipment, poise in the tree, and safe working practice.

Location Information

Mandatory Event Times: By checking the box, Registrant agrees to meet all mandatory times or risk forfeiture/disqualification.

1) Thursday, May 16, at 5:00 pm- Location TBD. Any competitor not there at 5:00 pm roll call forfeits and the entry fee will not be reimbursed. (Contact Kirsten Schneider at 512-964-9573 with conflicts).

2) Event Walk-through at ? Park - Friday, May 17th at 7:30 a.m. Any competitor not there at 7:30 am roll call forfeits and the entry fee will not be reimbursed. (Contact Markus Smith at 512-789-8733 with conflicts).

3) A disqualification from that event can occur If any competitor misses their name being called.

  • Includes ISAT Membership

  • Includes ISAT Membership

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If you are already an active ISA Texas member, enter your CSID # for a $50 discount on registration. 

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In Case Registrant/Competitor is injured or incapacitated:

I am of 18 years of age or older and legally competent to make this agreement. ISAT insurance does not allow competitors under the age of 18.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT In consideration of my participation in the TEXAS TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP, and with the understanding that my participation in the event is only on the condition that I enter into this agreement for myself and my heirs and assigns, I assume the inherent and extraordinary risks involved in tree climbing, in the use of tree climbing equipment, and in any other activities connected with this event in which I may voluntarily participate. I waive any claim I may later have as a result of any and all illness or injuries to my person or property as a result of my participation in the TEXAS TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP, my use of any tree climbing equipment, and any other activities connected with this event in which I may voluntarily participate.

I expressly assume the risk of and accept full responsibility for any and all illness, injuries (including death) and accidents that may occur as a result of my participation in this event, and release from liability all hosts and sponsors of the event, including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, City of Waxahachie, volunteers, employees, and others working on behalf of the entities referenced above, against any and all claims, demands, suits, or loss, including all costs connected therewith, and for any damages which may be asserted, claimed, or recovered against or from including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAT) and City of Waxahachie, Texas.

I agree to indemnify all of the organizations, associations, societies and persons named above as well as any other sponsors or hosts of the TEXAS TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP, for all claims, including attorney fees and costs, that may be brought against any of them by anyone claiming to have been injured or gotten ill as a result of any injury or illness to me or my property or anyone else’s property that may occur as a result of my participation in the event. I also agree that this release and all its particulars include the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, City of Waxahachie, Texas, volunteers, employees, and others working on behalf of the entities referenced above, against any and all claims, demands, suits, or loss, including all costs connected therewith, and for any damages which may be asserted, claimed, or recovered against or from including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), ISAT and Waxahachie, Texas.

Tree Climbing is a physical activity, and that physical injury or death may result.

ISAT encourages all participants to maintain appropriate health insurance throughout their participation in the ISAT Event because of the risks of serious injury.

It is my responsibility to maintain my health and will not attend if I am feeling sick, showing/experiencing viral symptoms or have a temperature over 100 degrees. If I am symptomatic, I will not come to the championship and will contact ISAT. ([email protected]).

EVENT INFORMATION: The Texas Tree Climbing Championship is a lot of fun, but in order for the day to go smoothly and safely, it is important that everyone agrees to any and all rules. I must attend the mandatory meetings and gear check on Thursday, May 16th at 5:00 pm sharp at the prescribed location. The competition takes place on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 in Getzendaner Park, Waxahachie, TX 75165. I must attend Friday 7:30 am roll call on time or face disqualification.

If I have an issue with arriving on time for gear check or Friday morning roll call, I will call Markus Smith (512-789-8733) or Kirsten Schneider with a valid reason (emergencies only). Work does not constitute an emergency. Time is critical to running an efficient competition. If you are not present for roll call, you will be disqualified, and your entry fee forfeited. If you are not present with your rotation group when you name is called at any individual event, you will be disqualified from that event. PLEASE NOTE: NO WALK-UP ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. ONLY PRE-REGISTERED COMPETITORS WILL BE PERMITTED TO COMPETE.

UNDERSTANDING RULES: Rules of the competition will follow the latest International Tree Climbing Championship standards and regulations published by ISA as closely as local restraints allow. They are available online athttps://www.itcc-isa.com/Portals/0/Docs/ITCC-RuleBook1-2022.pdf orhttps://isatexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mexican-Rule-Book-Reglamento-ITCC-2022-Espanol-1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR14bQ2BqArf935N3RUQjemE6eLwf--P1bykjMORWZuNWA1yPaRZfBeSheY. It is the contestant's responsibility for their own safety to know the rules. You will be allowed to ask questions about rules during the mandatory meeting, however, since the rule book is available to you before the competition, and since time is pressing during competition set up, please be sure any and all questions are not already clearly explained in the ITCC rule book. If you cannot access these rules online, please call Markus Smith at the (512) 789-8733 at least 3 weeks prior to the competition.

ITCC Rule Book   or   ITCC Libro de reglas en espanol

UNDERSTANDING TTCC Code of Conduct: Texas Chapter ISA is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants in the Texas Tree Climbing Championships (TTCC) regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or religious belief. We embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds that each participant brings to the competition.

Texas Chapter ISA will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or any behavior or language that is abusive or offensive. Such conduct is considered by the Chapter to be professional misconduct. Contestants and judges are reminded that Head Judges are empowered, according to ISA’s TCC rule book, to use discretionary points and penalties to address misconduct up to and including disqualification (see 1.1.5 and 2.3.10) from the competition.

All participants must be cognizant that the TTCC is open to the public and impacts the way our industry is perceived by the general public. All participants are expected to conduct themselves as representatives of a professional organization, and support an inclusive event by adhering to the following conduct standards:
Treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
Address and report inappropriate behavior and comments that are discriminatory, harassing, abusive, offensive or unwelcome.
Foster teamwork and a collaborative approach to solving problems.
Confront the decisions or behaviors of others that are based on conscious or unconscious biases.
Be open-minded and listen when given constructive feedback regarding others' perception of your conduct.

COMPETITOR DETAILS: The Texas Tree Climbing Championship welcomes all of those interested in competing, but since the winner of the competition could represent the Texas Chapter, only Texas residents and Texas Chapter Members can be declared winner. Those who reside outside of Texas can enter to compete (but their number may be limited - first come first served), but no matter where they place in the preliminary events, they will not be permitted to compete in the Masters’ Challenge. All scores for out-of-state competitors will be held separately of the Texas resident competitors.

WINNERS: The first-place winners in the men’s and women’s divisions of the 2024 Texas Tree Climbing Championship will represent the Texas Chapter ISA at the 2024 International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) in Atlanta, GA and will receive a limited stipend for airfare and hotel to attend. If the 2024 winner cannot attend, then an alternate may be granted permission to represent the Texas Chapter.

MORE INFORMATION: You can contact Markus Smith, Chair at [email protected] or 512.467.8733 or Jackson McIntosh, Head Judge at [email protected] or 512.740.0541 for more information Please see the 2024 Texas Tree Climbing Championship webpage at https://isatexas.com/events/tree-climbing-competition/ for the latest information.

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Texas Chapter International Society of Arboriculture | PO Box 13764, Arlington, TX  76094 | office: 817-395-9055 | website: www.ISATexas.com | ISAT Facebook

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