Baseline Testing for Rock Climbers

Competitive climbing was introduced to the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 and continues to grow in popularity. Bouldering falls from heights up to 15+ feet onto crash pads (which don’t always prevent head impact), lead climbing falls with pendulum swings into walls, and falling rock or gear all create head injury scenarios.

No climbing gym or competition currently requires or recommends baseline testing. We encourage climbers — particularly competitive boulderers and lead climbers — to pursue individual baselines proactively. See our piece on equestrian athletes for another sport where infrastructure lags risk.

When to re-baseline

Plan every year before the first competition for athletes under 18, and every two years for adults in rock climbing. Always capture a new baseline after medical clearance from a concussion, after invalid or low-effort test results, when ADHD or other cognition-affecting medications change, or after 12+ months away from the sport.

See the sports baseline & re-baseline directory, baseline by pathway hub, how often to re-baseline, and the complete by-sport guide. Olympic sport context: national & Olympic pathway guide.