Level of Basic Sport-Climbing Skills among Young Athletes from Five Climbing Clubs in Indonesia

Abstract

Basic sport-climbing skills are essential for supporting safe, efficient, and technically appropriate movement among young climbers. This study aimed to describe the level of basic sport-climbing skills among young athletes from five selected climbing clubs in Indonesia. A quantitative descriptive design with a survey method was employed. The participants comprised 107 climbers aged 10 to 15 years who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a practical sport-climbing test using a study-specific structured observation rubric covering equipment inspection, harness fitting and use, correct figure-eight knot tying, belayer safety checks, climbing communication, basic movement techniques, route observation and movement planning, and route completion. Formal psychometric validation and inter-rater reliability coefficients were not available for the present dataset; therefore, the scores are interpreted descriptively within the participating clubs. Performance scores were converted into percentages and analysed using descriptive statistics. The participants achieved an overall mean score of 68%, classified as moderate. Higher achievement was recorded in harness fitting and use (74%), equipment inspection (72%), and basic movement techniques (70%), whereas lower achievement was observed in route observation and movement planning (63%), route completion (64%), and belayer safety checks (65%). The findings provide preliminary information for coaches in the participating clubs and should not be generalized beyond comparable settings. Further studies involving broader samples and validated assessment procedures are needed.

Keywords: basic sport-climbing skills; skill assessment; sport climbing; young athletes; youth development.