Volunteer for the Illinois Tree Climbing Championship

Tree climbers pose for aerial rescue photo.

Men in hard hats at a speed climb event.

Volunteer & Judge Position Descriptions

Set-Up Crew assists with preparing the Tree Climbing Championship site prior to the event, ensuring all trees and surrounding areas are safe for both the public and competitors. Responsibilities include trimming trees, removing hazards, and cleaning up the event space. The crew also helps set up preliminary events by installing work stations in the trees, establishing safety circles at the base of each tree, and preparing all other necessary equipment.

Welcoming Crew helps to greet spectators and help hand out IAA information about the event and tree care.

Gear Inspectors plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the Tree Climbing Championship. Volunteers in this position will be responsible for reviewing competitor equipment to confirm compliance with competition rules and safety standards.

Gear Inspectors must be onsite and ready by 6:30 AM sharp
Gear inspection runs from 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
This is a critical, time-sensitive role—punctuality is essential

Head Judges must have prior experience scoring the event. The role of the Head Judge is to keep the event Safe for all involved and keep the event running smoothly and efficiently. Reading the current ITCC Rule Book and looking over the Score Sheet is a must.

Scoring Judges should have prior experience scoring the particular event and know what to look for in the event scoring wise. Reading the ITCC Rule Book and looking over the Score Sheet is a must.

Tree Techs play an important role in keeping the event running Safely and efficiently. They have a different perspective of the contestants climb (because they are stationed in the tree during the competition) and can call a Safety Violation to the attention of a Head Judge at any time. Tree Techs must be proficient in Aerial Rescue techniques. Reading the ITCC Rules Book and Score Sheet is a must.

Ground Techs keep the event running efficiently after each contestant has completed their particular event. Their role is to help the contestant get his/her gear out of the event ring; reset the Aerial Rescue dummy at the designated position for the next contestant; replenish the Work Climb bucket with sticks, etc.

Timers are equipped with a stop watch and are responsible for timing the events.

Scorekeepers play an essential role by accurately recording competitors scores from the scoresheets into the official ISA scoring software.

Belayers have an extremely important role in keeping the slack out of the contestant’s rope but leaving enough slack as to not inhibit their climb. Being familiar with the belay device being used is highly recommended.

Bucket Operators are on-site for assisting with aerial access and supporting judges and technicians. Valid driver's license and CDL required.

Judge Trainees observe another judge to learn how to judge future tree climbing events.

Score Sheet Runners run the score sheets from the events to the score keepers.

IAA Arbor Fair Booth Representatives serve as a welcoming and engaging presence at the IAA booth, greeting visitors, sharing information about the association, and promoting membership and networking opportunities. Representatives will be provided with brochures and materials to help answer general questions. For more specific or in-depth inquiries, attendees can be directed to the IAA check-in area to speak with April.