Male and female competitors perform five different events during the preliminary round. Each event tests a competitor's ability to professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks in a timely manner. Organizations around the world hold regional competitions and their male and female champions are invited to compete for the title of World Champion Tree Cli
mber at the International Tree Climbing Championship. The ITCC is still expanding, and today over 1,000 contestants participate at over 50 local competitions worldwide. The purpose of the event has also expanded to promote safe working practices, demonstrate innovations in equipment and techniques, and provide industry recognition. The competitions have brought the end users and manufacturers together, and the result has been an explosion of inventions and products specifically designed for tree care applications. Industry safety standards in nearly every participating country have benefited from these innovations. It has also instilled a respect for the role of the climber and a strong focus for the individuals of the climber community to improve the work environment for all tree care workers.
