ISA offers a variety of educational materials and products to help arborists improve their arboricultural knowledge and experience. Every month we will feature a product or group of products. This month ISA is featuring the 2026 International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) Rule Book.  

The 2026 ITCC Rule Book is now available in print through the ISA Store. The rule book supports arborists competing in five preliminary events and a Masters’ Challenge, emphasizing safety and alignment with current best practices. It details event setup, rules, scoring, and scoresheets, helping competitors avoid penalties.  

The 2026 ITCC Rule Book is also available as a complimentary downloadable PDF through the ITCC website. This edition contains the official rules for all ISA Tree Climbing Championship events effective 1 October 2026.  

Some of the areas that have been updated include: 

• General Rules   

• Eligibility clarification   

• 2.3.35—“Extended Stand Clear,” giving that call more range.  

• Select rules (Rule 3.1.2, Rule 3.10.8, Rule 3.10.10, Rule 4.5.9, Rules 8.4.3 and 8.5.4, Rule 8.5.11) that used to disqualify a competitor on a second infraction now allow a third.  

• Aerial Rescue  

• Event Setup—Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival guidance and examples.   

• Reference Appendix 3 

• Masters Challenge  

• Integration of the Emergency Response Plan (0–3 points) 

• Competitor Sequester Protocols—Appendix 8—formalizes how finalists are kept apart before their turn. 

• Appendix 6—Guidance for In-Tree Technicians   

• Updated language and graphic 

• Appendix 9—Updated Quick Reference Guides and Scoresheets 

The digital version is available here, and the print version is available here. If your component is interested in working with ISA to produce a translated copy, please contact [email protected].