The NZAA Top 20 climber rankings caused a furore a few months back when it was launched on the NZAA website by Neal Harding.
At the time of the launch Treetools suggested the Top 20 might becoming a yardstick to gauge a climbers ability when they apply for a job. That is, when the potential employer starts reviewing CVs he will look more favorably at the climber listed in the Top 20 over a completely unknown climber - particularly if their climbing ability is self-stated.
Non-competing (and indeed some competing) climbers have scoffed at the Top 20, saying it is not a true representation of ability. Regardless, many companiesare using the Top 20 as a filter when sifting through CV's from potential 'situations vacant' candidates.
If climbers want to get a leg up onto the list they will need to compete in qualifying events - for example the Taranaki Open this Saturday in Stratford.And… it's not too late to enter (and you get a free tee shirt!). See detailshere.
NZ No:14 ranked tree climber Shaun Hardman seen here at the 2010 National TCC. Just because we have pictured Shaun, it doesn't mean he is looking for a job - but his ranking certainly looks good on his CV (not that he appears very happy about it!)
