For parents

The short answer

A WCA competition is a safe day run by volunteers, free for spectators to watch. There is no age limit and there are no age categories; competitors under 18 need parent/guardian consent for their WCA registration (WCA Regulation 2b). If your child can solve the cube, they can compete; they do not need to be fast.

Safety

• WCA delegates are introduced in the tutorial held before the competition starts. They are the first point of contact for rules, appeals and incidents, and they make the final decision.
• Parental responsibility stays with you all day. The organising team does not provide childcare or supervision; you need to stay in the venue or be reachable at all times.
• Our principles and how to report a concern or inappropriate behaviour: Safe environment.
• Photos and videos are taken at competitions. If you do not want images of your child published, telling the registration desk is enough; no reason is needed. Details: Filming notice.

How the day goes and how long it takes

Competitions usually last two days over a weekend (roughly 09:00–18:00), sometimes one day. Your child needs to be in the competition area at the times of the events they registered for. When not competing, they can also take on tasks such as judging or running. The rest of the time is spent in the waiting area practising and making friends. The schedule can change; stay in the venue so no event is missed.

A day usually starts with registration in the morning, continues with the tutorial for new competitors, and then the events begin. There is always someone helping anyone with a question, so do not hesitate to ask!

Costs

• Registration fee: The fee and payment method shown on the competition page apply.
• Travel and food: Information about travel and food is on the competition page.
• Spectators: The information on the competition page applies.
• Equipment: One cube that turns properly is enough. This is not an equipment race.

What you do

• WCA registration and payment: You do it together with your child; for under-18s you tick the parental consent box.
• You watch: From the spectator area, at least 1.5 metres from the solving stations, without flash.
• You can help: Attend the morning tutorial and volunteer as a judge; non-competing parents who judge are hugely appreciated, and it is the best way to understand what your child is experiencing.
• You follow the result: On WCA Live during the day, and on the WCA website a few days later when the results are published.

What to bring

ID (required at the first competition) and a cube for every event entered.

Frequently asked

Will my child be upset if they solve the cube slow?

Winning is not really the main goal at competitions! A competition is a place where everyone who solves the cube can get together and try to beat their own records. If your child is a little slower than those around them, that is normal. They were once at those times too!

Can I leave my child alone?

No. Parental responsibility lasts all day; the organisation does not provide supervision. Stay in the venue or be reachable at all times.

Can they be excused from judging?

Every competitor is expected to judge (WCA Regulation 1e2). For very young children the delegate decides; usually they are given simple tasks alongside an adult.

More: My first competition · FAQ · Contact