Competition Guide - What You Need
- Computer and Printer
It is essential to be able to enter times into the computer continuously during the competition so that averages can be calculated and the results can be sent to the WCA Board in an appropriate time frame. The printer is useful for customizing certificates or posting schedules so that the competitors know the results without having to ask. The computer must be able to handle Microsoft Excel files, since that's what the official results spreadsheet that gets sent to the WCA is. - Stackmats and Displays
If you are buying these, expect to pay about $100 for each display and about $25 for each timer. The timers should have the jack to plug in the displays. It may be possible to borrow the displays from Speedstacks. For purchase information, please visit Speedstacks. Your WCA delegate might have some also. - Batteries
You'll want a few extra set of batteries on hand in case some die during the competition. Stackmat displays that use batteries take 8 D-Cell batteries each. Stackmat timers take CR 2032 batteries. You won't need enough to replace all timers and displays, just some on hand so that you can replace one immediately. - Stopwatches
You will need these for pre-inspection. You should have one watch for each timer. They can be bought at most sporting goods stores and retail stores. - Blindfolds
You will need these if blindfolded cubing is one of the scheduled events. Make sure the blindfolds are WCA-approved. Ideally, you should have one blindfold for each competitor in the event, but at a minimum, there should be one blindfold for each display. You can find these at many retail stores. - Prizes/Certificates
According to the WCA regulations, the winner of each event should receive a prize of some sort. If you are on a budget, certificates will suffice. You may be able to obtain prizes from Cubesmith. - Cube covers
It is useful to have cube covers to go over the scrambled cubes so that competitors may not peek at the scramble. If no cube covers are available, the competition sheets may be used. They are tedious to make, so you may have to resort to just using paper. - Scrambles
The scrambling program is online at the WCA's Homepage. You may be able to generate your own scrambles or they may be sent to you by the WCA Board. The scrambles should be sealed in an envelope until the round is started. - Registration sheets
These sheets will be filled out by each competitor so that you can keep track of everybody and what events they are competiting in. They are especially useful for the first stages in data entry. You can use this as a template. - Competition sheets
You will need these sheets for the judges to write the times achieved by the competitors. You should have at least one for each round of each event for every competitor. It is best to overestimate the number needed. You can use this document as a template. - Pens or pencils
It should be obvious why you need these, but it is easy to forget them. You'll want one for each judging station, and a few more for registration. - WCA Regulations
You'll want one copy of these for the competition, but it's helpful to have an extra copy to let new competitors look at.
Next: Competition FAQ