Parents’ Guide: Index

This Parents’ Guide can also be downloaded here for offline reading in PDF format.

Feel free to get involved in our Facebook UK Cube Association Parents Community group too!

Welcome!

1. About this guide (read me first)

An Introduction to Speedcubing

1. What is Speedcubing?

2. How does Speedcubing work?

3. How do you learn to solve a cube?

Can we go to a Competition?

1. Who can take part in Speedcubing competitions?

2. How old do you have to be to compete? Is it split by age?

3. What are the different categories for competing?

4. Do you need a qualifying time or to be a certain speed to enter a competition?

5. Can we just come and watch a competition (and not compete?)

6. Are there national and international competitions?

How to enter a competition.

1. How do I find out when and where competitions are taking place?

2. How does someone take part in a competition?

3. How do you register for (enter) a competition?

4. What are Series Competitions?

5. Can you register on the day?

6. How quickly do you need to register for (enter) a competition?

7. What is a waiting list and should I go on the waiting list?

8. What’s a World Cube Association ID and profile?

What to do if plans change or you want to change something.

1. Can we get a refund if we can no longer make a competition? Can our registration be transferred to a different competition?

2. My child no longer wants to compete, what do I do?

3. If you can’t go to the competition what happens?

4. Can you change the events you have registered to do at the competition?

5. Why can’t there be last minute changes to competitors or events at competitions?

You’re going to a competition! More info.

1. What happens at a competition? What can I expect at my first competition?

2. Is my child (young person) safe at a competition? Can I leave them on their own at a competition?

3. How long do competitions take?

4. Do we have to stay for the whole competition?

5. What do I need to bring to my first competition?

6. Do you provide lunch at competitions?

7. Can my young person help at a competition: run/judge/scramble?

8. Can I help at a competition?

9. How do we know how they’ve done in the competition? How do I know if they are through to the next round?

10. What do I do if I lose something at a competition?

11. Do I need to know all the rules?

How do competitions get organised in the UK?

1. What do Delegates do?

2. When will there be a competition in my area? Why isn’t there a competition in my area?

3. What does the registration money get spent on?

Buying Cubes

1. Do they need all the latest cubes?

2. Where can I buy cubes in the UK? Can I buy cubes at competitions?

Helping Your Youngster

1. Is there a cubing club near me? How does my child/young person find local cubers?

2. How do I help my cuber with nerves?

3. Do you recommend any Speedcubing coaching services?

4. How do I help my cuber when they are upset with their result?

5. What about injuries? Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or similar?

The Lingo - what are they talking about?

1. What’s the difference between a PB and a PR?

2. What are all the different events/types of “cubes?”

3. What do all these words mean? (Written for parents, not cubers!)

Kirsty Grainger, 2023-2024