Incident at China Championship 2017 and Beijing Open 2017

Announced by Laura Ohrndorf on

Dear WCA community,

The WRC was informed by several community members that the puzzles Kaijun Lin used for both his current world records in 4x4x4 Blindfolded and 5x5x5 Blindfolded had an overlay sticker. According to Regulation 3l2, such puzzles are not allowed in blindfolded events.

We have investigated in this case and received a confirmation by the WCA Delegates of the competitions that they checked the puzzles and decided the logos are not distinguishable by feel. Accordingly, they did not grant extra attempts, which could be used to replace the affected results now. For these reasons, we have decided to keep the results.

As a reaction to the recent incidents concerning overlay stickers used in blindfolded attempts and ongoing discussions about the allowance of certain types of logos, we have decided to forbid all logos for blindfolded events. Furthermore, by the addition of 3k2, all results for attempts done with illegal puzzles will be disqualified (DNF). These regulations will become effective on January 1st, 2018:

3k1) If a puzzle is found to be not permitted during a round, the competitor must submit a replacement.

3k2) Penalty for attempts done with not permitted puzzles: disqualification of the attempt (DNF). Exception: If a puzzle is found to be not permitted during a round, earlier results may be replaced with an extra attempt, at the discretion of the WCA Delegate.

We know that this is a sharp change, but we believe it is the right way to assure fair and equal conditions for competitors in Blindfolded events around the world.

Additionally, we want to remind all competitors that they are ultimately responsible for their puzzles. If you are unsure if a puzzle is allowed, please ask your WCA Delegate before submitting it.

On behalf of the WRC,

Laura Ohrndorf