{"totalPages":50,"posts":[{"id":14264,"slug":"wmt-leader-announcement-september-2026","title":"WMT Leader Announcement (September 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-10-09T18:21:39.000Z","url":"/posts/wmt-leader-announcement-september-2026","author_name":"Carter Thomas","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nWe are happy to announce that Chenxi Shan will become the new Leader of the WCA Marketing Team (WMT). Chenxi was already working as a Member of the WCT and the WMCT.\n<!-- break -->\n\nChenxi was selected by the WCA Board and approved in a vote, as described in Section 5 of our [Motion](https://documents.worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.2025.0%2520-%2520Committees%2520and%2520Teams.pdf) about WCA Committees and Teams. This appointment is effective as of September 27, 2026.\n\nWe wish Chenxi the best of luck in fulfilling his new duties.\n\nChenxi was one of the two applications we received. You can view all the candidacy documents [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15F6KJHuctq4vk3zOaFbVBAVqthx4fHu9?usp=drive_link)."},{"id":14263,"slug":"integrity-committee-digest-2026-q3","title":" Integrity Committee Digest - 2026 Q3","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-10-08T14:17:34.000Z","url":"/posts/integrity-committee-digest-2026-q3","author_name":"Zachary Miller","class":"post","body":"Hi WCA Community,\n\nBelow you can find a summary of some of the notable cases the WCA Integrity Committee has worked on, as well as some general WIC updates from the past three months.\n\nIn the last quarter, the WCA Integrity Committee opened **17** cases and closed **10**. This resulted in **6 bans and 3 warnings,** while **1 case ended with no action.**\n\nBelow, you can find summaries of cases we have published public reports for:\n\n<!-- break -->\n\n* The WIC concluded a months-long investigation into community issues in a country, in collaboration with other teams. This resulted in the demotions of multiple WCA delegates and an organizer receiving a significant sanction. Further details can be found in this forum post, [linked here.](https://forum.worldcubeassociation.org/t/statement-from-the-wca-integrity-committee-regarding-investigation-in-turkiye/67571)\n* A competitor was noted to have achieved high-level FMC results which arouse the suspicion of some top competitors. The competitor subsequently confessed to the public and to the WIC via email that they had cheated their results. The competitor had these results disqualified by competition delegates, and after a brief investigation received a ban. More information can be found in this report, [linked here.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C-D8XBzppSybpxVd_Z_ikaph6h9eiLPq/view?usp=drive_link)\n* A competitor was noted to have achieved notable Skewb results, which included a continental record single, in 2025. After a group of top competitors reported these concerns to the WIC and after a months long investigation, we concluded the results were not humanly possible to achieve and involved some sort of regulation violation, whether accidental or intentional. Due to this, the WIC elected to disqualify both results, retroactively reverting a continental record in Skewb. More information can be found at this report, [linked here.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/12yeSGOosgr07ZFi3EUdTg4r4jQdrK3qH/view?usp=sharing)\n\nHere were other cases the WIC worked on during this time:\n\n* The WIC dealt with multiple cases this quarter involving early timer stops:\n\n1. A competitor was reported to be engaging in deliberate early timer stops at a competition. When contacted, the competitor was extremely cooperative and admitted to other occurrences that were not observed/already disqualified by the competition delegates. Given their relative inexperience competing and their honesty, they were issued only a brief ban and solves were disqualified.\n2. A similar case occurred at another competition. Given their young age and the fact that this occurred only over a small amount of rounds, the WIC elected to issue a warning and disqualified the relevant solves. Although we understand that these two cases are relatively similar, the age of the competitor was a large factor into why a ban was not issued in the above case. \n3. The WIC would like to note we have already seen multiple cases with early timer stops being reported this year. While this problem will improve with the eventual introduction of 4-pad mode, we would like to ask readers who serve as competition judges to be vigilant and attentive while watching competitor’s solves to ensure they are properly stopping the timer. \n\n* Competitors at a competition were observed solving patterns depicting symbols with hateful connotations onto their cubes inside of the venue. The competitors, when contacted, accepted responsibility and apologized for their actions. Warnings were issued to the competitors involved. \n* Two competitors were found to be colluding with one another to give each other advantages over other competitors, including one competitor being directly observed deliberately misscrambling the other competitor’s puzzles. Both of these competitors were issued bans, with results disqualified. \n* A competitor reported to the WIC that they were experiencing bullying and harassment at a competition. Although most of this behavior occurred in areas outside of the scope of the WIC, some of this behavior was present and observed at competitions. The competitor engaging in this behavior was issued a warning. \n* A competitor was removed from a competition by venue management for inappropriate behavior, and their behavior from this competition was reported to the WIC by multiple individuals. The WIC confirmed the existence of this behavior as significant and occurring at at least one other competition after requesting comment from multiple competitors and delegates. The competitor was issued a competing and attendance ban.\n\nGeneral WIC updates:\n\n* Shain Papalotl Longbehn (2020LONG05) recently stepped down from his positions as WIC Senior Member. We are immensely grateful for all the work Shain has done over the past four years as a WIC member, and we would like to make special mention of his outstanding contribution as WIC Leader and WDC Leader.\n* Lars Johan Folde (2018FOLD01) was recently appointed as Senior Member of the WCA Integrity Committee. We congratulate him and wish him the best of luck in his new role.\n* The WIC has recently created a new subteam, the safeguarding subteam, which has commenced work. This subteam will allow for a small group of specialists to handle concerns regarding competitor safeguarding, and for these cases to be handled on a need to know basis. While signposting to this new group will be improved soon, you may contact this safeguarding group at safeguarding@worldcubeassociation.org with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding child and at-risk competitor’s safety and wellbeing at WCA-recognized events. \n\nDo you have questions for the WCA Integrity Committee? Feel free to send us an [email.](mailto:integrity@worldcubeassociation.org) Our inboxes are always open!\n"},{"id":14262,"slug":"wct-leader-announcement-september-2026","title":"WCT Leader Announcement (September 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-29T01:18:48.000Z","url":"/posts/wct-leader-announcement-september-2026","author_name":"Carter Thomas","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nWe are happy to announce that Carter Thomas has become the new Leader of the WCA Communications (WCT). Carter was already working as a Senior Member of the WCT.\n\n<!-- break -->\nCarter was selected by the WCA Board and approved in a vote, as described in Section 5 of our [Motion](https://documents.worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.2025.0%2520-%2520Committees%2520and%2520Teams.pdf) about WCA Committees and Teams. This appointment is effective as of September 5, 2026.\n\nWe thank Kyle Renatus for the work they have done as the Leader, and wish Carter the best of luck in fulfilling his new duties.\n\nCarter’s application was the only one received. You can view Carter’s candidacy document [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18MjCLXRTAvCC7U3ixwbJYyBvFUFMFOlb?usp=sharing). "},{"id":14261,"slug":"wmct-leader-announcement-september-2026","title":"WMCT Leader Announcement (September 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-27T18:05:51.000Z","url":"/posts/wmct-leader-announcement-september-2026","author_name":"Carter Thomas","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nWe are happy to announce that Kevin Hays will become the new Leader of the WCA Major Championship Team (WMCT). Kevin was already working as a Member of the WMCT.\n\n<!-- break -->\nKevin was selected by the WCA Board and approved in a vote, as described in Section 5 of our [Motion](https://documents.worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.2025.0%2520-%2520Committees%2520and%2520Teams.pdf) about WCA Committees and Teams. This appointment is effective as of September 3, 2026.\n\nWe thank Rubén López de Juan, who will remain as a Senior Member of WMCT, for the work he has done as the Leader, and wish Kevin the best of luck in fulfilling his new duties.\n\nKevin’s application was the only one received. You can view Kevin’s candidacy document [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-kHWSu9vc5g5meN0pqQqqgD96SNVdMB3?usp=drive_link). "},{"id":14260,"slug":"wca-quality-assurance-committee-call-for-applicants-september-2026","title":"WCA Quality Assurance Committee Call for Applicants - (September 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-24T15:40:49.000Z","url":"/posts/wca-quality-assurance-committee-call-for-applicants-september-2026","author_name":"Roxana Johnson","class":"post","body":"# WCA Quality Assurance Committee Volunteer Positions Available\n\nThe WCA Quality Assurance Committee (WQAC) is seeking up to six Volunteers to fill open positions on the Committee. Joining the WQAC is a great way to get started as a new WCA Volunteer, or to explore new ways to contribute to the WCA Community if you are already a WCA Volunteer. \n\n**What does the WQAC do?**\n\nThe WQAC is responsible for developing educational resources to support the WCA Community and advising in situations when WCA Volunteers are not maintaining the skills required for their positions. The official rights and duties of the WQAC are documented in [WCA Motion 10.2025.8](https://worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.8). Each member is expected to contribute approximately 4-5 hours per week to committee-related work. \n\n**Am I qualified to apply to the WQAC?**\n\nThe main requirements for applying to the WQAC are that you are at least 18 years of age and are proficient in writing English. We are most interested in applicants who have strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and collaboration skills. Each open position below has other specific requirements applicable only to that position. \n\n<!-- break -->\n\n## Open Positions\n\n**Inquiries (formerly Investigations) Team Leader (1 position)**\n\nThe Inquiries Team handles concerns related to the quality of WCA competitions, Delegate conduct that does not violate the Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct, adherence to the WCA Scramble Accountability Policy (WSAP), and other issues not directly overseen by other Committees or Teams. This team is shifting from a more direct approach to investigating issues to assisting Regional and Senior Delegates as they begin to directly address region-specific issues on their own. This position would report directly to the WQAC Leader. This role is perfect for current or former WCA Volunteers who wish to help support various regions and WCA Committees and Teams with various issues they might encounter. \n\n**We are looking for applicants who:**\n\n- Have experience leading a small diverse team. \n\n- Have strong knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a WCA Delegate. \n\n- Have strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including an understanding of cognitive bias. \n\n- Are willing to assign team members to a variety of tasks. \n\n- Are able to regularly check on the progress of inquiries. \n\n- Are able to check email and Slack daily. \n\n- Are able to communicate professionally and clearly through email. \n\n**LMS Administrator (1 to 3 positions)**\n\nThe Learning Management System (LMS) Project team has released the first training course for Trainee Delegates ready to be promoted to Junior Delegate. As the course catalog grows, it is becoming increasingly urgent to appoint at least one additional experienced administrator for our LMS Platform, Moodle. We are in need of one to three experienced individuals to help maintain the current Trainee-to-Junior course and help create future courses. Individuals selected for this position will also be expected to routinely collaborate with various teams to add and improve course content, evaluate the current question bank, and update content as policies and practices evolve. This position will report directly to the LMS Project Leader. This role is perfect for current or aspiring educators who have experience in online course development. \n\nWe are looking for applicants who: \n\n- Have experience with Moodle or another similar LMS. \n\n- Have experience collaborating with multiple teams to update course content as needed. \n\n- Have strong knowledge of the WCA Delegate role (preferred, but not required if you have extensive curriculum or LMS experience). \n\n- Have experience in curriculum design. \n\n- Have experience with HTML/CSS/JavaScript. \n\nIndividual applicants do not need to have all the experience and qualities above, as long as the selected individuals collectively cover them. \n\n**WQAC Policy Maintainer (1 to 2 positions)**\n\nWith the launch of the LMS and in anticipation of future updates to WQAC-maintained policies, we need a dedicated Policy Maintainer. The WQAC maintains two WCA policies: the WCA Scramble Accountability Policy (WSAP) and the soon-to-be-implemented WCA Delegate Management Policy (WDMP). The Policy Maintainer would be responsible for routinely collaborating with the WQAC Leader and the Subteam Leaders, and would report to the EduDocs Team Leader. They would adjust and add sections to the WSAP and WDMP as needed. This position is best suited for those who want a more administrative role within the WQAC. \n\nWe are looking for applicants who: \n\n- Have experience working with GitHub and Markdown. \n\n- Have experience working in Google Workspace, mainly Google Docs and Sheets. \n\n- Are able to work independently and collaboratively as needed. \n\n- Have experience writing and maintaining policy documents. \n\n- Have a strong knowledge of the current WCA Documents. \n\n- Have a strong knowledge of the WCA Delegate role. \n\nThis position can be split into two if necessary: One individual who maintains the WSAP, and another individual who maintains the WDMP. \n\n### Application Process\n\nInterested candidates can submit applications using this **[Google Form](https://forms.gle/5GPiArFu6mb13iAVA)** The application period for candidates to submit their candidacy documents for all positions will be open **until the Google Form is closed** . Questions regarding the application or the open positions can be sent to Roxana Johnson (rjohnson@worldcubeassociation.org). \n\nThe Google Form will require applicants to provide the following information: \n\n1. **Personal Introduction:** A brief summary of who you are and your professional background. \n\n2. **WCA Experience:** A summary of any past activities or roles held within the WCA. While helpful, prior WCA experience is not a requirement for any of these roles. \n\n3. **Time Commitment:** The approximate number of hours per week you can commit to WQAC volunteer work. \n\n4. **Role:** The role you are applying to and the reasons you are fit for it. \n\nQualified candidates will be selected for interviews. Selected candidates will be added to the WQAC on a rolling basis. \n\n\n"},{"id":14259,"slug":"wat-leader-announcement-august-2026","title":"WAT Leader Announcement (August 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-17T20:14:14.000Z","url":"/posts/wat-leader-announcement-august-2026","author_name":"Carter Thomas","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nWe are happy to announce that Sherry Tao will become the new Leader of the WCA Archive Team (WAT). Sherry was already working as a Member of the WAT.\n\n<!-- break -->\nSherry was selected by the WCA Board and approved in a vote, as described in Section 5 of our [Motion](https://documents.worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.2025.0%2520-%2520Committees%2520and%2520Teams.pdf) about WCA Committees and Teams. This appointment is effective as of August 14, 2026.\n\nWe thank William Gan for the work he has done as the Leader, and wish Sherry the best of luck in fulfilling her new duties.\n\nSherry’s public application can be viewed [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sWB33p6HPThS80ZtHUqQAIYmMGgtw64c?usp=sharing). We also received several applications from potential future members of the WAT; we look forward to seeing the Team grow and carry out its duties under Sherry’s leadership. "},{"id":14258,"slug":"wac-leader-announcement-august-2026","title":"WAC Leader Announcement (August 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-16T02:04:24.000Z","url":"/posts/wac-leader-announcement-august-2026","author_name":"Carter Thomas","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nWe are happy to announce that Glenn Koster will become the new Leader of the WCA Appeals Committee (WAC). Glenn was already working as a Senior Member of the WAC.\n\n<!-- break -->\nGlenn was selected by the WCA Board and approved in a vote, as described in Section 5 of our [Motion](https://documents.worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.2025.0%2520-%2520Committees%2520and%2520Teams.pdf) about WCA Committees and Teams. This appointment is effective as of August 26, 2026.\n\nWe thank Rui Reis, who will remain as a Senior Member of WAC, for the work he has done as the Leader, and wish Glenn the best of luck in fulfilling his new duties.\n\nGlenn’s application was the only one received. You can view Glenn’s candidacy document [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/197lt-fxEy7cyjoWST_1xMZUO9J8uFukX?usp=sharing)."},{"id":14257,"slug":"wqac-leader-announcement-july-2026","title":"WQAC Leader Announcement (July 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-14T23:34:51.000Z","url":"/posts/wqac-leader-announcement-july-2026","author_name":"Carter Thomas","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nWe are happy to announce that Roxana Johnson has been appointed as the new Leader of the WCA Quality Assurance Committee (WQAC). Roxana was already working as a Senior Member of the WQAC.\n\n<!-- break -->\nRoxana was selected by the WCA Board and approved in a vote, as described in Section 5 of our [Motion](https://documents.worldcubeassociation.org/documents/motions/10.2025.0%2520-%2520Committees%2520and%2520Teams.pdf) about WCA Committees and Teams. This appointment is effective as of July 13, 2026.\n\nWe would like to thank Dan Smith, who had taken on an interim leadership role for the team while a new Leader was being appointed, and wish Roxana the best of luck in her new role. Dan will remain as a Senior Member of the WQAC for a short while. \n\nRoxana was the only applicant for the role, and her successful candidacy document can be found [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MKm-6jg6nvIStwzJUn7PV-9JDTmddILR?usp=sharing)."},{"id":14256,"slug":"annual-members-meeting-september-2026","title":"Annual Members Meeting (September 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-09-13T04:53:33.000Z","url":"/posts/annual-members-meeting-september-2026","author_name":"Oliver Hexter","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community,\n\nThe Board is providing notice, as required by Bylaw 2.12, of the 2026 annual meeting of the members which will be held on September 27 at 17:00 UTC. Members will be able to tune into this meeting via a livestream hosted on the [WCA’s Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/worldcubeassociation). In this [folder](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MEVM0MChBjC5-gCXvQyJ5s2CqgB41RpX), you will find the information packet related to the annual meeting which contains all relevant documentation which will be discussed at the meeting.\n\n<!-- break -->\n\nWe look forward to your participation in the upcoming annual meeting.\n\nKind Regards,\nOliver Hexter, on behalf of the Board of Directors "},{"id":14255,"slug":"adoption-of-4-pad-timing-august-2026","title":"Adoption of 4-Pad Timing (August 2026)","sticky":false,"created_at":"2026-08-23T16:00:06.000Z","url":"/posts/adoption-of-4-pad-timing-august-2026","author_name":"Kyle Kayden Renatus","class":"post","body":"Dear WCA Community, \n\nFrom January 2, 2027, all official WCA attempts performed with a speedsolving timer will be required to use a Speed Stacks G5 StackMat™ Pro Timer in 4-pad mode. The adoption of 4-pad mode will provide greater certainty that official times are achieved in accordance with the WCA Regulations and will strengthen the integrity of the results recognized by the WCA.\n\n<!-- break -->\n\nSince our formation, the WCA has recorded times based on a speedsolving timer with two sensor pads. Although these timers are capable of precise measurement, the accuracy of this measurement in timing a speedsolving attempt requires the timer to be started and stopped in accordance with the WCA Regulations.\n\nIt has become clear that the use of speedsolving timers with two sensor pads causes difficulties in enforcing these Regulations, especially since Regulation infractions may not be visible to a judge when viewed live. Frame-by-frame video offers one route around this, but performing this analysis is time consuming and reliant on high quality video being available. No viable changes to the current Regulations wording or other suitable means have been identified that would provide a satisfactory resolution using existing timer requirements. \n\nThe WCA has therefore decided that switching to 4-pad represents the best solution to these challenges. This new requirement will replace the existing requirements in the [WCA Approved Timer List](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UizYZOY4v-t7YnKcXas0hHzekX-NGuhW/view), which currently requires 2-pad mode, and also allows for use of the G4 StackMat™ Pro Timer and G3 StackMat™ Pro Timer.\n\n4-pad mode will require changes to the Regulations for starting and stopping the speedsolving timer. Draft Regulations changes will be published for community feedback in September, as part of the annual Regulations cycle.\n\nTime differences between 2-pad results and 4-pad results are negligible for the vast majority of competitors and events. As such, existing records will stand until broken under 4-pad mode and 4-pad results will be ranked alongside 2-pad results. Although no record reset is considered necessary, the [WCA Rankings page](https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/results/rankings/222/single?) will be updated to support filtering between all results and 4-pad results for 2x2, Clock, Pyraminx, and Skewb.\n\nAll regions which are currently using timers without 4-pad capability will have Speed Stacks G5 timers provided in time for the effective date of this change. Costs will be covered and logistics will be handled by the WCA.\n\nFor more information on the factors behind this change and the process followed by the WCA to arrive at this decision, please refer to the [4-Pad Decision Process Explainer Document](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13fQghYapzMIPQnGeo53r80_cmKcp0NrW/view)."}]}