This article is intended to guide anyone who wants to join an official speedcubing competition in general. Before joining a competition bare in mind that this event is organized not only to prove each cubers skills but also to support the community in the spirit of fun. Pre-requisite to this handbook is the assumption of the author that the reader can already solved a twisty puzzle.
Competition? When, Where, How, & What?
You can get a first hand info on WCA Website if when & where a competition will take place. You can also go ahead by visiting our local forum where competitions are planned here in the country. Schedule of official competitions can be found here for both local and international events.
Know the Regulations
Official speedcubing competitions are governed by regulations implemented by the World Cube Association. The regulations are there not only to have a standard rule to be followed but to make competitions as fair as possible to everyone. It will come in handy if you have a print out of this article that can be found in this site and so as in WCA Regulations page. If you have not attended a competition yet it is highly advisable to read the rules first and know them by heart. Essentially at the part of the rules where you start, stop, etc. your solve. This greatly affect your solve if you do not follow the rules so making the rules a part of your solve is a must. Better be familiarize yourself with StackMat Timers for they will be a part most of your solve since they are the official timers for now.
Help the Organizers
At first hand, you must pre-register online to a competition you want to compete to, in this way you can help the organizers by giving them gauge the number competitors. Also on how to manage the events and so as make them more prepared in all circumstances which logically benefits everyone. A competition SHOULD be a team of competitors and organizers helping out to come up on a spectacular competition. No organizer is not in need of help, please bare in mind most organizers are not paid to do their job hence they even pull funds from their own to make up a good competition. If you are not asked to do anything well give some initiative (it is necessary) and asked the organizers how you can help. Don't just sit there dude help someone!
Bring your own weapon
No not firearms, the weapon of a speedcuber is their puzzles! Make sure they are clean and abide the rules on puzzle conditions. It is very convenient to you, to the organizers, and fellow competitor if you bring your own puzzle. But of course sometimes you puzzle fell short you may barrow to fellow competitors or anyone as long as you don't compete at the same time in a round. This would be a burden to the officials since they will have to adjust the time frame they are following for you. So lets be considerate OK.