First, thank you everyone for your support. I also appreciate the civil discussion and professionally worded questions.
Second, I am very aware that WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and we are working to understand their updated guidelines on large public gatherings. I am also monitoring President Trumps address. But since I committed to responding to your questions, I am posting my responses as of 8:00 PM CST
Question 1
Will the REC Foundation refund team registration if the teams school / state / region restricts travel but the VEX Robotics World Championship is not canceled?
A1 The REC Foundation policy is that all VEX Robotics World Championship registration cancellations must be received by March 16, 2020, in order to receive a full refund. I fully understand why we are being requested to extend this date and we will extend to March 25. But we need to have an accurate count of how many teams are coming to VEX World’s. By having a firm date, we can accommodate cancellations and invite teams from the Waitlist.
Again, please note that my earlier communications stated that if there are restrictions that will not allow the 2020 VEX Robotics World Championship to take place, registered teams will receive a full refund on their registration fee. This is a huge financial risk for the REC Foundation, but we feel this is the fairest policy.
Question 2
What will happen to teams that qualify but are unable to attend?
A2. These spots are filled from the Waitlist. This has always been REC Foundation policy.
Question 3
What will happen to teams that qualify but the championship is cancelled? Will spots be allocated to those teams next year?
A3. We will not be able to hold those spots for the 2021 VEX Robotics World Championship. The entire competition season is set up so that teams qualify for their Regional or State Championships to earn the opportunity to advance to VEX Worlds. There are not enough spots for the 2021 VEX Worlds to accommodate all teams that qualified for VEX Worlds during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons.
Question 4
Can teams that can’t go (to 2020 VEX Worlds) get preference on waitlist admission for next year (2021).
A4. This is an interesting suggestion. We will discuss the pros and cons of this.
Question 5
What kind of events would need to unfold for Worlds to be canceled all together?
A5. We continue to rely on data and guidance provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and continue to work closely with state and local health organizations. The REC Foundation has worked with Event Partners to cancel multiple state championships based on guidance from state and local authorities.
We are also closely monitoring travel restrictions from countries and states where teams qualified for Worlds. If no one is allowed to travel to Louisville, that presents some challenges too.
But ultimately, we will prioritize the health of the students, coaches, parents, volunteers as well as the REC Foundation staff.
Question 6
When will teams be notified that they are invited to attend Worlds from World Skills List and the Wait List?
A6. Ahhh, an easy question! March 30.
Question 7
How will the game unveil be done if VEX Worlds is canceled?
A7. I shouldn’t speculate without talking to Grant Cox, but I suspect we would schedule a very cool virtual release. The VEX Robotics video and technical teams are truly amazing.
Question 8
Kentucky Kingdom tickets are no longer available.
A8. The REC Foundation has pulled Kentucky Kingdom tickets from our website and will be issuing full refunds for purchased tickets.
Question 9
What is the absolutely last day that registration payments can be made?
A9. Teams have until March 25th to pay their registration fees per the Qualifying Criteria and Team FAQ.
Question 10
Will worlds spots go to skills first then anyone on the waitlist?
A10. This has not been finalized but I think we will split from the Skills List and Wait List.