RULES & POLICIES - MECHANICAL PUZZLE COMPETITIONS

Last updated: November 2025


This page explains the main rules and policies for the World Mechanical Puzzle Competition - USA pilot edition, organized by Mechanical Puzzle Competitions (“MPC”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By registering, hosting, or participating, you agree to these terms.

1. Participation, Fair Play & Safety

  • Each participant must follow the instructions provided with the puzzle kit and by the hosting venue.
  • Any form of cheating (using outside help, sharing solutions, or copying another participant’s work) may result in disqualification and exclusion from future editions.
  • Hosts (schools, libraries, cultural centers) are responsible for supervising the event and ensuring a fair and calm environment.
  • Puzzle kits are for hands-on use only. Participants should handle all components with care and follow any safety notes included with the kit.
  • Young students may require adult supervision at the discretion of the hosting venue.

2. Registration, Payment & Refund Policy

  • Participants register through our official website. Hosting venues can invite participants at their discretion and share the registration link.
  • Unless stated otherwise in writing, the U.S. pilot registration fee is a discounted $40 per participant, covering the competition kit, instructions, answer sheet, delivery, and access to rankings/certificates.
  • Registration fees are generally non-refundable; however, in specific cases we may accommodate refund or transfer requests at our discretion.
  • If MPC must cancel the event for a specific venue (e.g., shipping issues or exceptional circumstances), we will offer a replacement date or provide a refund to affected participants, at the venue’s discretion.
  • Any discounts or fee waivers will be communicated in advance and may apply only to specific venues or time periods.

3. Privacy & Data Collection

We collect only the information needed to organize the competition, such as participant name, contact details (or parent/guardian email for minors), chosen venue, and basic information about the hosting institution.

  • We use this data to manage registrations, send instructions, share results and certificates, and improve future editions.
  • We do not sell participant data to third parties.
  • We may share limited information with trusted service providers (payment processors, email services, shipping partners) strictly to run the competition.
  • Participants and parents/guardians can request access, correction, or deletion of their data where applicable by law.
  • We may use group photos, anonymized statistics, and non-identifiable information for rankings and promotional/educational purposes, respecting venue rules and local laws regarding identifiable students.

4. Cookies & Website Usage

Our website us.mechanicalpuzzlecompetitions.com uses cookies and similar technologies to function properly and to understand how visitors use the site.

  • Essential cookies keep the site running (e.g., language or session settings).
  • We may use analytics cookies to improve content and user experience; analytics are aggregated and not meant to identify individuals.
  • You can control or disable cookies via browser settings, though some site features may not work properly without essential cookies.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie usage as described.

5. Disputes, Scores & Rankings

  • All scoring and rankings are based on solutions submitted on official answer sheets or online forms by the deadline.
  • Dispute requests should be sent by the designated point of contact (teacher, librarian, host) within a reasonable time after results are published.
  • MPC will review disputes in good faith; however, all final decisions on scores, rankings, awards, and prizes are at MPC’s sole discretion.

6. Legal & Governing Law

  • The competition and website are operated from California, USA.
  • These rules are governed by California law, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
  • Legal disputes must be brought in the appropriate courts in California unless local law requires otherwise.
  • If any part of these policies is deemed invalid, the remaining sections remain in full force.

7. Acceptance of Rules

By registering, hosting, or participating in the World Mechanical Puzzle Competition - USA pilot edition, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Rules & Policies. If you are a minor, a parent/guardian or authorized school representative must agree on your behalf.

8. Contact

For questions about these rules, privacy, or cookies, please contact:
Mechanical Puzzle Competitions
Redwood Shores, California, USA
Email: [email protected]

This page is intended as a general summary of our policies and does not constitute legal advice. Hosting institutions and organizers should also review their own internal policies and applicable local regulations.