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Rules

of the Belgian Jigsaw Puzzle Championships 2025

Registration


The registration period begins on December 1st at 10:00 local time (09.00 GMT) for those with Belgian nationality or residency and on January 1st at 00:00 GMT for all other participants. It closes 7 days before the start of the Championship or after the maximum number of participants has been reached.

Any pair containing at least one Belgian national or resident can register from December 1st at 10:00 GMT, while all other pairs can register from January 1st. Similarly, any team of maximum four members containing at least two Belgian nationals or residents can register from December 1st at 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT), while all other teams can register from January 1st.

Only individuals who are Belgian nationals or residents, pairs comprising at least one Belgian national or resident and teams comprising at least two Belgian nationals or residents can win their respective championships. However, a non-Belgian individual, pair, or team may qualify for a prize if they finish first.

The minimum age for participation is 14. People under 14 years can register for the pairs or teams competition if they are accompanied by an adult.

Competition rules

 
Participants must be on site 15 minutes before the start of the competition.

If a registered participant has not turned up 10 minutes after the start of the competition, the Organization reserves the right to admit an alternative participant at short notice, e.g. on the basis of a waiting list, without this giving rise to any compensation or refund to the original participant.

Until the host indicates the start of the competition and starts the timer, the participants cannot manipulate or open the jigsaw puzzle boxes that are on the table.

During the competition, the judges will monitor the progress of the assembly process, so that when a participant is close to finishing a puzzle, if no member of the Organization has noticed this situation, they will raise their hand so that a judge can record the completion time of the puzzle. The judge, after deeming the assembly complete, will note the time on the participant’s record sheet and will proceed to deliver it to the main judge’s table.

All participants who finish the puzzles before the maximum time allowed, after a judge records the time achieved, must collect their belongings and leave the competition area to facilitate preparation for the next competition.

If once the maximum time has elapsed the participant has not managed to finish the puzzle, the judges will calculate the correctly placed pieces of the unfinished puzzle, including in the total only the groups of 3 or more pieces that have been correctly joined together.

If pieces are missing at the end of the puzzle, 10 seconds for each lost piece will be added to the final time. If the final piece appears after 10 seconds of searching, the time of the penultimate piece plus the penalty will be the officially recorded time. In case of more than 10 pieces lost, participation will be considered void.

Material


For the Individual and Pairs rounds, each individual and pair will be entitled to their own table (120cm x 80cm).

For the Teams round, each team will be entitled to one and a half tables (180cm x 80cm).

All tables will be numbered and will display the names of the participants. The seating arrangement will be based, as much as possible,  on known rankings in previous championships recognized by the WJPF.


It is not allowed to use any object that changes the height or layout of the tables.

Sorting aids and trays are allowed.

Box top holders or supports are allowed to keep the box top upright and easily viewable while puzzling.

Headphones are allowed as long as they do not disturb the rest of the participants.

It is not allowed to bring extra lighting or to use printed or digital templates on which any manufacturer’s cutting pattern may be seen.

Other information


All the jigsaw puzzles used in the competition are the property of the participants once the competition is finished.

Only participants, judges, and authorized personnel are allowed to enter the competition area.

Any help given to participants during the competition by other participants or by spectators may be grounds for disqualification. 

The organizer points out that pictures and film recordings will be taken during the event and that these may be published on the Internet or on other social media. Upon registering for this public event, a participant waives their "right to their own image".

The Organization is not responsible for objects lost during the Championship.

In the event of cancellation or postponement of the Championship for reasons beyond the control of the Organization, the Organization is not responsible for indirect expenses incurred by participants, except for the paid registration fees.

Q&A


  • Can I change my pair or team partners?

You can make changes up to 7 days before the competition. To do so, access your private area in the “My Account” section under “My Pair” / “My Team.” Only the person who created the pair or team can change its members..

  • Is it possible to make changes between members during the team competition?

No. In teams with more than 4 people, the team must decide at the time of registration which 4 members will participate.

  • Can I have a refund if I cancel my registration?

Only paid registrations cancelled at least 7 days before the start of the competition will enjoy a right of refund of the registration fee.

  • Can I eat and drink during the competition?

A water bottle will be provided for each participant at their table. Competitors are allowed to eat and drink at their own risk. However, as the puzzle becomes their property once opened, they are responsible for any spills or damage.

  • Can I use my phone to take a picture of the puzzle, for example?

Yes, you may use your phone as long as you do not disturb other competitors. It must be in silent mode, and phone calls are not allowed.

  • Do I need a ticket to attend the event as a visitor?

The entry to the venue is free, and we warmly invite the audience to cheer on the participants. However, access to the competition area is restricted to participants, organizers, and the jury.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at fair prices during the event.

  • Can I go to the toilet during the competition?

Yes, you may leave at any time, but the clock will keep ticking and no one will be allowed to take your place during your absence.

  • Will the event be broadcast live?

Yes, all events will be streamed live on YouTube.

  • Can I bring pets?

Pets are not allowed in the venue, except for assistance dogs.