Registration is Open for the 2014 Open!

Even if you’re new to CrossFit, chances are you’ve heard of the “Open.” The 2014 CrossFit Open season is upon us!! The goal of today’s post is to explain a little about the Open and get everyone to sign up!

What is the “Open?”

Officially, the Open is the first level of competition required for athletes to qualify for the Reebok CrossFit Games.  However, for 99.999% of CrossFitters, the Open is simply a once-a-year opportunity to push yourself to new limits, experience the intensity of competition, and see how you stack up against CrossFitters around the world. As many of you experienced at the ICA Throwdown last weekend, the competition atmosphere is a lot of fun, and it joins us together as a community. The Open is no different. To learn more about the CrossFit Games season check out these links:

• Read: About the Games
• Watch: I’m Competing in the Open Because…

When is the “Open?”

This year, the Open season will run from February 27 – March 30.   Every Thursday for 5 consecutive weeks an Open workout will be posted to the Games website at 8:00pm. Registered athletes will have until that Monday at 8:00pm to complete the workout and post their scores online.  All scores must be validated by ICA.

When and Where Can I do the Open WODs?

At ICA, we will run the Open WODs on Fridays as our Daily WOD during all 6 classes. You can join us on Fridays to work out even if you’re not formally registered for the competition. If a registered athlete can not make it to a Friday workout, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to arrange for a judge to be available over the weekend or on Monday.

Other FAQS:

1. What if I need to scale an Open WOD?

In order for your score to count in the worldwide competition, you have to complete all the workouts as prescribed. Most workouts are designed so that everyone can get at least a few official reps in. (For example, most workouts that involve very heavy weights or tricky gymnastics movements have some lighter/easier movements first… so you can get some legitimate points on the board.) At ICA we’ll encourage everyone to try the workout as prescribed, and if you hit a point where you absolutely can’t continue we’ll write down your score, and have you continue “off the books” at a lighter weight or with scaled movements. That way you get an official score and still get a great work out!

2. How much does it cost to register for the Open?

Registration is $20 for individual athletes.

3. How do I qualify for Regionals?

At the end of the Open, the top 48 men, top 48 women, and top 30 teams from each region are invited to the Regionals. There are also Masters divisions in 5 year increments for athletes over the age of 40. This year, for the first time, any athlete who is attempting to qualify for Regionals is required to use a registered Judge (all ICA coaches will be registered judges). Additionally, all of their Open workouts must be videotaped, and at least one video will be reviewed by CrossFit Games staff prior to sending out Regional invitations. 

4. Will the Friday Open WOD count as one of my classes for the week?

Yes, the Open WOD will count as a class, so any punchcard or 2x/week members should plan accordingly.

5. Okay, I’m Sold. How Do I Register?

Register on the CrossFit Games website – click on the red link in the upper right hand corner. Remember to choose CrossFit Phoenixville as your affiliate!!! If you have any questions, talk to John, Nikki or any of your coaches.