O-Ringen

[drobin]

They're still hoping! I had this notification from them today:
we have reason to believe that the spread of infection will be low enough that O-Ringen can be held. Therefore, we follow society at large, we struggle on and keep the dream alive a little while longer.
There are currently 9000 competitors entered, though probably most of these are from the cancelled 2020 event. If this year's event is cancelled, then it will become the 2022 O-Ringen.

[drobin]

The 2021 O-Ringen in Uppsala has now been cancelled, or rather postponed to 2022!

[Philip134]

At UK events we refund a large proportion of entry fees for cancelled or postponed events.

The Easter Event in Denmark was postponed from 2020 and then cancelled in 2021, entry fees moved across - fair enough. But after the cancellation asking for a refund of part of the entry fees did not seem to be accepted practice. eventually 50% was refunded.

The O-Ringen has a substantial entry fee and the 2020 fees have now been bumped forward to 2022. No option for a part refund with merely the option of doing 'a deal' with someone else and transferring your entry to them.

So are we just generous or are they tighter overseas for a good reason?

[nooomember]

If you dont offer a full refund you risk claims under section 75. Services paid for and not provided must be refunded, whatever any terms and conditions might say.

[LostAgain]

If you dont offer a full refund you risk claims under section 75. Services paid for and not provided must be refunded, whatever any terms and conditions might say.

Are you not quoting English Law?

I'm pretty sure the Oringen will be under Swedish Law. In this case they are still saying they will provide the service you have paid for, just 2 years late!

[housewife]

I thought s75 was based on a EU law so replicated throughout the EU, but I might be wrong. I got a refund from 2020 Origen (can’t make the dates this summer) by suggesting to them I was looking into s75 but that would be costly in admin fees for both us and them so would a cash refund not be better. They agreed.

I’ll put Oringen 2022 in my diary though - looks like some great terrain and close to good transport options.

[roadrunner]

If you dont offer a full refund you risk claims under section 75. Services paid for and not provided must be refunded, whatever any terms and conditions might say.

Are you not quoting English Law?

I'm pretty sure the Oringen will be under Swedish Law. In this case they are still saying they will provide the service you have paid for, just 2 years late!

But when JK2020 was cancelled, didn't we all get somewhat less than a full refund? I'm sure this is quite common both in orienteering and running and, in my opinion, not unreasonable when the cancellation is for unforeseeable reasons.

[Slowtochide]

Not a lawyer but my understanding is that on the occasion of a cancellation, under current UK (and EU?) law organisers of an event (whether orienteering or a music concert or something else) can retain the cost of processing and refunding the money you have paid, but not the cost of expenses already incurred in preparing to stage the event (drawing a map, building a stage,..).
It is also my understanding that technically the liability to refund lies with whoever you booked with, not the end organisation- so, Sportident or Fabian4 entries, unless otherwise defined.
But, to repeat, i’m not a lawyer

[spitalfields]

Not a lawyer but my understanding is that on the occasion of a cancellation, under current UK (and EU?) law organisers of an event (whether orienteering or a music concert or something else) can retain the cost of processing and refunding the money you have paid, but not the cost of expenses already incurred in preparing to stage the event (drawing a map, building a stage,..).

I'm not a lawyer either, but I believe your understanding is incorrect. Rules for 'spectator' events are different to those for 'participation' events, with organiser terms and conditions crucial for the latter.

[nooomember]

No they vamnot retain part of the entry fee.
In any case, the credit card company is jointky liable hence they must repay all fee paid as per Section 75.

[Big Jon]

If everyone insists on a full repayment of entry fees if events are cancelled then events won't happen - too risky - and eventually the sport will disappear.

[SJC]

British Athletics issued a Guidance Note to Race Organisers on Refunds last year:
https://www.runbritain.com/covid-19-uk- ... e-guidance

In summary, the rights of entrants will depend on the individual terms and conditions issued by the individual race organisers.
"Whether entrants are entitled to a refund if a race is cancelled or postponed will depend primarily on the terms and conditions of the entrance, published in the offer for sale of the entry.
If, for example, the "terms and conditions" said nothing about refund then there will be a right implied by law to receive a refund.
If, on the other hand, the terms and conditions expressly exclude entitlement to a refund and offer something different then there will be a stronger basis for the race organiser to resist any request for a refund as they can seek to apply the terms and conditions of sale."

[buzz]

If everyone insists on a full repayment of entry fees if events are cancelled then events won't happen - too risky - and eventually the sport will disappear.

Agree with Jon.

Our sport exists because volunteers give up their time to organise what are often quite major undertakings. Even those involved on a professional basis are mostly passionate competitors themselves. Treating it purely as a business and involving lawyers and accountants who don't understand the sport will eventually drive the volunteers away.

[DIDSCO]

The National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN) in Sweden have decided that entry fees to running events, that are organised by non-profit clubs/associations, do not need to be paid back if the event is cancelled due to the coronavirus.

Jon and Buzz are right. Anyone who has been to the O-Ringen knows what an incredible organisation it is, so if you want it to exist in the future it's probably a clever move not to try and claim your cash back