Olympiad Rules
VF CUP International Mental Arithmetic Olympiad
Effective Date: 1 October 2026
These Rules govern the organisation, participation, completion of tasks, scoring and determination of results of the VF CUP International Mental Arithmetic Olympiad (“Olympiad”, “VF CUP”).
The Organiser is:
VF Private Education LTD
Company Registration No.: HE 385788
Registered office: Marathonos 3, MALI HOUSE, 8011 Paphos, Cyprus
Email: vfcup.helpdesk@gmail.com
Website: https://the-olympic.world/
1. General Provisions
1.1. VF CUP is an international online mental arithmetic Olympiad.
1.2. The Olympiad is a skill-based competition. A participant’s result is determined by the accuracy and speed with which competition tasks are completed in accordance with these Rules.
1.3. Winners are not determined by a random draw, lottery or any other mechanism based on chance.
1.4. Competition tasks may be generated automatically and randomly by the platform within the mathematical rules applicable to the relevant level. Such generation of tasks does not affect the principle that winners are determined on the basis of participants’ performance.
1.5. The Olympiad is conducted entirely online.
1.6. The number of participants is unlimited unless the Organiser announces a technical limitation for a particular Olympiad.
1.7. Residents of any country may participate regardless of their school, educational centre, teacher or mental arithmetic training system.
1.8. There is no general minimum or maximum age limit for participation.
1.9. Minors participate with the consent of their parent or legal guardian in accordance with the Terms & Conditions and the Children & Parental Consent Policy.
2. Date and Duration of the Olympiad
2.1. The date of each Olympiad is published on the official website.
2.2. The Olympiad is conducted over a period of 24 hours.
2.3. The start and end times are determined according to UTC, unless otherwise expressly stated for a particular Olympiad.
2.4. During this 24-hour period, participants may independently choose a convenient time to begin their competition tasks.
2.5. Participants are advised not to postpone participation until the final minutes of the Olympiad period.
2.6. Once the official Olympiad period has ended, a new competition attempt cannot be started.
3. Technical Requirements
3.1. The Olympiad is conducted through the official VF CUP website and online platform.
3.2. No separate application needs to be installed.
3.3. For participation, it is recommended to use:
- a desktop computer;
- a laptop;
- a modern supported web browser;
- a stable internet connection.
3.4. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their equipment, internet connection and electricity supply are functioning properly.
3.5. Before the Olympiad begins, participants are advised to check access to their account and verify that the platform is functioning correctly.
4. Registration and User Account
4.1. Participation requires registration on the official VF CUP website.
4.2. The user must provide the information requested in the registration form.
4.3. Participant information must be accurate.
4.4. The participant’s name, country, school or educational centre and other submitted information may be used for rankings, certificates and diplomas in accordance with the Privacy Policy and Children & Parental Consent Policy.
4.5. If a participant studies independently and does not represent a particular school or educational centre, providing school information is not required.
4.6. The participant or their legal representative is responsible for the accuracy of the information entered in the profile.
5. Tickets and Competition Levels
5.1. One ticket provides the right to participate in one competition level.
5.2. VF CUP has four competition levels:
- PRO;
- MASTER;
- EXPERT;
- GURU.
5.3. The same participant may take part:
- in one level only;
- in two levels;
- in three levels;
- in all four levels.
5.4. The maximum number of levels in which one participant may compete is four.
5.5. A separate ticket or valid invitation code is required for each level.
5.6. A participant may not participate twice in the same level within the same Olympiad.
5.7. Before the Olympiad begins, a participant may change the level assigned to an unused ticket if this functionality is available through the platform or technical support.
5.8. Once a competition attempt has begun, the selected level cannot be changed for that attempt.
6. PRO Level
6.1. The PRO level is intended for arithmetic operations that do not require crossing the abacus beam or carrying or borrowing between place values.
6.2. Tasks are automatically generated by the platform within the mathematical rules applicable to the PRO level.
6.3. Participants are responsible for determining whether the selected level is appropriate for their level of preparation.
7. MASTER Level
7.1. The MASTER level includes operations using complements to 5 and crossing the abacus beam, without carrying or borrowing between adjacent place values.
7.2. Tasks may include rules from both the PRO and MASTER levels.
7.3. Numbers are automatically generated by the platform within the rules applicable to the level.
8. EXPERT Level
8.1. The EXPERT level includes operations involving:
- complements to 5;
- crossing the abacus beam;
- carrying or borrowing between adjacent place values using complements to 10.
8.2. Tasks may include rules from the PRO, MASTER and EXPERT levels.
8.3. Numbers are automatically generated by the platform within the applicable rules.
9. GURU Level
9.1. The GURU level involves arithmetic operations with natural numbers without the restrictions applicable to the preceding levels.
9.2. Tasks may include any rules and combinations used in mental arithmetic within the VF CUP competition system.
9.3. Numbers are automatically generated by the platform.
10. Training Mode
10.1. Participants may be provided with access to the VF CUP training mode after obtaining access to the Olympiad.
10.2. The training mode is intended for:
- becoming familiar with the platform interface;
- testing technical equipment;
- practising before the Olympiad;
- selecting an appropriate speed and number digit length;
- preparing for the relevant competition level.
10.3. Participants may independently select the settings available in training mode.
10.4. Training results are not themselves competition results.
10.5. However, in the circumstances expressly provided for in Section 18 of these Rules, training results achieved during the Olympiad period may be used as an additional criterion where participants have equal primary competition results.
11. Number Digit Length
11.1. The platform uses the following number categories:
- 1 — one-digit numbers;
- 10 — two-digit numbers;
- 100 — three-digit numbers;
- 1000 — four-digit numbers;
- 10000 — five-digit numbers.
11.2. In each task, the participant is shown 10 numbers in sequence.
11.3. The participant must mentally perform the required arithmetic operations and enter the final answer after the sequence has been displayed.
12. Speeds
12.1. The following display speeds for each number are available:
5; 4.5; 4; 3.5; 3; 2.5; 2; 1.8; 1.6; 1.4; 1.2; 1; 0.9; 0.8; 0.7; 0.6; 0.5; 0.4; 0.3; 0.2; 0.1 seconds.
12.2. Participants independently select the available speed and number digit length.
12.3. Participants are not required to complete every speed sequentially from the slowest to the fastest.
12.4. A participant may immediately select a more difficult speed.
12.5. Where a participant successfully confirms a result at a more difficult speed, the platform automatically credits the points provided by the scoring system for the corresponding easier speeds within the same number category.
13. Confirmation of Results
13.1. One correct answer alone is not sufficient for a result at a particular speed and number digit length to be credited.
13.2. A correct result must be confirmed by a second correct completion of a task using the same parameters or a more difficult speed, in accordance with the platform algorithm.
13.3. For example, if a participant correctly completes a task at a speed of 1 second and subsequently confirms it by correctly completing a task at a speed of 0.5 seconds within the same number category, the result at 1 second is considered confirmed.
13.4. To obtain the maximum number of points available within a particular number category, the participant must correctly complete tasks twice at the maximum difficulty speed of 0.1 seconds, where this is required by the applicable scoring system.
13.5. After confirming a particular speed, the participant may continue to attempt more difficult speeds within the relevant number category.
14. Scoring
14.1. The participant’s primary objective is to earn the highest possible number of points.
14.2. Points are calculated automatically by the platform.
14.3. The number of points depends, among other factors, on:
- the number digit length;
- the display speed;
- the correctness of the answer;
- confirmation of the result.
14.4. Higher levels of difficulty and faster task completion provide the opportunity to earn more points.
14.5. The applicable scoring table forms part of the VF CUP platform mechanics and is published on the Olympiad page and/or displayed in the participant interface.
14.6. The platform’s calculation of points in accordance with the published algorithm forms the basis of the rankings.
14.7. Where a technical error in the calculation is identified, the Organiser may correct the result before the final results are approved.
15. Time Allowed to Enter an Answer
15.1. After the sequence of numbers has been displayed, the participant has a limited period of time in which to enter the answer.
15.2. The maximum time allowed to enter the answer is:
- one-digit numbers — 5 seconds;
- two-digit numbers — 6 seconds;
- three-digit numbers — 8 seconds;
- four-digit numbers — 10 seconds;
- five-digit numbers — 12 seconds.
15.3. If an answer is not entered and confirmed within the applicable time limit, the task is considered to have been completed without a correct answer.
15.4. Such a case is treated by the system as an unsuccessful attempt in accordance with these Rules.
16. Incorrect and Incomplete Attempts
16.1. An answer is considered incorrect if:
- the participant enters an incorrect result;
- the answer is not entered within the applicable time limit;
- the participant begins a task but does not complete the submission of the answer;
- the page is closed or refreshed after the task has begun;
- the participant’s connection to the platform is interrupted and the task is not properly completed.
16.2. After an incorrect answer, any current unconfirmed progress within the relevant category may be cancelled in accordance with the platform algorithm.
16.3. After three consecutive incorrect or incomplete attempts, participation in the competition stage of the relevant level automatically ends.
16.4. For the purposes of Section 16.3, the following may also be treated as an incorrect attempt:
- failure to enter an answer;
- refreshing the page after the task has started;
- closing the page after the task has started;
- another technical interruption of an unfinished task caused on the participant’s side.
16.5. Technical failures occurring on the VF CUP platform side are considered separately in accordance with the Terms & Conditions.
17. Independent Participation and Fair Play
17.1. Participants must complete the Olympiad independently.
17.2. During competition tasks, the following are prohibited:
- receiving assistance from parents, teachers or other persons;
- using a calculator;
- using third-party software for calculations;
- using bots, scripts or automation tools;
- using artificial intelligence or other systems to obtain answers automatically;
- allowing another person to control the competition attempt;
- using another person’s account;
- creating additional attempts in circumvention of the platform rules;
- interfering with the software code or operation of the website;
- artificially modifying results;
- using any other method that creates an unfair competitive advantage.
17.3. The Organiser may use technical and statistical methods to identify anomalous behaviour.
17.4. After the Olympiad ends, results are subject to an anti-fraud review.
17.5. Such review may include analysis of:
- response speeds;
- sequence of attempts;
- statistically unusual results;
- technical logs;
- session information;
- account behaviour;
- other technical indicators of possible rule violations.
17.6. Where there are reasonable and substantiated grounds to believe that a participant has violated these Rules, the Organiser may cancel an individual result or disqualify the participant.
17.7. In the event of disqualification, the participation fee is non-refundable.
18. Determination of Rankings
18.1. A separate worldwide ranking is created for each competition level: PRO, MASTER, EXPERT and GURU.
18.2. The participant with the higher number of points receives the higher position.
18.3. The primary prize-winning positions are:
- 1st place;
- 2nd place;
- 3rd place,
unless the Organiser announces a different award structure for a particular Olympiad.
18.4. If two or more participants at the same level receive the same number of primary competition points, an additional criterion is applied.
18.5. The additional criterion is the number of points earned by the participant in the VF CUP training mode during the official 24-hour Olympiad period.
18.6. Where primary competition points are equal, the participant with the higher number of training points earned during that period receives the higher position.
18.7. If participants remain tied after application of the additional criterion, the Organiser may apply further objective platform indicators established for the relevant Olympiad or award the participants the same position where technically and organisationally possible.
19. Types of Rankings
19.1. The platform may display several informational rankings:
- worldwide ranking;
- country ranking;
- school or educational centre ranking.
19.2. The worldwide ranking for the relevant competition level is the primary official ranking used to determine cash prizes.
19.3. Country and school rankings are additional competitive and informational rankings unless otherwise expressly established for a particular Olympiad.
19.4. Cash prizes are awarded for results in the worldwide ranking or in other categories expressly announced by the Organiser before the relevant Olympiad begins.
20. Preliminary and Final Results
20.1. Information displayed in the participant’s account during or immediately after the Olympiad is considered preliminary.
20.2. Completion of the Olympiad does not constitute automatic final confirmation of winners.
20.3. After the competition period ends, the Organiser conducts an anti-fraud review of the results.
20.4. The review normally takes several days.
20.5. Depending on the number of participants and circumstances identified during the review, it may take up to one week or longer.
20.6. During the review, a participant’s preliminary ranking may change as a result of:
- disqualification of another participant;
- cancellation of an invalid result;
- correction of a technical error;
- application of tie-breaking criteria.
20.7. Only results officially approved by the Organiser after completion of the review are final.
21. Participation in Multiple Levels and Official Prize-Winning Position
21.1. A participant may participate in several competition levels during the same Olympiad, including all four levels.
21.2. Results for PRO, MASTER, EXPERT and GURU are calculated independently, and a separate ranking is created for each level.
21.3. For the purpose of determining official prize-winning results, competition levels are ranked from highest to lowest as follows:
GURU → EXPERT → MASTER → PRO.
21.4. If a participant achieves prize-winning positions in two or more levels, the participant retains an official prize-winning position only in the highest of those levels.
21.5. The participant’s prize-winning positions in the lower levels are released. The next participant in the final ranking of the relevant level moves up to the vacated position. Redistribution is carried out sequentially from the top of the ranking downward until the announced number of prize-winning positions has been filled, provided that there are enough eligible participants.
21.6. Participants who move up following redistribution receive the corresponding official position, the corresponding diploma and the corresponding right to a cash award.
21.7. Participation in a higher and more difficult level must not reduce the cash award earned through actual results. The participant receives the highest cash amount among all cash prizes to which they would have been entitled based on their actual prize-winning results before redistribution, while the participant’s official prize-winning position remains the position in the highest level determined under Section 21.4.
21.8. Each participant may receive no more than one cash prize for results in the competition levels within the same Olympiad.
21.9. Results achieved in lower levels may remain visible in the participant’s personal account as actual performance results but do not constitute separate official prize-winning positions and do not give the right to a separate winner’s or prize recipient’s diploma for those levels.
21.10. Detailed rules, examples and the procedure for determining official prize-winning positions and cash awards are set out in the Prize Policy. In the event of any inconsistency between these Rules and the Prize Policy concerning prize-winning positions or cash awards, the Prize Policy prevails.
22. Certificates and Diplomas
22.1. A participant who takes part in the Olympiad and completes the competition tasks in accordance with these Rules will receive an electronic certificate of participation.
22.2. Winners and prize recipients will receive electronic diplomas.
22.3. Certificates and diplomas may contain:
- participant’s name;
- name of the Olympiad;
- selected competition level;
- country;
- school or educational centre, where provided;
- result;
- position in the relevant ranking;
- date of the Olympiad;
- other participant achievements.
22.4. Certificates and diplomas are provided electronically through the participant’s account and/or by another method determined by the Organiser.
23. Prizes
23.1. The total prize fund is published separately for each Olympiad.
23.2. Cash prize amounts by competition level and ranking position are published on the official website before the Olympiad begins.
23.3. Purchase of a ticket or participation in the Olympiad does not guarantee a cash prize.
23.4. The right to receive a cash prize arises only after:
- completion of the Olympiad;
- review of the results;
- approval of the final ranking;
- confirmation that the participant has complied with these Rules;
- application of the rules on official prize-winning positions and cash awards set out in Section 21.
23.5. The procedure for claiming, redistributing and receiving prizes, taxation and any permitted set-off arrangements is governed by the Prize Policy.
24. Special Nominations
24.1. The Organiser may establish special nominations for a particular Olympiad.
24.2. The name of the nomination, selection criteria and award amount will be published before the relevant Olympiad begins.
24.3. A special nomination may take into account training performance, participant progress, participation history or other objectively defined criteria announced in advance.
24.4. Special nominations do not affect the determination of winners in the main PRO, MASTER, EXPERT and GURU levels unless otherwise expressly stated.
24.5. Unless otherwise expressly announced for a particular Olympiad, a cash award granted under a special nomination is also subject to the general rule that one participant may receive no more than one cash prize in the same Olympiad.
25. Technical Support
25.1. During registration and the Olympiad period, participants may contact the support service at:
25.2. Where a technical problem occurs during the Olympiad, the participant should contact support as soon as possible and, where possible, provide:
- participant’s name;
- registered email address;
- competition level;
- description of the problem;
- time when the problem occurred;
- screenshot or video recording, where available.
25.3. A technical problem on the participant’s side does not automatically entitle the participant to an additional attempt.
25.4. Where a significant technical failure on the VF CUP side is confirmed, the Organiser may:
- restore the attempt;
- provide an additional attempt;
- extend the available time;
- apply another reasonable solution.
26. Changes to the Rules
26.1. The Organiser may amend these Rules for future Olympiads.
26.2. The current version is published on the official website.
26.3. Material changes to the competition mechanics made after a particular Olympiad has begun will not apply to participants who have already started competing, except where a change is necessary:
- to correct a technical error;
- to ensure platform security;
- to restore fair competition conditions;
- to comply with applicable law.
27. Decisions of the Organiser
27.1. The Organiser is responsible for the official interpretation of these Rules in relation to the technical and competition mechanics of VF CUP.
27.2. Decisions concerning results, technical violations and disqualification are made by the Organiser in good faith on the basis of reasonably available information and using consistent criteria for participants in comparable circumstances.
27.3. A participant or their legal representative may request clarification of a decision through the support service.
28. Relationship with Other Documents
28.1. These Rules apply together with:
- Terms & Conditions;
- Prize Policy;
- Privacy Policy;
- Children & Parental Consent Policy;
- Cookie Policy.
28.2. Commercial terms relating to purchases and refunds are governed primarily by the Terms & Conditions, including Section 16 (Voluntary Cancellation and Refunds).
28.3. Matters relating to cash prizes, including the one-cash-prize-per-participant rule and redistribution of cash awards, are governed by these Rules together with the Prize Policy.
28.4. Matters relating to personal data processing are governed by the Privacy Policy and Children & Parental Consent Policy.
29. Organiser and Contact Details
VF Private Education LTD
Company Registration No.: HE 385788
Registered office: Marathonos 3, MALI HOUSE, 8011 Paphos, Cyprus
Website: https://the-olympic.world/
Email: vfcup.helpdesk@gmail.com
VF CUP International Mental Arithmetic Olympiad is organised by VF Private Education LTD, Cyprus.