The CrossFit Games Open is an annual competition organized by CrossFit, Inc., the company behind the CrossFit fitness regimen. It serves as the first stage in the qualifying process for the CrossFit Games, which is the ultimate competition to determine the "Fittest on Earth."

Here's how the CrossFit Games Open typically works:

1. Open Registration: Athletes from around the world register online to participate in the Open. The registration fee allows them to compete in the workouts and submit their scores online.

2. Workout Announcements: Over the course of several weeks, typically five weeks, CrossFit announces a new workout each week. These workouts are usually released on Thursday evenings (U.S. Pacific Time) and athletes have until the following Monday to complete the workout and submit their scores.

3. Workout Standards: CrossFit provides specific standards for each workout, including movements, weights, repetitions, and time limits. These standards ensure consistency across all participants and allow for fair comparison of performances.

4. Scoring: Athletes perform the workouts and submit their scores online through the CrossFit Games website or app. Scores are validated by either submitting a video recording of the workout or completing the workout at an official CrossFit affiliate gym with a certified judge.

5. Leaderboard: As athletes submit their scores, they are ranked on a global leaderboard based on their performance in each workout. The leaderboard is updated in real-time, allowing athletes to see how they stack up against others in their region and worldwide.

6. Scaling Option: CrossFit offers a scaled version of each workout, allowing athletes of different skill levels to participate. This makes the Open accessible to a wide range of athletes, from elite competitors to beginners.

7. Community Participation: The CrossFit Open is known for its inclusive and community-oriented atmosphere. Many CrossFit gyms organize Friday Night Lights events, where members come together to perform the Open workout and cheer each other on.

8. Qualification: While participation in the Open is open to anyone, only the top athletes in each region qualify for the next stage of competition, typically the CrossFit Games Quarterfinals. From there, the field is further narrowed down through subsequent stages until the top athletes compete at the CrossFit Games.

Overall, the CrossFit Games Open is a challenging and exciting opportunity for CrossFit athletes of all levels to test their fitness, push their limits, and be part of a global fitness community.

Each year, we organize an in-house competition during the CrossFit Open. We call it the House Cup.

Athletes are divided into teams, and with the help of Team Captains, compete for the House Cup. Unlike most fitness competitions, the House Cup values and rewards community and team spirit as well as athletic prowess.

During the three weeks of the CrossFit Open, UB runs Friday Night Lights each Friday. Starting at 5pm, athletes perform the Open workout in heats with another athlete or coach acting as judge and scorekeeper.

Before each heat, the MC will take you through the movement standards for the workout and the expectations for both athlete and judge.

Teams are encouraged to challenge each other and show spirit with costumes and stunts.

We encourage athletes participating in the Open to complete the CrossFit Judges Course. By gaining certification as a judge, you’ll deepen your understanding of movement standards and competition rules - crucial for excelling in the Open.

This knowledge will not only enhance your ability to perform well themselves but also enable you to contribute meaningfully to the integrity of the competition by accurately judging the performances of fellow athletes.

Additionally, by becoming a certified judge, you’ll be actively engaging with the CrossFit community.