I would like to get some additional opinions on the WTC refund policy. Unfortunately, since you have to sign up for an IM race so far in advance, there is no way to plan the unexpected. I know everyone hates the refund policy, but should they make any additional considerations specifically related to pregnancy?
My husband and I signed up for IMTX as soon as it opened this summer. I recently found out I was going to have a baby and sent WTC a note 7 months prior to race day (the race is May 2011) indicating that I was pregnant and would be unable to race. I am due 4 weeks before the race...I don't think I'll be ready to hop on a bike by that point. I asked for either a refund or a deferral to 2012. I got a form letter in return indicating that I could withdraw my entry and get a $150 refund (as is indicated on the website) or forfeit the whole $630.
I knew the policy before I signed up and that there was a possibility I would get pregnant, but you can never know for sure when that will happen. I can understand them sticking to their policy, but does that make the policy right? Many of the women in IM races are of childbearing age, and at least here in the US all the IM races sell out a year in advance. Should we not register because we MIGHT get pregnant before the race? Is this discrimination?
I know I am not the only one who has been in this situation, and that there are costs associated with putting on these events and dealing with exceptions regarding refunds. But I think WTC should be a little more flexible in their policies by giving some consideration to the women in triathlon. We are doing our part to create future triathletes :) - should we be penalized for our contribution to our sport?
Thoughts?
My husband and I signed up for IMTX as soon as it opened this summer. I recently found out I was going to have a baby and sent WTC a note 7 months prior to race day (the race is May 2011) indicating that I was pregnant and would be unable to race. I am due 4 weeks before the race...I don't think I'll be ready to hop on a bike by that point. I asked for either a refund or a deferral to 2012. I got a form letter in return indicating that I could withdraw my entry and get a $150 refund (as is indicated on the website) or forfeit the whole $630.
I knew the policy before I signed up and that there was a possibility I would get pregnant, but you can never know for sure when that will happen. I can understand them sticking to their policy, but does that make the policy right? Many of the women in IM races are of childbearing age, and at least here in the US all the IM races sell out a year in advance. Should we not register because we MIGHT get pregnant before the race? Is this discrimination?
I know I am not the only one who has been in this situation, and that there are costs associated with putting on these events and dealing with exceptions regarding refunds. But I think WTC should be a little more flexible in their policies by giving some consideration to the women in triathlon. We are doing our part to create future triathletes :) - should we be penalized for our contribution to our sport?
Thoughts?