Rule Changes!

The World Barista Championship Rules & Regulations Committee has made some rule changes for the new year of competition. The full rules and regulations for 2009 WBC sanctioned events (including the USBC and therefore the US regionals) can be found here.

The biggest changes are that shot times no longer have to be 20-30 seconds, technical judges don't evaluate the crema appearance on cappuccinos and signature drinks, you no longer have to serve sugar, and that you no longer have to serve all 4 drinks at the same time. This pdf gives a great explanation of the rule changes, I would read both of them closely.