All throughout the history of civilization, there have been various written literature and live performances portraying the tragedies that have befallen mankind.  Examples included Antigone, Romeo and Juliet, The Grapes of Wrath, and, now, the numerous heartbreaking emails all describing, in depressing detail, why the authors were unable to attend World Finals qualifying events in 2019.  We have received some doozies over the years but this year, in particular, IJSBA is contemplating having a World Finals class for fictional writing.  None-the-less, IJSBA is officially accepting petitions, from regular World Finals participating competitors, as to why your hardship should give you a one time exemption for meeting qualifying eligibility.  Please send your petition by emailing info@ijsba.com.  In the meantime, we will be working on alternative qualifying methods.