I would think that ultimately the decision on whether to hold the event at all is on the shoulders of the organizers. And they should have the freedom to cancel or postpone an event if situations develop (hurricanes, permits, plague, etc.). Perhaps a standard thing would be for them to state that, and I guess some do.

For pre-registered and pre-paid entries, I believe it is reasonable to desire/expect your money back if the organizers cancel, unless stated up front that no refunds should be expected. This does put some risk on the organizers, but that's the cost of doing business IMO. And, if you say you'll refund you'd better be prepared to do it.

If YOU choose not to participate in an event that you already paid for, I don't believe you have any reason to expect a refund. That's the monetary risk YOU assume, IMO.

This is not meant that a lawyer has to write up NORs, but I think it's reasonable that we put some of this stuff in so people know the deal up front.

Another recent case in our area - Isabel came through on the the Thursday night before the Annapolis to Oxford race was to be run. The race is run by the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron, and the registration is online and pre-paid, with the cut-off being the Thursday before the race. The big news is that beach cats got an official start for this year's race. This is one of the biggies in our area. Anyway, Isabel is on its way, and you needed to pre-regged and paid by the day the storm was to arrive. On Tuesday they cancelled the race. I had no expectation of seeing my $30, chalking it up to "that's the way it goes". Recently I received a check in the mail refunding my fee. My opinion of the organizers just went up whole bunch, even though I would've been ok if they kept it for expenses.