Following the completion of our third weekend of official play, MLQ issued a survey to the league in order to pulse check feelings toward our COVID-19 guidelines and the general landscape of the U.S. A total of 296 athletes and franchise staff completed the survey.

Of the 296 respondents, 94 percent expressed they are “comfortable moving from our current Tier system to a policy where fully-vaccinated teams can practice and play normally.” Given this information and the current vaccination level of our league, MLQ has decided to move away from our current tier system as outlined in the MLQ Return to Play Guidelines.

So long as all participants are fully vaccinated, MLQ franchises may continue to hold full-contact practices and participate in MLQ series and the 2021 MLQ Championship regardless of the tier in which their area falls. This means every U.S. MLQ franchise is able to participate fully in MLQ. The Spectator Tier Policy, however, will remain in place.

We do not make this change lightly. The Delta variant still presents a major threat to the U.S., and rates of COVID-19 transmission in areas of the South Division are approaching some of their all-time highs. Because of this, any player whose franchise’s surrounding area is in Tier 1 (based on the current tier system) who will be competing at a series or the 2021 MLQ Championship must receive a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to that event. Each player must report their results to their franchise manager before competing in the series. If a free testing center is not available that can return a player’s results to them within 48 hours of a series, we recommend that they purchase and use a store-bought rapid test, such as the BinaxNOW rapid test, that can return results within 15 minutes of use.

MLQ COVID-19 guidelines for the 2021 MLQ Championship are still being discussed. At this time, participating franchises will not be expected to play with masks during competition versus other teams. Restrictions MLQ are considering include required masks in common areas and on-site separation between spectators and athletes. 

We want to extend a sincere thank you to all of the athletes, officials, staff and volunteers who went out and got vaccinated and followed/continue to follow the MLQ Return to Play Guidelines. Because of your efforts, we were able to bring back the sport we all know and love. With less than a month until the return of the MLQ Championship, we ask that you all continue to take precautions and work with one another so we can all enjoy Howard County together!