At MLQ, we understand the value of preparing for the future, as such, we are expanding our practice squad programming.
For the 2021 season, practice squads will increase from a 14-player to a 16-player max and we are seeking dedicated coaches and managers (playing and/or non-playing) to lead them. Each squad will also be invited to participate in the MLQ Next Gen Showcase at MLQ Championship.
Practice squads allow franchises to grow the next generation of quidditch stars and help develop the sport at the highest level. We introduced the concept to our league in April 2017. Since then, franchises such as Austin, Boston, Indianapolis and New York have seen players grow from practice squad to franchise rosters.
Given the structural changes and the introduction of an event, the cost of a practice squad membership will increase from $15 to $30 per player. A portion of all fees will go back to the practice squad player’s parent franchise team. The player fees will cover the necessary costs to run the MLQ Next Gen Showcase: officials, medals, competition shirts for those that compete, etc.
Practice squad players are restricted by the same radius rules as active roster players and can submit the same radius-related waiver. Athletes interested in being considered for an MLQ practice squad must sign all waivers associated with MLQ and provide information about their insurance coverage. They can do so by filling out the MLQ Athlete Tryout Registration (live March 1, 2021) and indicating interest in consideration for a practice squad spot in the first section of the form.
During the initial MLQ tryout phase, practice squad coaches will work closely with MLQ franchise head coaches. The franchise head coaches will select their 30-person rosters based on the MLQ tryout phase. The remaining players will be reviewed by the MLQ franchise head coach and the MLQ practice squad coach, and the pair will determine which athletes they would like on the practice squad for the given season. In the event a practice squad does not have a head coach at that time, the franchise head coach will select the practice squad and continue to work with MLQ to recruit a practice squad head coach.
Practice squads will practice at the same place and time as MLQ franchise teams. It will be up to the MLQ practice squad coach if they would like to coordinate additional practice times. Practice squad players will be allowed to participate in MLQ franchise team practices at the franchise head coach’s discretion.
As previously mentioned, at the end of the season, the practice squad members that attend at least four practices will be invited to compete in the MLQ Next Gen Showcase at MLQ Championship on Sunday. The MLQ Next Gen Showcase will highlight the talent of these individuals. It will replace the MLQ Divisional Games; however, much like those games, it will be a testing ground for new rules. The practice squads will receive the rules in advance of the competition so they may run through them in advance. If a practice squad does not have enough athletes to safely compete, MLQ will merge them with another squad from their division.
Given the MLQ Next Gen Showcase will take place on Sunday. Practice squad athletes may attend the MLQ Championship for free on Saturday should they sign up to volunteer. In the event they choose not to volunteer on Saturday, they will be eligible for a discounted MLQ Championship entry fee for the day.
We’re excited to take this next step! If you have additional questions please review the below FAQ or email us at [email protected].
FAQ
Can I play for the franchise roster and coach or manage the practice squad? Can I manage the franchise roster and play on the practice squad?
Franchise managers are a strictly non-playing role. Franchise coaches may play on the franchise roster. In order to ensure the practice squad members are getting the full attention of their coach and manager, practice squad coaches and managers are not permitted to play on the franchise roster. However, practice squad coaches and managers may play on the practice squad.
What if I move to Cleveland in July and want to join the practice squad?
You should contact the MLQ franchise at their MLQ email address. Franchise and practice squad coaches may add any player, anytime to the team’s practice squad if they have the open slots. A player does not have to participate in the regular season tryouts in this scenario but they MUST reside within the franchise radius, fill out the required waivers, pay the practice squad dues and provide insurance information. Any team suspected or found violating the MLQ Practice Policy (ie. having a non-registered or unpaid player at practice) will be subject to punishment at the discretion of the MLQ Directors, this may include suspension or release of franchise and/or practice squad staff.
Will we receive shirts this year?
Practice squad athletes that participate in the MLQ Next Gen Showcase at MLQ Championship will receive MLQ-branded shirts in their franchise’s color to wear during their matches and keep after the competition ends. Athletes or practice squads that do not participate will not receive shirts.
Can practice squad members serve as goal referees, timekeepers, scorekeepers etc.?
To minimize the risk of bias in our matches, members of the practice squad will not be able to serve in any officiating capacity for matches other than timekeeper and scorekeeper. They can volunteer during matches in all non-officiant positions, including as videographers, commentators, statisticians, etc.
Can players be moved on and off of the practice squad roster?
Once a player is removed from or chooses to leave a team’s practice squad, they cannot be re-added at any point in the season. As previously mentioned, the practice squad is an opportunity for young or inexperienced players to grow into MLQ-level talent. Consistency and repetition is key to this growth and cannot be met if there is constant movement within the squad.
Should a player be removed from or choose to leave the 30-person roster and a spot be available on the 16-person practice squad, the franchise and practice squad head coach may discuss and the franchise head coach may decide to drop the player to the practice squad.
So I can be cut from the practice squad?
Yes. As has been the case in the past, practice squad players may be removed at any time at the discretion of MLQ franchise and practice squad coaching staff. Some possible reasons for removing players may include:
- Poor attendance record
- Demonstrating a consistent lack of work ethic
- Demonstrating a consistently poor attitude and/or respect toward coaches, managers and/or other athletes
- Athlete’s current ability does not meet standards of the MLQ franchise. While this is meant to be a place for athletes to improve, your play must be up to the level of the team and not become a distraction to the overall squad’s development
Will there be a trophy?
The winning team will have their franchise and leadership added to the Pavlovsky Bowl, named after Edgar Pavlovsky, a former volunteer who exemplified what it means to be innovative and whose hard work and dedication was integral to the early days of our league.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].