MLQ is embarking on a new project to help improve officiating.

The MLQ Officials Improvement Project (MOIP) will be executed in phases and led by veteran official and volunteer Michael Clark-Polner. Phase one will provide primarily video-based training for on-pitch quidditch officials. This will be the first active video-based training program for quidditch officials of its size and scope.

“Officials have been an obvious pain point for many individuals across leagues. However, without the necessary resources, how can we expect them to improve and perform at the desired levels? This project addresses a much-needed lack of officiating resources across the sport,” said MLQ Gameplay Director Ryan Davis. 

The program will involve the use of training modules focused on specific topics, such as positioning, communication, commonly misunderstood rules and commonly missed calls. These training modules will consist of a combination of written materials alongside video training, using real game examples to illustrate the issues for which officials must watch. 

While the community of quidditch officials have supported the sport throughout its history, the resources to actively support them in their work to improve themselves have been limited. While there have been efforts to help train officials in the past and present, MOIP will represent the first example of comprehensive, primarily game film-based training for this group.

It will not be limited to or targeted specifically toward head referees. Many of the planned resources are applicable to all on-field officials, and some modules will be specifically focused on assistant and snitch referees.

“We recognize the importance of improving the crew as a whole, not just its leader,” Clark-Polner said. “Officials work as a team. We must work to train all members of that team in order to be able to get the most out of our crews.”

MOIP is just getting started and is not expected to produce significant training materials prior to the start of the 2022 MLQ season. However, as soon as training modules are finalized, they will be released, building up a bank of training materials that will be expanded over time and updated during future seasons.

If you are interested in assisting with this project, please reach out to [email protected] and include “MOIP” in the subject. Whether you have rules knowledge or officiating expertise or you just believe you can help find good clips of cases for training while watching match tapes, please reach out.