Opening day for the 2020 MLQ season is now scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 4. The 2020 MLQ Championship will remain scheduled for Aug. 22-23 in Howard County, Md. MLQ Worlds Weekend will be condensed to MLQ Worlds Fantasy on Sunday, July 26.
The MLQ director team is actively following updates by governmental health and travel agencies in Canada and the U.S. and has been consulting an internal contingency plan as things progress day-to-day. We are currently working on a testing policy that will apply to all practices and events, as well, that will include but may not be limited to a self-assessment via the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool. MLQ will continue to post public updates on mlquidditch.com and our social media.
MLQ REGULAR SEASON
The original host locations remain the same for rescheduled series. See the fully-updated schedule below.
The MLQ virtual tryout deadline remains the same. Athletes interested in playing for an MLQ team will need to fill out the MLQ Athlete Tryout Registration and submit the required video footage for their desired team by Wednesday, May 27. In the event an athlete does not have the required film or cannot complete the requirements due to being quarantined alone, they can contact their team of choice and franchise leadership will work with said athlete to create an alternative solution. Many teams have also added a digital interview to the process, amongst other previously unlisted requirements. Updated processes for each team can be found here.
Teams are now required to submit their 30-person roster by June 1. The MLQ head coaches have opted to eliminate the extended roster deadline for additional spots.
In preparation for the future, we have created an additional phase of scheduling should the current phase three schedule fall through. Phase four will encompass a division-wide SuperSeries in each of our divisions. The SuperSeries will be hosted by last season’s divisional champions.
MLQ CHAMPIONSHIP
Due to the shortened season schedule and the unpredictability that will bring to players ensuring travel to championship, MLQ Championship will now be a 15-team tournament, and every team will be eligible to attend. The structure will be based on three pools of five leading into bracket play and will emphasize as much interdivisional play as possible.
MLQ CANADA
There is also the possibility that borders between Canada and the U.S. will remain closed even if it is safe to resume sporting events and large gatherings. Should this be the case, MLQ will work with Ottawa Black Bears and Toronto Raiders leadership to determine the optimal course of action.
Discussions are already underway regarding the potential futures of these two franchises in relation to 2020.
MLQ WORLDS WEEKEND
Due to the postponement of the IQA World Cup to summer 2021 and the recent revision of the MLQ regular season calendar, the two-day MLQ Worlds Weekend will be condensed into a one-day event: MLQ Worlds Fantasy. Further updates regarding the format of the tournament and general manager requirements will be announced in May.
Those that paid for MLQ Worlds Weekend can request a refund or donate their event fee to MLQ via this form. Refunds must be requested on or before May 26, 2020. Donations will go toward recouping lost event fees for the MLQ 2020 season.
The fee to participate in MLQ Fantasy will remain $20 plus processing fees. Those that paid for the entirety of the event and only want to attend fantasy may request a refund of their $5 via this form.
The MLQ Events Department does plan to bring you MLQ Worlds Weekend next summer.
Please keep an eye on mlquidditch.com and our social media for the latest news and information. We will continue to act with the health and safety of our athletes, officials, staff and volunteers at the forefront of our minds. We ask that you do the same and thank you for your continued support during this challenging time.