US Quidditch Cup 14 Canceled

by · January 31, 2021

In August, US Quidditch (USQ) announced its plan for the 2021–2022 season, including Rregional championships and the US Quidditch Cup. Later, the Fall Regional Championships were canceled, and now the same is happening to US Quidditch Cup 14.

Even though teams in some areas of the United States can practice currently, USQ had to ask if it would be safe to host a national tournament this season. The risk management team focused on cases in Utah, where US Quidditch Cup 14 was scheduled to be held, as well as restrictions and limitations, deducing that the number of cases would have to be dramatically reduced.

The USQ guidelines for return to play require that if a team is going to another state for an event, the case numbers in both states have to meet the baseline requirements. Risk Management Team Lead Rebecca Martin doesn’t think that the numbers will be low enough in April.

After careful consideration of COVID-19 trends, new variants, and the speed of the vaccine roll-out, we determined that it is not possible to safely host nationals this year. The health and safety of our community and beyond are our top priority.

 

Infographic. The logo for US Quidditch is shown on a white background with "2021 US Quidditch Cup Cancellation" beneath it. Information about the cancelation is shown underneath the heading.

 

USQ Cup 14 should have been held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the next national tournament, USQ Cup 15, should have been held in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. USQ has now decided that USQ Cup 15 will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 23–24, and USQ Cup 16 will be held in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. That should mean that bidding for USQ Cup 16 isn’t open anymore, but the bids could be transferred to USQ Cup 17.

Instead of USQ Cup 14, USQ is preparing a nationwide virtual tournament in spring. The quidditch community will compete against each other in online games, similar to Major League Quidditch Virtual.

 

A chaser in an American jersey is shown holding a quaffle and running forward. One chaser in an Australian jersey is running toward them, while another Australian chaser is moving out of view of the camera. Two other American players, referees, and spectators are shown in the background.

Credit: Ajantha Abey Quidditch Photography

 

USQ wants to focus now on preparing for the next season, and it is also looking for opportunities for growth. Executive Director Mary Kimball wants to make major changes such as rebranding USQ.

USQ has undergone a lot of changes in the last year, and I look forward to putting them into practice as we focus our energies on getting teams back to playing again. From rebranding to season structure and beyond, I’m committed to making bold, major changes that will push USQ and the sport into its next phase of development.

Meanwhile, every department of USQ has its own goals. The member services department is focusing on launching a new grant program for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) players and a new athlete development team. The events department is preparing the virtual tournament but will also support QuidCon in March. The communications department has its livestream training program and wants to start a livestream A/V volunteer program.

 

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