2020-21 Season: Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be any in person tournaments this season?

Quidditch Canada will not be hosting any Major Events this season. This means that the Western Regional Championship, the Eastern Regional Championship, and the National Championship will not be held as they traditionally are each year. At this time, we are not ruling out the possibility of a regional championship of some kind in the winter or spring of 2021. 

At this time, inter-provincial competition is suspended. However, Quidditch Canada recognizes that in some regions, it may be possible to hold in-person events in a local capacity. Quidditch Canada will be working with local teams to support local in-person events, insofar as local, provincial and federal restrictions allow.

Why was the decision made to cancel Major Events for the 2020-21 season?

There were a number of factors that the organization and the Board considered before making this decision:

1. Many of Quidditch Canada’s university teams will be delivering education online in the Fall. Member university teams reported that there would be significant challenges in the recruitment, skill development, and fundraising typically relied on to compete at Major Events. Similarly, several teams reported university-specific restrictions that would prevent them from competing in in-person events.
2. The National Championship specifically has heightened risks associated with it, as it typically requires teams to travel by air out of their communities, increasing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. It was therefore determined that Quidditch Canada did not have the capacity to ensure the safety of participants and their families at a National Championship at this time. 
3. The City of Edmonton secured the 2020 National Championship Bid. Quidditch Canada is committed to hosting an National Championship event in Edmonton, Alberta. However an Edmonton-event has increased risks associated with it, due to the increased reliance on air-travel, and the fact that the event is indoors. 
4. Quidditch Canada is currently in the midst of a new bidding cycle. Due to the uncertainty relating to COVID-19, cities have been hesitant to bid on events for the 2020-21 year, making it difficult for us to guarantee the necessary infrastructure typically relied on for Major Events. 
5. With restrictions continuing to be variable across the country, there is no guarantee that teams will have sufficient time to prepare for competitive Major Events safely. 

Quidditch Canada also considered other factors, including the economic impacts of COVID-19 on our membership, and our desire to ensure that our 2020-21 season plan was accessible to all current and potential members. 

Why should I become a member if there aren’t going to be Regional and National Championships?

Membership fees will be discounted to account for the lack of Major Events, however Quidditch Canada staff and Board have been hard at work preparing an engaged virtual engagement plan for our membership. Registered members will be able to access such things as : exclusive virtual training programs for individual athletes, including specific programming for youth; learning and development resources, as well as virtual competitions and events. 

Quidditch Canada has also released its Return to Quidditch framework, which outlines how in-person events can resume across the country. Member registration will continue to provide insurance coverage to registered teams and athletes participating in both the virtual programming, as well as the in-person events. 

Will insurance still be included in membership?

Yes, registered teams and members will continue to receive insurance coverage and protections in the 2020-21 season. 

What will the virtual Quidditch programming include?

The virtual Quidditch Programming is still being developed. It will include: fitness training for athletes from home, specific quidditch drills, and learning and development opportunities for members, administrators, and coaches. Quidditch Canada will also be developing a series of virtual events, which will take place over the course of the year. There will be opportunities to participate as a team, or as an unaffiliated individual. 

I want to host an in-person event in my area. What information do I need to know?

Quidditch Canada will be offering a series of grants to local programs looking to host events in their cities. For any individual or program looking to host in-person activities, events, or practices, please refer to:

• The Return to Quidditch framework, which details the necessary requirements for delivering in-person quidditch programming
• The COVID-19 Quidditch Canada information page, which indicates which regions are permitted to engage in which activities 
• The Events page, which elaborates more on the grants and the timelines at which they will become available. 

What rulebook is being used for this season?

This year, in light of the constraints placed on the season, the department is releasing its Interim Rule Amendments (Version 1.0). The document is being released now – although testing the rules through actual play is not possible across the country at this time – in order to receive feedback from the Canadian quidditch community on proposed changes. As feedback is given, the Gameplay department will work to improve on the proposed changes, and release a second iteration of this ruleset in January. 

It is the plan of Quidditch Canada’s Gameplay department to solidify the ruleset through comprehensive play-testing once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, tentatively scheduled to occur over the summer of 2021, and have a final version ready for release in time for the 2021-22 season. 

How can I stay up to date on what COVID-19 quidditch related restrictions are in place for my region?

Please visit www.quidditchcanada.com/covid-19 for the most up to date information.