League Information:
The official quidditch league is the IQA (International Quidditch Association). It is primarily based and designed for the U.S. It is undergoing a recent transformation to more accurately represent the world, rather than the U.S. Registered teams pay a fee, and compete in qualifying tournaments to attend a World Cup. Since the locations of the tournaments are usually far (New York or Eastern U.S.) UVic does not usually register as an official team. Games are thus organized between the teams themselves. This typically means games against UBC, the recent SFU team, and a couple of teams in Washington. Games are based on teams’ availability and individual schedule, but are most often either on UBC’s campus, or at UVic on the quad. The UVic quad is also where practices are held.
As a club team at a university, the quidditch team welcomes any player who attends UVic. This means the sport incorporates all ages, as long as they attend the university, and all genders. The sport is co-ed, and one of the rules actually states there must be at least two people who identify with a different gender than others on the field at all times (See Title 9¾ in Quidditch Basics). The UVic quidditch team holds weekly practices/games on the weekends.
My Role:
Since UVic is not a registered member of the IQA, they do not need to apply by any of their standards or regulations for seasons. Games are played when the team is available (usually only against UBC). All contact with their team is coordinated through Facebook or email, as all members are students, and have formed a group page to discuss potential upcoming events. Based on student availability, the contacts vary each conversation. With this being the case, myself, and other UVic captains are responsible for coordinating with UBC’s team. I am also responsible for coaching the team, and designing each weeks’ practice. This represents a challenge, as I must find a way to design drills that work around the quidditch atmosphere. I also provide some basic medical aid if needed. Having been with the team since its formation, I have worked from a founding team member, to a captain, and now to a coach. As such, I try and ensure an equal playing environment, while still participating in games when the team needs me.
Player Information:
The great thing about this team is that anyone at the university can join. They welcome people of all skills, experience, and orientation. It has become more of a community and family than a typical team. However, as a full-contact sport, each player is required to fill out a liability form that includes their medical information and an emergency contact. The numbers on the team vary each year, and players are not allowed to play in competitions unless they have a form in.