2018-19 ANNUAL REPORT
1 WELCOME LETTER CONTENTS After battling through the worst weather related crisis USQ has Welcome Letter 2 ever faced, I will never forget the medal ceremony of USQ Cup 12, Our Organization 4 About US Quidditch 4 in the early hours of Monday, April 15, 2019. Inclement weather Strategic Plan 6 led to a staggering six hour delay on day one of competition. My Programs 12 Membership 12 staff and I were both exhilarated and exhausted by the end of the Events 17 tournament. We had done it. Our volunteers had done it. Our Education & Resources 20 Initiatives 22 teams had done it. Media Coverage 24 Weather is a fact of life for any outdoor sport, Our People 25 and as such, USQ has worked inclement weather Supporters 30 planning into all aspects of event operations. Financials 33 USQ Cup 12 tested all of that prep work. Backup turf fields, a communication plan for getting updates to attendees, alternative gameplay schedules, we used everything in our toolkit to ensure that the event could happen safely and as true to our original plans as possible. To our event staff that weekend and to our partners at the Round Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, thank you so much. You all did incredible work.
On May 16, 2019, a brand new award program for year round USQ volunteers—the USQ Services Awards—were presented. Year-round volunteers for USQ for five or more years received this award. In the inaugural year, they were presented to 11 people, many of which worked to help make USQ Cup 12 happen. USQ Service Awards are in recognition of outstanding commitment to the sport of quidditch through the activities and contributions of volunteers. Learn more about the award recipients and the rest of our amazing year round staff on page 26.
As part of our increased commitment to financial transparency with staff, members, and donors, we have prepared a new format for financial statements that you’ll find on page 33. As the state of activity shows on page 34, we had a loss of about $41,000 in the 2018-19 season. After large growth in events revenue in the 2017- 18 season, the board authorized more spending to hire additional employees with the hope of achieving similar financial gains in the 2018-19 season. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. USQ’s primary sources of income are from membership and events. Membership revenue continued to trend downward in the 2018-19 season, and events revenue did not make up the gap, in large part due to bad weather that hampered ticket sales at USQ Cup 12.
2 Cover photo by Chris Rothery. Photo above by Mary Kimball. The board and I are committed to ensuring that all future budgets (starting with the 2020-21 season) are revenue neutral, with the ultimate goal of building more cash reserves. We’ve also made a number of internal changes to make it easier for board and staff to review up to date financial statements. Moreover, USQ will be publishing quarterly financial statements beginning in fall 2020.
Despite our financial difficulties, the 2018-19 season laid the groundwork for so much of the change that was later implemented in the 2019-20 season. The board, staff, and I remain committed to making this the best league possible for all our members and supporters. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Mary Kimball Current Executive Director (Events Director in 2018-19 Season)
“The sport is super fun and interesting. It also let me find the best group of people I’ve ever met.”
—A Mid-Atlantic player and referee
Photo by HIGH Quality Quid Pics. 3 OUR ORGANIZATION OUR MISSION
US Quidditch (USQ) is the national governing body for the sport of quidditch in the United States. USQ advances the sport by organizing events and programs that build community and empower all genders to compete together. OUR VISION
We envision a future where every person in the United States is aware of quidditch as a sport and has opportunities to play and engage at all levels. OUR VALUES
• We establish the foundation for long-term sustainability through regulations, innovation, and expansion.
• We provide competitive opportunities for every level of athlete.
• We build a safe, inclusive, and respectful community.
• We strive to be a leader in gender inclusivity for all age groups.
• We create meaningful community partnerships.
• We develop and empower future leaders.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010, US Quidditch serves an average of 3,500 athletes and 150 teams each season nationwide and provides a range of programs and services. These include hosting regional and national championships; supervising regular season competition; supporting and certifying referees, snitches, and tournament directors; offering grants; and working to expand the sport into younger age groups through outreach programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
4 “It’s an inclusive community around a very dynamic sport, it’s fun to play and watch, and very welcoming to people at all levels.”
—A Northeast player and referee
Photos by Chris Rothery and Isabella Gong. 5 Strategic Plan PURPOSE
This strategic plan serves as the guiding document of our organization. It typically operates on a three year cycle. It informs our decision-making, program development and budgeting. The strategic plan provides the long-term vision that guides the league’s actions on a day-to-day and month-to-month basis over a set period of years.
PREVIOUS STRATEGIC PLAN
Our previous strategic plan covered fiscal year ending 2016 to 2018, and had three key priorities: \ Shape and grow the sport of quidditch. \ Strengthen trust in, and identification with, the US Quidditch brand. \ Ensure US Quidditch is organizationally and financially sustainable.
In the past three years, we have made great progress, both as a league and as a sport. Our new strategic plan for fiscal year ending 2019-2021 builds on our previous plan, focusing on the priority of shaping and growing the sport of quidditch through sustainable expansion of the league.
The development of the league’s second strategic plan began with a review of our previous plan. In looking back at that document, we identified the successes that we had accomplished, as well as areas in which we will continue to improve.
The creation of this plan was also informed by data collected from a variety of sources, including responses to the league’s annual member survey and strategic plan survey, one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders, and program and policy analyses.
After a review of the data, we identified three key areas of focus around which the plan was built. This plan is based around the central theme of growth: of our programs, of the league, and of the sport. The plan was developed over a series of drafts; the Board of Directors provided input that was instrumental to the process. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Three strategic priorities and goals will guide USQ’s decision making, resource allocation, and prioritization of work over the next three fiscal years. Each priority is interrelated, and success in one builds on the success of the others.
6 RETENTION
Ensuring league stability and sustainability is focused on retention of current members, and providing high quality services and programs. RETENTION STRATEGIES \ Improve member relations and strengthen relationships with current teams. \ Expand competitive opportunities for all members. \ Develop resources and guidance materials for members. \ Make USQ-hosted events more meaningful to participants. \ Increase safety of all participants in quidditch.
RECRUITMENT
Growing the number of official members in the league and overall size of the sport in the United States involves recruitment of new players and teams. RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES
\ Foster organized and sustainable youth play throughout the season. \ Promote opportunities for experienced teams to mentor new teams. \ Broaden fundraising efforts to support growth and expansion of the league. \ Expand the base of volunteers and officials. \ Implement ongoing adaptive measures to address future barriers to entry.
REACH
Improving communication and marketing will expand the reach of the organization within our community and of the sport in general. REACH STRATEGIES \ Ensure accessibility of the sport and all information and content shared by the league. \ Improve the quantity and quality of communication and feedback opportunities provided to members and other internal stakeholders. \ Increase interactions of non-players with the league through marketing and public outreach efforts. \ Collaborate to expand exposure and coverage of the sport through external communications efforts. \ Expand engagement on social media.
7 Strategic Plan Goal Updates for the 2018-19 Season
These are organized by department.
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Overall Goal Strategy Status Notes
Conducted a website audit to identify resources needed for members, in addition to compiling Develop resources and guidance Retention survey feedback for suggestions on other materials for members. resources needed. Resources will be developed in the 2019-20 season. Established a public database of all quidditch Implement ongoing adaptive teams, both official members and unofficial teams Recruitment measures to address future by introducing an unofficial team registration on barriers to entry the USQ website. Implement ongoing adaptive Hired two, part-time/temporary roles in spring Recruitment measures to address future of 2019. Membership expansion manager & barriers to entry communications manager.
Created a strategic plan follow up survey Improve member relations and to gather feedback from past and current Retention strengthen relationships with members. Feedback included recommendations current teams. on resources, membership structure, and competitive structure. Increase interactions of non- players with the league through Quidditch Alumni Association (independent Reach marketing and public outreach organization) launched in early 2019. efforts. Worked with USQ’s lead athletic trainer to update Increase safety of all participants forms used for injury tracking at USQ events. Retention in quidditch. Collected feedback on updated forms from athletic trainers throughout the season.
Required all employees to complete SafeSport Increase safety of all participants Retention training, as well as any volunteers responsible in quidditch. for supervising onsite youth programs.
8 Photo page 7 by HIGH Quality Quid Pics. COMMUNICATIONS
Overall Goal Strategy Status Notes
Collaborate to expand exposure Pitched at least one story to external media for Reach and coverage of the sport through most USQ hosted events through press releases. external communications efforts.
Collaborate to expand exposure Continued partnership with quidditch media Reach and coverage of the sport through outlets, sending embargoed information to these external communications efforts. outlets in advance of announcements.
Collaborate to expand exposure Reach and coverage of the sport through Updated website with press coverage archive. external communications efforts.
Improve quantity and quality of Adjusted communication schedule for members communication and feedback at the beginning of the season, giving coaches Reach opportunities provided to regular email updates on events, players and members and other internal officials updates as needed, and more regular stakeholders. communication with volunteers.
Increase interactions of non- Created plans to begin a more regular players with the league through communication structure with members and Reach marketing and public outreach donors, including a monthly eblast going into efforts. the 2019-20 season.
Increase interactions of non- Expanded variety of USQ merchandise, including players with the league through Reach beanies, trading cards for each USQ event, and marketing and public outreach additional US National Team merchandise. efforts.
Added livestream opportunities to tournaments, including Heroes vs Villains (a USQ sanctioned event), several regional tournaments, and USQ Make USQ-hosted events more Retention Cup 12. This allowed for individuals not at the meaningful to participants. events to watch games, including family members of participants who may not have been able to travel to the tournament.
Make USQ-hosted events more Added more event specific merchandise, Retention meaningful to participants. including t-shirts and tank tops.
9 EVENTS
Overall Goal Strategy Status Notes
Broaden fundraising efforts to Increased outreach for partnerships and in-kind/ Recruitment support growth and expansion monetary donations for USQ hosted events. of the league.
Ensure accessibility of the sport Created a set of standards for how information Reach and all information and content about rules of the sport is displayed at USQ shared by the league. events.
Analyzed feedback from past event volunteers and players about the event volunteer experience. Expand base of volunteers and Recruitment This feedback was taken into consideration for officials. adjustments to the event volunteer experience for the 2019-20 season. Introduced several new programs including the international referee program, and family face- Expand base of volunteers and off program for USQC12. Additionally, outreach Retention officials. for volunteers at USQC12 was expanded to include area high schools and corporate volunteer programs. Expand competitive opportunities Submitted bid for IQA PanAm event (awarded) Retention for all members. and IQA World Cup (awarded).
Provided event sanctioning grants to eight Expand competitive opportunities events for a total of $1,570. Last season (2017- Retention for all members. 18) we provided sanctioning grants to six events for a total of $1,057.
Moved to a standing team program for the Expand competitive opportunities US National Team (USNT). The first USNT Retention for all members. development academy was also announced and implemented. Hosted a youth workshop at nearly all regional Foster organized and sustainable Recruitment championships. USQ Cup 12 also had a youth youth play throughout the season. workshop.
Foster organized and sustainable Hosted youth workshops at LeakyCon Dallas Recruitment youth play throughout the season. and San Diego Comic-Con.
10 Implemented new super regional concept. Club teams competed in a super regional for the Make USQ-hosted events more Retention Southwest/South regions and West/Northwest meaningful to participants. regions. Collegiate teams competed in a super regional for West/Northwest regions. GAMEPLAY
Overall Goal Strategy Status Notes
Foster organized and sustainable Released an updated, more detailed youth Recruitment youth play throughout the season. rulebook and high school rulebook.
MEMBERSHIP
Overall Goal Strategy Status Notes
Expand base of volunteers and Added new resources to the USQ website for Recruitment officials. officials. Restructured payment procedure to clarify minimum payment for officials. Adjusted Expand base of volunteers and Recruitment payment in instances of game cancellations officials. due to inclement weather to streamline expectations for officials and reduce confusion.
Compiled contact info of all known youth Foster organized and sustainable Recruitment teams. Reached out to all known youth teams youth play throughout the season. encouraging sign-up to the new team database.
Compiled contact info of all known unofficial Implement ongoing adaptive teams. Reached out to all known unofficial Recruitment measures to address future teams encouraging sign-up to the new team barriers to entry database.
Increase interactions of non- players with the league through Added fan membership as a new membership Reach marketing and public outreach opportunity for USQ. efforts.
Increase interactions of non- Included non-members in the strategic players with the league through planning follow up survey and USQ Cup 12 Reach marketing and public outreach post-event feedback to provide feedback for efforts. league improvements.
11 PROGRAMS Membership
US Quidditch offers two types of memberships: team memberships for university, secondary school, or club team registration, and individual membership for players, coaches, referees, and fans. Memberships expire on June 30, regardless of when they are purchased, and are not transferable or refundable. All individual memberships come with the following benefits:
ABILITY TO JOIN AN OFFICIAL TEAM
USQ members are eligible to join an official team as a player or coach.
ABILITY TO APPLY FOR MEMBER GRANTS
USQ offers a variety of grant programs for member teams. Grant programs may vary each season, but typically provide opportunities for covering the cost of membership fees or event registration.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVERAGE
USQ provides accident coverage during sanctioned USQ events. This coverage is what is called “excess coverage,” which means USQ insurance assists in covering costs that extend beyond what individual health insurance plans provide.
FREE REGIONALS REGISTRATION
All member teams receive free registration to regional championships.
ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
All member teams are eligible to participate in the national championship, USQ Cup. Qualification is done through bids awarded at regional championships and also an at- large process.
LEAGUE-WIDE POLLING
Several times a year USQ conducts polls and surveys on all kinds of policy and preference questions.
All coaches receive access to player safety and other coaching resources. Referee members are eligible to complete certification and serve as Lead Assistant Referees who earn $10 per game they officiate, and can then be field tested to become certified head referees, who then earn $15 per game they officiate in the regular season, and $20 per game at USQ hosted events.
12 MEMBERSHIP 2018-29 SEASON 133 teams (102 collegiate and 32 club) 3,131 total individual members
REGIONAL TEAM DISTRIBUTION
Photos by Shirley Lu and HIGH Quality Quid Pics. 13 MEMBER TEAMS
CLUB TEAMS
Arizona Scorpions Houston Cosmos Quidditch Terminus Quidditch Atlanta Atlantic Dragons Club Texas Cavalry Bay Area Breakers Lone Star Quidditch Club Texas Hill Country Heat Boom Train Los Angeles Gambits The Fighting Farmers of Bosnyan Bearsharks Nomads America Brew City Warriors Philadelphia Freedom The Long Beach Funky Quidditch Club Quaffles California Dobbys Quidditch Club Boston The Lost Boys Carnage Quidditch Quidditch Club Dallas The Rogues Cascadia Quidditch Rain City Raptors The Warriors Chicago United Quidditch Club Rochester Hailstorm Twin Cities Quidditch Club District of Columbia Silicon Valley Vipers Victoria Spartans Quidditch Club Southern Storm
COLLEGIATE TEAMS
Anteater Quidditch Club Quidditch at NC State George Mason Club Appalachian State Quidditch College of Charleston Quidditch Arizona State University Quidditch Grand Valley Quidditch Austin Quidditch Columbia College Chicago Harvard Horntails Quidditch Ball State Cardinals Hofstra University Flying Creighton Quidditch Dutchmen Baylor University DeathRow Quidditch Team Illini Ridgebacks Quidditch Bobcat Quidditch Drexel University Quidditch Illinois State University Boston University Quidditch Club Firebirds Bowling Green State Duke University Quidditch Indiana University Quidditch University Emerson College Quidditch Club Brandeis Quidditch Florida Gulf Coast Quidditch Iowa Quidditch Club Cal Quidditch Florida State Quidditch James Madison University Carnegie Mellon Quidditch Quidditch Club Florida State University Panama City Quidditch Kansas Quidditch Central Michigan Quidditch Team Lock Haven University Club Gamecock Quidditch Quidditch Clark University Ravenclarks
14 Louisiana State University Quidditch Club of Pittsburgh Tulane University Club Loyola New Orleans Raptor Quidditch at the Quidditch Quidditch University of Utah University of Arizona Loyola University Chicago Richmond Quidditch Quidditch Macaulay Honors College RIT Dark Marks University of Arkansas Marauders RPI Quidditch University of California Los Angeles Marquette University Rutgers University Quidditch Quidditch University of Florida Salisbury University Quidditch Club Maryland Quidditch Quidditch Club University of Massachusetts Maryville University San Jose State University Lowell Riverhawks Quidditch Spartan Quidditch University of Miami Miami University (OH) SHSU Quidditch Quidditch University of Northern SIUE Quidditch Club Michigan Quidditch Team Colorado Skidmore Quidditch Michigan State Quidditch University of Rochester Southern Illinois University Thestrals Middlebury College Stanford Quidditch Quidditch University of South Florida Stony Brook Quidditch Quidditch Minnesota Quidditch Sun Devil Quidditch University of Toledo Mizzou Quidditch Quidditch Syracuse Snare Quidditch Nearly Headless Knights Club USM Quidditch New York Pigeons Texas A&M Quidditch Utah State Quidditch Club New York University Texas Quidditch UTSA Club Quidditch Quidditch Texas State University - San Virginia Quidditch Club Northern Arizona University Marcos Narwhals Western Washington Texas Tech Quidditch Club Wyverns Ohio University Quidditch Club The Ohio State University Wizards of Westwood Oklahoma State University The Silver Phoenix Wizengamot Quidditch At VCU Penn State Quidditch The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wooster Scottish Nationals Quidditch Club at Virginia Quidditch Tech WVU Summit Tufts University Tufflepuffs
15 High School and Youth Teams
Daphne HS Quidditch Saint Paul’s Werewolves Fruita Middle Quidditch Club Loveland Flyin’ Frogmen Team Bumblebee TVMS Quidditch Club McNary Celtics The Hunter Hawks Plant High School Panthers Utah Muggle Quidditch Club
“I love the community and how supportive and accepting everyone is”
- A Mid-Atlantic player
TEAM MEMBERSHIP GRANT
The annual grant, consisting of membership dues for 14 additional players, was given to two official member teams with at least seven registered players in order to help defray costs for an upcoming season of competitive play. The 2018-19 team sponsorship grants were awarded to Southern Illinois University and Western Washington Wyverns.
The Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a college team that has been around since 2012, but has faced several years of declining numbers. The team ended the 2017-18 season at an all time low, with player numbers and commitment wavering. In the summer of 2018, new team officers created a plan to increase recruitment on campus, grow the team back to a more sustainable size, and eventually create a B team to help set the program up for years to come. In the first few weeks of the semester, the team saw a growth in active players, averaging nearly twice as many players at practice as they had the previous spring. The team hopes to solidify the commitment of their new players with this grant, allowing more people to attend tournaments and compete officially.
The Western Washington Wyverns are one of the most isolated teams in our league. As the only collegiate team in the Northwest region, the Wyverns frequently face long drives and high travel costs to attend tournaments and compete against other colleges, making player retention even more challenging than for many other teams in the league. In the 2018-19 season, the team traveled to Placer Valley, California to compete at the West Regional Championship.. They also hosted their annual event, Subdued Excitement 4. Their 2018-19 competition plan accounted for more than 3,500 miles of travel.
16 Photo by Isabella Gong. PROGRAMS EVENTS
In the 2018-19 season, USQ hosted eight events that served 126 teams and brought an estimated economic impact to host cities of nearly $1 million. USQ’s events program focuses on hosting high-quality tournaments that are a competitive experience for our players and showcase the sport to new and existing audiences. USQ-HOSTED EVENTS
# of # of # # of Name Dates Location Teams Players Volunteers Spectators
Great Lakes Regional October 27- Bloomington, 11 211 17 75 Championship 28, 2019 Indiana 2018 Mid-Atlantic Howard Regional November County, 30 475 13 100 Championship 3-4, 2019 Maryland 2018 Midwest Regional November Cedar Championship 16 293 10 25 3-4, 2019 Rapids, Iowa 2018 Northeast Regional October 27- Rochester, Championship 22 396 11 25 28, 2019 New York 2018 South Regional February 16- Auburndale, Championship 6 106 12 50 17, 2019 Florida 2019 Southwest Regional February 23- Arlington, Championship 20 386 9 75 24, 2019 Texas 2019 West Regional February Placer Valley, Championship 21 371 10 100 9-10, 2019 California 2019 US Quidditch Cup April 13-14, Round Rock, 83 1,539 125 1,393 12 2019 Texas
17 EVENT SANCTIONING
USQ also offers an event sanctioning program to standardize tournament play and provide a higher standard of quality and safety for players around the country. For sanctioned events, USQ can provide a certificate of additional insured to cover the event and facility, recruitment assistance for certified head referees and snitches, social media marketing and advertising, planning and administrative assistance, and financial support. In the 2018-19 season, USQ sanctioned 13 events and disbursed $1,507 through the grant program.
2018-19 SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS
EVENT NAME EVENT DATE REGION Crimson Cup V September 22, 2018 West Freshmen Fall Crawl September 22, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Turtle Cup VIII September 29, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Mid-Michigan Melee IV September 29, 2018 Great Lakes Chicago United Quidditch Invitational October 6, 2018 Midwest Norcal by Northwest October 20, 2018 Northwest Quaffle House Cup November 10, 2018 Great Lakes Anthill Funkdown IV December 1, 2018 West Heroes vs Villains II January 19, 2019 West O-Town Throwdown II: A Midsummer January 26, 2019 South Knight’s Carnage MidWest Winter Fantasy VI February 2, 2019 Great Lakes and Midwest Founder’s Cup (of Gold) February 16, 2019 Mid-Atlantic 4th Annual Tri-River Tournament February 23, 2019 Mid-Atlantic
18 Photo by Miguel Esparza. “We enjoyed true collaboration with US Quidditch tournament organizers… The Central Texas community loves quidditch”
—USQ Cup 12 city partner
19 PROGRAMS Education and Resources
In addition to hosting events, USQ is dedicated to providing resources and offering education and certification programs that develop future leaders and make the sport safer and sustainable. OFFICIALS RESOURCES
As a fast-paced sport with many different moving parts, quidditch requires several officials. Every match is officiated by seven referees: a head referee, a lead assistant referee, two assistant referees, a snitch referee, and two goal referees. These referees work together to ensure that each game is run safely and effectively.
USQ’s referee certification program aims to certify referees to ensure the highest standards nationwide, and is revised each season to ensure the highest quality of officiating possible. Referee certification is an ongoing process, consisting first of a written and practical test, and supplemented by referee resources, and a system to continually review referee performance. In the 2018-19 season, USQ certified 91 head referees and 259 lead assistant referees. REFEREE OF THE MONTH AWARD
The Referee of the Month program rewards and celebrates the top referees in our sport. At the end of the year, the top referee was selected from the monthly winners to receive the Referee of the Year award, to win a plaque and free lodging and travel to referee at US Quidditch Cup.
REFEREE OF THE MONTH WINNERS Zachary Armantrading Sam Doughton Christopher LeCompte Toby March Matt Melton Ricky Nelson
REFEREE OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Referee of the Year award is selected from the 2018-19 Referee of the Month recipients. The Referee of the Month award is open to all US Quidditch-certified head referees. The winner of the Referee of the Year Award is determined based upon numerous considerations, including but not limited to; the number of games officiated in both head referee and lead assistant referee positions; evaluations from coaches, other referees, and tournament directors; and any additional contributions to the sport. The Referee of the
20 Photos page 19 by Tom "Chiddy" Powers and Shirley Lu. Photo above by Mary Kimball. Year Award comes with a commemorative plaque and a travel reimbursement for US Quidditch Cup 12.
For the 2018-19 season, Ricky Nelson was selected as the Referee of the Year. Nelson was one of the most active and highest-reviewed officials in the league this season, with more than 40 games under his belt. Nelson maintained an average rating above 4.5/5 in evaluations from coaches, players, and fellow officials, and was consistently praised for his communication on the pitch and his noteworthy ability to maintain control of the game. A three-time winner of the Referee of the Month award, Nelson has been a highly respected official for many years. His officiating career began eight seasons ago, during his time as a player for Maryland Quidditch. He has officiated at every US national championship since World Cup V in 2011, and has shown consistent improvement every year since then. COACH CERTIFICATION
Every US Quidditch team is required to have a coach. This person may also be a player, but must attend regionals and nationals with their team and must complete USQ’s coach certification prior to their team competing in any official games. A team’s certified coach must be present at all official matches. The goal of coach certification is to ensure that all teams are familiar with USQ policies and procedures, understand the symptoms and risks for concussions, and have a leader who understands the basic tenets of coaching.
The purpose of the USQ coaching development program will teach coaches to coach a team, not to play the game. Coaches will need to gain credibility with their teams, as well as with their schools and community administrators. The program is designed to introduce leaders to the responsibilities and philosophies of coaching. The program demonstrates how to provide a safe and athlete-centered environment that emphasizes positive growth and sportsmanship.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
\ Register as a current coach member \ Complete a concussion webinar \ Complete a USQ policy quiz
In the 2018-19 season, USQ certified 192 coaches. TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR CERTIFICATION
The Tournament Director certification program was created to ensure that every official game meets league standards, and that event managers are aware of resources available to them and understand league policies. The program is free, and consists of a one-hour training video, a brief online assessment, and continued access to resources, training opportunities, and a community of other TDs and USQ staff to answer ongoing questions.
Certified tournament directors organized every one of our 112 official events in the 2018-19 season. Overall, USQ certified 200 tournament directors.
21 PROGRAMS Initiatives
This year, USQ focused on a number of different programs and policies to strengthen the foundations of the sport and expand our resources moving forward. BOARD EXPANSION
The USQ Board of Directors continued development in the 2018-19 season by bringing on three new board members, Badal Chandra, Nathan Digmann, and Alicia Radford. YOUTH QUIDDITCH
Increasing competitive quidditch opportunities for children under the age of 18 is one of USQ’s strategic priorities for the next three years. In the 2018-19 season, children had the opportunity to play at the majority of regional championships as well as at US Quidditch Cup 12. In the summer, we also hosted a youth clinic in partnership with the San Diego Public Library during San Diego Comic- Con and then hosted several days worth of youth workshops at LeakyCon in Dallas. The league also started work on an initiative for quidditch to be part of PE class curriculums around the country. OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
In January 2019, USQ hired two temporary part-time employees to help us implement the 2019-2021 strategic plan, a Communications Manager and Membership Expansion Manager. Jenna Bollweg was the Communications Manager from January-June 2019. Bollweg standardized USQ’s social media calendar and branding, and made great strides towards improving on-site coverage for both USQ and non-USQ hosted events. Megan Anderson began as the Membership Expansion Manager, and was promoted to a permanent part-time position in fall 2020. Anderson did additional strategic plan analysis, which helped inform initiatives for the 2019-20 season, identified and began creating new member resources , and started a series of focus groups for club teams, which led to a change in the format of that division for the 2019-20 season.
22 “The competition was great and the community was great - this weekend renewed my love for my region.”
— A Great Lakes Regional Championship volunteer
“The environment is always my favorite part. I love meeting people from around the THE GENDER country and getting to know other teams. MAXIMUM RULE The open venues and team areas make it easy Promoting gender inclusivity remains one of the sport’s enduring to socialize and watch games with people core values. The rulebook includes the gender maximum rule to ensure outside of your own team.” that all games are played with mixed gender teams. — A USQ Cup 12 player “During a seeker floor (which is the first 18 minutes of a quidditch game during regulation time and the first 30 seconds of the first overtime “Playing was a ton of fun as always, but I think period), a team may not have more than four players who identify as my favorite part was watching high quality the same gender in play. Upon the expiration of the seeker floor (which games with such a supportive, enthusiastic is when seekers are released) and for the entirety of any second overtime atmosphere” period, a team may not have more than five players who identify as the — A Northeast Regional Championship player, coach, and same gender in play for the remainder referee of the period. The gender that a player identifies as is considered to be that player’s gender. This is referred to as the gender maximum rule. “I enjoyed playing and just being around all USQ accepts those who don’t identify the other teams we know and face regularly. within the binary gender system and acknowledges that not all of our It is always a great atmosphere off the field players identify as male or female. USQ welcomes people of all identities after intense moments on the field.” and genders into our league.” (USQ Rulebook 13, page 8). —A USQ Cup 12 player
Photos page 22 by Rebecca Martin, Alex Drose, and Cuervo Algien. Photo above by Shirley Lu. 23 MEDIA COVERAGE
Hill Country News, April 16, 2019
The Washington Post, April 11, 2019
Reuters, July 2, 2018
Chicago Tribune, October 8, 2018
24 OUR PEOPLE Board of Directors
This list includes all individuals who served on the USQ Board of Directors during all or part of the 2018- 19 season.
JACOB ADLIS HANK DUGIE Board Chair, Treasurer (through August 2018) Secretary (October 2018-April 2019), Board Chair (starting in April 2019), PHIL ANDREWS DAN HANSON ANDREW CANTO Treasurer (starting in August 2018) KARA LEVIS Secretary (through August 2018), Board Chair BADAL CHANDRA (August 2018-April 2019)
JENI CRASWELL ALICIA RADFORD Secretary (starting in April 2019) Secretary (August-October 2018)
AMANDA DALLAS
NATHAN DIGMANN
NGHIEM DOAN
25 Staff
SARAH WOOLSEY JILLIAN FLOM Executive Director Events Manager (through September 2018)
MEGAN ANDERSON MARY KIMBALL Membership Expansion Manager (starting in January Events Director 2019) ERIC SCHNIER JENNA BOLLWEG Membership Director Communications Manager ( January-June 2019)
OLIVIA CAUGHEY Events Manager (starting in January 2019) Volunteers
In the 2018-19 season, 45 hardworking and dedicated individuals gave their time to USQ as year-round volunteers. These volunteers served in all areas of the organization, from supervising officials and gameplay policies, to coordinating day-of event volunteers, to ensuring our brand and messaging was as effective as possible. This season, in an effort to decrease the financial burden placed on our volunteer event staff, USQ began offering travel reimbursement to US Quidditch Cup staff. Additionally, hundreds of day-of volunteers, from spectators to players and their families, ensured that our events ran as smoothly as possible. USQ couldn’t do it without you—thank you! USQ Service Awards
USQ Service Awards are in recognition of outstanding commitment to the sport of quidditch through the activities and contributions of volunteers. In its inaugural year, they were presented to those who have volunteered for USQ year round for five or more years as of July 1, 2019.
RECIPIENTS
Events Gameplay Membership Office of the Department Department Department Executive Director Katrina Bynum Sarah Kneiling Clay Dockery Logan Anbinder 5 years 9 years 5 years 8 years Brandi Cannon David Pastula Max Parks Alex Krall 5 years 5 years 7 years 5 years Martin Pyne Kelsey Peterson Rebecca Martin 5 years 5 years 5 years
26 Photo page 25 by Mary Kimball. USQ Year-Round Volunteers
Cuervo Algien Nicole Hammer Kelsey Peterson Logan Anbinder Emily Hickmott Alec Powers Elizabeth Barcelos Mary Hosford Martin Pyne Christian Barnes Sarah Kneiling KT Quasarano Katrina Bynum Alex Krall Annabel Russell Brandi Cannon Jared Leggett Jeremy Schleicher Andrew Canto Joshua Mansfield Carrie Soukup Chris Choquette Toby March Jeremy Taylor Kym Couch Rebecca Martin Tad Walters Richard Crumrine Erik Morlock Jessica Ward Amanda Dallas Ricky Nelson Grace Weidemann Clay Dockery Matthew Niederberger Alex Drose Stephanie Nowicki Matthew Dwyer Michael Parada Faby Echeverria Max Parks Miguel Esparza David Pastula Harry Greenhouse Amanda Perry
27 US National Team STANDING TEAM ATHLETES Jayke Archibald Taylor “Tate” Kay Keeper - Boston Pandas Beater - Texas Quidditch Andrew Axtell Luke Langlinais Chaser - Texas Hill Country Heat Chaser - Texas Hill Country Heat Julia Baer Lindsay Marella Chaser - Bosnyan Bearsharks Chaser - The Warriors Martin Bermudez Jr. Jessica Markle Chaser - Texas Cavalry Beater - Texas Hill Country Heat Edward “Teddy” Costa Kylie McBride Utility - Revolution Beater - Texas Cavalry Kaci Erwin Augustine Monroe Chaser - Texas Cavalry Keeper - Texas Cavalry Bailee Fields Ryan Nawrocki Beater - Texas Hill Country Heat Beater - Texas Hill Country Heat Aryan Ghoddossy Elizabeth Ng Chaser - Texas Cavalry Utility - Diablos Quidditch Club Solomon Gominiak Hallie Pace Chaser - Bosnyan Bearsharks Beater - Texas Hill Country Heat Harry Greenhouse Jacob Parker Utility - Revolution Utility - Terminus Quidditch Atlanta Samuel Haimowitz Robert Sluss Chaser - Texas Hill Country Heat Keeper - Texas Hill Country Heat Max Havlin Tyler Trudeau Beater - Revolution Keeper - Bosnyan Bearsharks Rachel Heald Lulu Xu Utility - Bosnyan Bearsharks Beater - Revolution Jackson Johnson Beater - Texas Hill Country Heat
28 Developmental Academy Athletes
Kobe Kendall - Anteater Quidditch Eleanor Lisec - RPI Quidditch Connor McIntyre - Texas A&M Quidditch Serena Monteiro - Tufts Quidditch Ian Scura - Middlebury Quidditch John Sheridan - Maryland Quidditch Daniel Williams - UTSA Club Quidditch
TEAM STAFF & KEY SUPPORTERS
We thank the following people for their support of the national team, in addition to the donors who helped with fundraising efforts for this team. We also thank the family and friends of each athlete for providing support. Cassie Axtell Aryan Ghoddossy Brandon Scapa Rich Axtell Assistant Coach, IQA World Eric Schnier Cup Jenna Bollweg Ethan Sturm Team Videographer Jodie Greenhouse Assistant Coach Lisle Coleman Crystal Hutcheson Jack Travis Amanda Dallas Jackson Johnson Sarah Woolsey Team Manager Assistant Coach Kerri Donnelly Erin Moreno Miguel Esparza Michael Parada Team Photographer Head Coach
Photos page 27 by Rebecca Martin and Mary Kimball. Photo page 28 and above by Miguel Esparza. 29 SUPPORTERS DONORS
USQ is generously supported by a variety of city partners, organizations, and individual donors. We are grateful for the support that helps us host high-quality events and support regular season competition that spreads awareness and appreciation for our unique sport, as well as our special projects, such as the US National Team. Every dollar we raise ensures that we can continue delivering quality events, programs, and initiatives while keeping membership fees low. INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Jacob Adlis Alex Fuentez Taelour Moton Kevin Alloway Craig Garrison Kathleen Nawrocki Bobby Andrews Eva Ghoddossy Ryan Nawrocki Lydia Andrews Jodie Greenhouse Mari Nerbovig Zachary Armantrading Carli Haggerty Margaret O’Connor Brad Armentor Missy Hanley Timothy O’Hara Melissa Aste Dylan Heaney Michael Parada Cassie and Rich Axtell Laurie Hembree Edgar Pavlovsky Richard Axtell Renee Hendrick Henry Phillips Julia Baer David Hoops Alicia Radford Christian Barnes Desiree Jerome Hersh Ranade Sheldon Bostic Jackson Johnson Michael Rodriguez Clayton Carlisle William King Savage Apparel, Co. Evan Carr Jennifer Law Brandon Scapa Russell Cascio Samantha LeBlanc Kirstin Seale Gavin Chan Christopher LeCompte Jared Sipe Kathy Chudy Isabella Leon Beatrix Sterling Charles Crawford August Luhrs Katherine Stewart Martha Dallas William Lyne Natasha Sydor Hannah DeBaets Bradley Mahoney Charlton Tramel Francis DePano Mary Maloney Jack and Maria Travis Michael Donatti Shelby Manford Benjamin Tunick Anthony Eng Jessica Markle Terry Walters Brett Engwall Catherine McMahon Anne Yanofsky Yi Feng Colin McMahon Shawn Zink Bailee Fields Juile Miller John Friday Colby Mims
We also appreciate our individual donors who choose to remain anonymous. Thank you to all of our supporters!
30 IN-KIND SUPPORTERS
Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau Central Florida’s Polk County Sports Marketing GO Cedar Rapids Henrico County Recreation & Parks Hoosier Sports Corporation - Visit Bloomington Placer Valley Tourism Richmond Region Tourism Rochester, NY Sports Commission Round Rock CVB Savage Apparel, Co. Visit Howard County Zapier
Photo by Shirley Lu. 31 “The atmosphere alone is incredible. Being able to receive tips about your play performance and getting to know where everyone is from is my favorite part.” — A USQ Cup 12 player
32 FINANCIALS
US Quidditch STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION July 2018 - June 2019 (Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets Cash $ 18,319.60 Accounts Receivable1 20,167.91 Total Current Assets 38,487.51 Total Assets $ 38,487.51
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Current Liabilities Accounts Payable2 $ 15,069.51 Wages Payable3 2,961.85 Payroll Tax Payable 351.37 Benefits Payable 221.24 Total Current Liabilities $ 18,603.97
Net Assets Without Donor Restriction4 19,883.54 Total Net Assets 19,883.54 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 38,487.51
Photo page 31 by Shirley Lu. Photos page 32 by Tom "Chiddy" Powers and Willow Eilser. 33 US Quidditch STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY July 2018 - June 2019 (Unaudited)
REVENUE
Events5 $ 165,551.04 Membership6 220,733.34 Merchandise Sales, net7 31,875.15 Contributions 1,317.28 Total Revenue $ 419,476.81
EXPENSES
Program Services Events $ 2,539.85 Nationals 181,350.51 Regional Championships 95,373.29 Special Events 333.91 IQA World Cup 556.10 IQA Pan-American Games 3,417.11 Sanctioned Events 1,056.50 Conventions 6,788.91 Total Events 291,416.18 Certification 19,624.53 Membership 39,588.27 US National Team 16,621.70 Other Program Services 4,069.61 Total Program Services 371,320.29
Support Services Administrative 85,254.09 Fundraising 4,395.23 Total Support Services 89,649.32 Total Expenses $ 460,969.61
Net Loss $ (41,492.80)
34 US Quidditch STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES July 2018 - June 2019 (Unaudited)
Program Admin Fundraising Total
Payroll & Related Expenses Salaries & Wages $ 167,569.51 $ 25,482.88 $ 3,000.00 $ 196,052.39 Payroll Taxes 14,155.19 1,191.72 111.32 15,458.23 Employee Benefits 11,581.33 2,203.64 91.06 13,876.03 Payroll Service Fees 4,955.26 4,955.26 Total Payroll & Related Expenses 193,306.03 33,833.50 3,202.38 230,341.91 Professional Services Medical 27,410.73 27,410.73 Officials 21,286.00 21,286.00 Other Contractors 9,969.23 594.00 10,563.23 Total Professional Services 58,665.96 594.00 0.00 59,259.96 Postage and Shipping 11,070.53 226.45 11,296.98 Printing and Copying 89.53 27.37 116.90 Dues and Subscriptions 2,448.09 871.34 33.00 3,352.43 Technology and Website 3,546.80 1,131.63 1,115.85 5,794.28 Marketing and Promotion 300.00 300.00 Facility and Storage Rental 16,220.18 16,220.18 Equipment Rental 19,691.02 19,691.02 Game Equipment 4,112.19 4,112.19 Supplies 18,393.89 18,393.89 Travel, Per Diem, and Lodging 20,732.80 20,732.80 Meals and Catering 16,754.69 21.16 16,775.85 Awards and Grants 5,869.50 5,869.50 Insurance 36,246.00 36,246.00 Bank Charges & Processing Fees 18.00 11,978.14 44.00 12,040.14 Taxes and Licenses 101.08 324.50 425.58 Total Expenses $ 371,320.29 $ 85,254.09 $ 4,395.23 $ 460,969.61
35 US Quidditch NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable is money due to US Quidditch that has not yet been paid. In FY2019, the accounts receivable balance includes revenue booked from regional championships, the US Quidditch Cup, and Pan-American Games but received in FY2020. 2. Accounts Payable Accounts payable is money that US Quidditch owes to other vendors that has not yet been paid. In FY2019, this includes expenses incurred for the US Quidditch Cup that were not paid until FY2020. 3. Wages and Payroll Taxes Payable Because US Quidditch uses semi-weekly pay periods, wages and payroll taxes accrue at the end of the fiscal year that are not paid until the following fiscal year. 4. Net Assets Without Donor Restriction Net assets are what remains after subtracting an organization’s total liabilities from its total assets. Net assets represent the organization’s cumulative net income and losses. Nonprofits are required to show net assets broken out into two categories: with and without donor restrictions. US Quidditch did not have any donor-restricted net assets in FY2019. 5. Events Revenue Events revenue for FY2019 was broken out into the following categories: Bid Fees $ 58,920.60 Hotel Rebates 18,727.40 Ticket Sales 44,162.74 Registration Fees 43,243.30 Vendor Fees 497.00 6. Membership Revenue Membership revenue for FY2019 was broken out into the following categories: Adult Player Membership $ 186,944.34 Coach Membership 5,800.00 Referee Membership 9,350.00 Trial Player Membership 1,390.00 Fan Membership 149.00 Team Membership 17,100.00 7. Merchandise Sales Gross merchandise sales were $66,104.84 with cost of goods sold of $34,229.69. 8. Changes in Accounting In FY2019, USQ switched from cash basis to accrual basis accounting, and for the first time allocated payroll costs across all programs based on staff time.
36 6817 208TH ST SW #1836 • LYNNWOOD, WA 98046 • USQUIDDITCH.ORG
USQ AND ITS ACTIVITIES ARE NOT LICENSED BY, SPONSORED BY OR ASSOCIATED WITH WARNER BROS., J.K. ROWLING, OR THEIR AFFILIATES. "QUIDDITCH", "HARRY POTTER", AND ALL RELATED NAMES, CHARACTERS AND INDICIA ARE TRADEMARKS OF AND © WARNER BROS. - HARRY POTTER PUBLISHING RIGHTS © J.K. ROWLING.
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