State Shield Cancelled for 2020
/Following the most recent meeting of the Quidditch Australia Board of Directors, we have unfortunately come to the decision to not hold any kind of State Shield event in 2020.
While we understand that many will be disappointed, and we certainly are too, we believe this is the best decision for the following reasons:
Currently, especially with cases continuing to spike in Victoria (where State Shield was originally going to be held), there is too much uncertainty with COVID-19 as to whether an event and interstate travel will be possible and safe for all members.
Given the contracted timelines between now and October, and the limited progression through the Quidditch Australia Resumption of Play Plan of some states, there is not enough time for most states to be able to properly run try outs and trainings in the lead up to the tournament, which defeats the purpose of having a high level elite competition.
Given the disparities in progression through the Resumption of Play Plan steps between different states, holding the event in October would give some states a significant advantage.
Community and State feedback clearly indicated that most people would prefer for State Shield to not be held in favour of focusing on local state based leagues resuming.
We decided not to delay State Shield to a later date in 2020 so as not to interfere with state based leagues or QUAFL, which remains our priority.
At this point, while we remain hopeful that a QUAFL may be able to happen as planned in early December, 2020 has proven that we cannot take anything for granted, and we remain committed to making a final decision on Nationals by the end of August at the very latest.
It should similarly be noted that we have decided to not run any kind of replacement event for State Shield this year (e.g. a fantasy tournament type event), so people can focus on locally run events such as Valkyries fantasy in November.
State Shield 2021
With regards to State Shield in 2021, plans remain under discussion and we will be turning to the community, clubs, and states again for consultation. Currently under consideration is a State Shield event early in the year (February/March). This may be its own event run as usual, or may be run in conjunction with some kind of QuidCamp/Strategic Forum/Fantasy/Workshops based event as well. This/these may also be run as the only State Rep event in 2021, or in addition to a regular October State Shield as well.
With many factors to consider, including what happens with World Cup and QUAFL, we will be holding off on any kind of consultation and decision making process until later in the year, but in the interest of transparency, we are openly exploring all of these options and welcome any further ideas.