QAI discusses the Dropbears team with the reserves

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The Australian Dropbears had five reserves who all attended the training camps with the team, including Leslie Fox who has already joined the team, following Tash Keehan's injury. The other four; Carolyn Themel, now team manager, Oscar Cozens, Nicola Gerter, and Samantha Chittenden; having trained as part of the team, have great insight into their inner workings.On the strengths of the team, Gertler said that they lie "across the board, however … are greatest in the Dropbears chaser line. With great athletic skill, each player is adaptable but as a team have developed a strong passing game which should be able to break down any defence. The female chasers in particular are incredibly strong; making them indispensable to the team and genuine threats."

Having players from three different states and thousands of kilometers apart has proven a difficult task for organising training. Cozens said that the team’s "lack of frequent and consistent training sessions will really come through in our harder games against more experienced units." While Chittenden commented that “the main struggle … will still be adapting to the different play styles of their new teammates”.All the reserves have said that attending the training camps was a rewarding and challenging experience. Chittenden calling them “intense”, though she is excited to bring what she’s learned “back to the club team [to] see improvements there as well”. Gertler commented on team cohesion, stating “the pride every member of the squad feels to be representing Australia and our Quidditch community has brought together an amazing group of players”, and Cozens remarked that the camps have “first and foremost, been a whole lot of fun” and has allowed him to gain “greater respect for the best quidditch athletes in the country” and to “learn from the best to become one of the best.”All of the reserves wish the team good luck next weekend, and are confident in their ability to show the world what Australia is made of.Follow the Australian Dropbears here -https://www.facebook.com/events/252367068481321

QAI talks to coach Genevieve Gibson about the Dropbears world cup campaign

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Genevieve Gibson was chosen as coach of the Australian Dropbears late last year, taking on the role of helping to manage the team, organise training camps, and plan the quest for gold in Germany. The introduction of the training camps has been especially helpful, helping to change the dropbears from a group of individual players to a team.Gibson said that "the training camps were perhaps the best change we made to the process, compared to last global games. They have allowed the team to train as one and to also get to know each other as players and people. They know how the other players move, pass, beat, and make decisions."This has seen the team go from 21 talented athletes, to 21 team players that can work with anyone else within the 21. The cohesion we have is one of our biggest strengths coming into the World Cup."

One of the largest challenges for Australia will be how the team copes on an international stage. "The team has not played together at an international level yet. Every country has sent their best 21, I have no doubt that there are going to be some hard won victories during the cup." she said.For Gisbon, training the Dropbears has been an absolute privilege; she had this to say: "The most rewarding part of coaching the team has been watching the players grow and improve as athletes. Every single player has improved leaps and bounds since selection and their dedication and determination will never cease to amaze me. It has been a privilege to be able to work with such talented and genuinely kind and caring players."Follow the Australian Dropbears here -https://www.facebook.com/events/252367068481321

Logan Davis to represent Australia as Head Referree at World Cup

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Quidditch Australia is proud to announce that Logan Davis has been chosen as the Australian head referee delegate to the IQA. Davis is proud to represent Australia at the World Cup in Frankfurt this July, with both an impressive referee and playing career behind him.Davis currently plays for the ANU Owls, where he made his player debut in early 2015. He refereed his first game at NSW September Triwiz, demonstrating a keen awareness for rules and dedication to fairness, as well as an impeccable command of the pitch. He went on to referee the grand final at the Australian Quidditch championship later that year, where he cemented his position as one of the best referees in the country.

In 2016, Davis has refereed many games on all levels including NSW Triwizards, State of Origin games, and the grand final of the Melbourne Mudbash Tournament. He is excited to be a part of the IQA Team and greatly looks forward to his ability to contribute to the World Cup event.

 

Dropbears reserve Leslie Fox added to Team Australia

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We are saddened to announce that due to illness Tash Keehan from the Australian Dropbears will be unable to play at the Quidditch World Cup. We wish her a swift and full recovery.Replacing Tash on the Australian Dropbears is Leslie Fox. Leslie has shown consistent dedication to the team as a reserve throughout the year. We are excited to see the strengths that Leslie will bring to the team.Over the coming weeks we'll be bringing you the stories of our reserves who have been instrumental in lifting the Dropbears to ever increasing heights of gameplay.

Canberra to host QUAFL 2016

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Quidditch Australia is proud to present QUAFL: The Australian Quidditch Championships for 2016.In December, over 20 of the top quidditch teams from around the country will head to Canberra to decide who is this years Australian national quidditch champion. Hosted at the Australian Institute of Sport, QUAFL is Quidditch Australia's premier event, serving as Australia’s national championships, and the culmination of the 2016 national quidditch season.If you're interested in watching the best quidditch Australia has to offer, this is a free event for spectators! Simply turn up to the Australian Institute of Sport and enjoy one of the worlds fastest growing, mixed-gender, contact sports! As well as a fantastic weekend of quidditch, there'll be merchandise, food, kidditch and more!

Expression of Interest for Appointed Board Positions for Quidditch Australia

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Quidditch Australia like to open expressions of interest (EOIs) for appointment to the board of directors.According to the Constitution, up to two directors may be appointed by the board. Appointed directors are chosen to provide input on to the board in areas where the current board directors feel it is lacking. As such, successful directors will be chosen based on the attributes, skills and experiences that they can offer to the board and the wider Quidditch community.It should be noted that the current board need not appoint directors from those submitting EOIs, nor need they appoint directors at all. However, these EOIs will provide the board with some insights as to who is interested and what they can bring to the table.With this, we would like to open EOIs for these appointed board positions. EOIs will be accepted until the 8th of April. Applicants may send in a one page cover letter and a two page resume. Applicants should address their skills and experiences within their EOIs, as well as any board portfolios they might wish to hold.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the board.Please email all EOI’s to president@quidditch.org.auExpression of Interest for Appointed Board Positions for Quidditch Australia

QUAFL 2016 Bid Package

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After much anticipation, here is the 2016 QUAFL bid package for this year's premier Australian quidditch tournament!The Australian Quidditch Association will host the sixth annual QUAFL Cup on one of either the last weekend of November or the first weekend of December 2016. The tournament is the AQA’s premier event, serving as Australia’s national championships, and the culmination of the 2016 national quidditch season. It is predicted that a minimum of twenty teams and three hundred attendees will be competing at the 2016 QUAFL Cup, with member teams travelling from all across the country.Any team, state, local council or city are welcome to apply to host the QUAFL tournament later this year. Your application should be in the form of a Microsoft Word Document or PDF document and emailed to president at quidditch.org.au by 5pm, March 3rd 2016.We look forward to expanding on last year's fantastic QUAFL tournament and providing another thrilling weekend of highly competitive quidditch!Direct URL link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/9hoar9j2k9t7isn/QUAFL%202016%20Bid%20Package.pdf?dl=0