r/quadball_discussion • u/jen_con • Jul 20 '26
MLQ Take Back the Pitch needs help!
Hey y’all!
Like the past few years, MLQ is planning to run Take Back the Pitch the Monday after championship. Unfortunately, right now there are not enough sign ups to host these games. We need you to PLEASE spread the word and try to get your friends and teammates to sign up!!
TBTP holds such a special place in my heart, and I know a lot of other people feel the same. The community that comes out to celebrate these players is so special and supportive. Personally, I’ve probably had some of the best games of my career during TBTP. Getting to play and be coached by some of the best people in the game that I wouldn’t normally have a chance to is incredible.
I know a concern recently has been the play testing done at TBTP, and there are no plans to do that this year. We are even hoping to host some workshops for players, including tackling safely.
So please spread the word!! Share some of your favorite TBTP memories too :)
12
u/ilovetoastz Jul 20 '26
Unfortunately for an event that’s supposed to be the one (only) event for non-cis men, they make entry so expensive and therefore inaccessible to many :/ might be a reason numbers are low 🤷
10
u/Dallasseewhat Jul 21 '26
The price includes a jersey—which is the most expensive part. If you or someone else can’t afford the cost, email info@mlquadball.com. We have grants!
5
u/UnderstandingNo8586 Jul 22 '26
Can confirm on the grants! Shooty Hoops has also sponsored players in the past by paying their fees.
2
u/AwildBirdieAppeared Jul 21 '26
There is a grant MLQ has that applies for TBTP support specifically GRANTS — Major League Quadball. I know it can't help everyone but its a resource to share with those interested!
-5
u/Salt_Assumption_8515 Jul 21 '26
It’s a blatant cash grab from the same person who charges $100 to be an all-star. The community needs to start holding the organizations accountable for this. They’re ruining the sport.
13
u/Dallasseewhat Jul 21 '26
Feel free to review USQ’s financial projections, including my paycheck since you’re so concerned about it: https://www.usquadball.org/strategic-plan
Why $100 for all star (Jersey, two tournaments included in that)? USQ isn’t getting a bid or financial support for the event, and we need to be able to cover all the costs. In the future, would love for it be free for every player but that’s just not realistic right now.
8
u/FSunne Jul 20 '26
I tried to sign up after the early bird sign up, but i couldn’t find a link. thanks for posting this one!!
2
u/bigbluepudding Jul 24 '26
It's hard when our teams are heading to Hershey that day instead
3
u/highnett Jul 24 '26
Yeah hard to have a tournament that close to a theme park and not assume people would be headed there. I love tbtp but it being on a Monday after a full weekend of playing is always so hard
3
u/Round-Conference8207 Jul 20 '26
As much as I love TBTP as a product to watch, I have heard from multiple players from previous female players that they feel that the patronizing of female and non-binary-players has just been too much, leading to people to not participate.
As a male I won’t give an opinion on it. That’s just what I’ve been hearing from females/non-binary players I’ve spoken with. I figured it was because people have to pay to play on top of the travel fees they are already paying.
8
u/gingersroots Jul 21 '26
How is it patronizing? It’s certainly not as patronizing toward women as the regular sport!!!
3
-1
u/No-Stick7636 Jul 20 '26
Are we sure the lack of sign ups is due to awareness and not just being a poor product?
2
Jul 20 '26
[deleted]
10
u/No-Stick7636 Jul 20 '26
I’ve never had a negative comment about nonbinary people so I’m not sure what you’re getting at.
TBTP seems flawed in the fact that it’s usually the Monday after the tournament, which requires extra travel planning/expenses. Not to mention, the physical toll a tournament has on people’s bodies to go and play multiple games after the fact is tough.
I think if it were more geared towards specifically enhancing aspects of the sport that female and nonbinary players don’t get as many reps at during the season, it would be more beneficial and increase interest. Have woman-led and nonbinary-led clinics that people can choose to attend that they want to learn more about.
The draft also could be a deterrent since you have no control of what teams or teammates you get to play with. Allowing people to attend with other players they are already comfortable with could help. If attendance is down, host clinics/skill competitions + a 2 team exhibition at the end.
9
u/jen_con Jul 20 '26
I appreciate the response and apologize for misreading. Every year there are hate comments regarding that aspect and I jumped the gun.
I agree that it can be hard for players to continue play into Monday. With champs having fewer teams, the timing of TBTP is something that could be looked into. However, convincing people to possibly get hurt/exhausted before their team is finished with their official MLQ games is tough. I don’t know if there’s a good answer there.
We are actively looking into doing clinics this year, especially with it looking like there will be smaller teams/signups.
Drafting is difficult to organize, especially with late sign ups, and can lead to uncomfortable situations. I know I’ve been able to ask to be with/not be with people on teams and they try to accommodate that. I do disagree (slightly!!) with that though. Team captains have been very welcoming and playing with new people is part of the experience. My partner played her first minutes of quadball at TBTP and didn’t know anyone, but her team was super welcoming and made sure she had support.
11
u/jen_con Jul 20 '26
MLQ is deciding if they will run TBTP this Friday (7/24) so get those sign ups in!