Head Above Water

STOKED FOR THE WORLD CUP!

^^ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID.

Thoughts on the new IQA Membership Proposal.

Everyone who’s been paying attention to IQA activity over the last few months knew that something of this magnitude was well on the way. Truth be told, it’s hard to believe that this comes only a matter of months since World Cup V, but it’s also hard to argue with anyone getting down to business with this sort of gusto.

On the whole, the plan looks solid. Reforming the current membership fee structure in conjunction with the regional/World Cup format makes a great deal of sense. Though the $500 Tournament level may put off some initially, it very well may prove an investment for top-ranked teams whose previous showings pretty much guarantee a viable bid. I don’t think anyone could argue with the season structure either. Anything in place of the current ranking algorithm is, by and large, a godsend.

The one aspect that makes me scratch my head is the payment incentive of the already-ambitious referee program. True, a small monetary factor may encourage those on the fence, but I do believe I speak for a majority of those who’ve at least semi-legitimately reffed a game when I say that money would be one of the last conscious factors on the mind. I get it, IQA. Too many people complain about poor referees (including the recently-formed ICBA), and you’re aggressively doing something about it. Respect. I’m confident in you. Heck, I’ll even begrudgingly side with you on the test fees/licensed uniform fee bit. They serve their purpose. But the payment aspect? This game is too good to be befuddled with discrepancies over who forgot to pay the referee. Though staff payment is indeed the logical next step in this grand organization, I personally feel as if this aspect may be coming a little soon. Maybe it’s because I’m skeptical. Maybe it’s because I’ve been fortunate enough to play in the presence of some positively stellar refs who’re truly committed to the integrity and honest passion of this little game of ours. Regardless, I don’t want to see greed, no matter how meager, ruin the love of the game for anyone, and I really don’t think you do either.

And don’t even get me started about the gender rule. If you change it to 4:3, it just might spark World War Q. Not every team is properly suited to adapt, and not only will it alienate those teams, but it will cause strategy to drastically change for everyone, which may or may not provoke a most vociferous opposition. Personally, I’d love to see more ladies throwing down and taking names on the pitch, but that doesn’t mean it should be law.

Easily my favorite thing on the list, Quidcon is a most definite thumbs-up. I cannot wait to see what Chicago has in store!

The bottom line? If you’re a (wo)man of your word IQA*, then you have my support, despite whatever our differences in opinion on money may be. Just like any new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher (save perhaps Snape), I’m excited to see great things from you in the coming year.

*I don’t suppose an international non-profit organization of this sort would be of any particular gender, but the colloquialism just felt right.