USQ Update

Changes to Snitch Certification Program for 20-21 Season

by US Quidditch | August 22, 2020

Photo by: Willow Elser

The USQ snitch team is introducing a number of changes this season to the snitch runner certification program. These changes were developed by Snitch Coordinators Christian Barnes and Ryan Davis, with support from other staffers in the gameplay department. For questions about these changes or to request more information on how to become a certified snitch, email snitches@usquidditch.org. 

USQ Tiered Snitch Runner Certification

The tiered snitch runner certification program aims to clearly distinguish the skill and certification of snitch runners. Differing from other seasons, a snitch runner is certified after completing certification assessments and upgrading their membership. No field test is required to become certified this season. Certified snitch runners are paid $8/official game.

All snitch runners are assigned a tier immediately upon certification, beginning with tier 5. Tiers can be reassessed throughout the season as additional film or field tests take place. Tiers are also subject to change throughout the season outside of the formal assessments pending performance and evaluations. All tiered snitches have displayed an understanding of the rules and requirements of officiating a game as a snitch runner. Tier 5 snitches have only completed the requirements to officiate an official USQ game, but have not been reviewed by any proctor on their snitching ability. Snitches with tier 1-4 have been judged based on snitching ability by snitch proctors and granted a tier. Tier 1 is the highest tier and tier 5 is the lowest. 

Snitch Runner Certification

There are three steps to becoming a certified snitch runner. All three steps must be completed in the order outlined below:

1. Pass the Assistant Referee certification test
2. After passing the Assistant Referee test, pass the Snitch Referee certification test
3. Upgrade USQ account with a snitch runner membership (free)

Test links will be available later in fall 2020, after the release of Rulebook 14. 

Certified snitch runners are not required for official matches with the exception of regional championships and US Quidditch Cup. 

To serve as a snitch runner at a USQ-hosted event, all certification requirements must be completed at least 24 hours before the scheduled event.

Once a snitch runner has become certified, they may undergo an evaluation by a snitch runner proctor. Passing this evaluation advances a snitch runner from tier 5 to tier 1-4 based on result. Evaluations can be conducted in person by a snitch proctor or virtually by submitting game film for review. Game film can be submitted through this form. 

SNITCH VIDEO SUBMISSION FOR CERTIFICATION

Snitch candidates may submit videos on a rolling basis. You may submit any number of videos via this form. Snitch proctors will review your footage and provide feedback.

Submitted videos must display the following characteristics:

1. Film of the entire snitch’s body, from the third person perspective. Snitch runners may not hold or wear the camera on themselves.
2. Game film (scrimmages and fantasy tournaments included). Drills and/or practice film will not be accepted. The game does not need to be official, but does need to be officiated by a referee crew that meets the guidelines of a USQ official game, have a score, and end with a snitch catch. 
3. Your film should be as recent as possible, ideally from the current season or most recent MLQ season
4. USQ snitch team reserves the right to request replacement footage at any time.

After submitting film, applicants can expect to receive a response within 2 weeks of submission. If an applicant does not pass, new film can be submitted for a new evaluation at any time. Film evaluation will include, but is not limited to:

1. Field awareness
2. Evasion techniques
3. Safety on pitch
4. Body movement and reflexes
5. Knowledge of rules and regulations

All members applying for tier advancement will receive a detailed response from the snitch team on their film with constructive criticism.

SNITCH FIELD TESTING 

Those who would like to request an in-person field test can do so by signing-up here. In-person field tests can take place at any tournament listed on the form, or can also be requested at a USQ Regional Championship. Field tests are not guaranteed at any event, the tournament director has jurisdiction as to whether they can schedule the test appropriately. 

Snitch runners are not paid for their field tests. The snitch field test proctor will receive $8, even if the game is unofficial. 

SNITCH FIELD TEST PROCTOR

If interested in becoming a snitch field test proctor, please email snitches@usquidditch.org.

OTHER POLICIES

At USQ-hosted events, event staff will prioritize using snitch runners with a higher tier. Snitch runners who wish to have their tier reevaluated in advance of a USQ-hosted event should submit new game film at least two weeks prior to the event.

Snitches are not eligible for tier advancement or officiating at USQ hosted events without becoming a certified snitch (process outlined above).

Volunteer Opportunities

USQ is currently looking for volunteers to serve as year-round snitch coordinators, to help implement these changes and develop more training materials for snitches. More information on the role is available here. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the season.