The future of the sport is just as important as the present. Whether an athlete is just beginning their competitive quadball journey or looking to gain experience at the highest level and break into the main roster in the future, the MLQ practice squad offers a structured pathway for growth and development..

Eligibility and Registration

To be considered for an MLQ practice squad, athletes must complete all required waivers, provide proof of insurance, and register through the MLQ Athlete Tryout Registration form. Prospective players can indicate their interest in the practice squad during the initial registration process.

Each practice squad may submit up to 21 athletes each summer. Final rosters are due by June 1 of each season. No additional players may be added after this deadline, and registration fees are due at the time of roster submission.

In order to be eligible for an MLQ practice squad, an athlete must meet one of the following requirements:

  1. Be age 22 or under as of June 1 of the given season OR

  2. Have played two or fewer seasons in MLQ (on a franchise roster), US Quadball, Quadball Canada, and/or a comparable international league. A season is defined as having competed in a league during an official season in an official game.

If an athlete does not meet these requirements but believes they deserve an exemption, they may request one by emailing commissioners@mlquadball.com and gameplay@mlquadball.com with supporting reasoning.

Practice Squad Fees and Benefits

The practice squad registration fee is $85 per player, payable to the franchise manager. This fee covers:

  • Participation in the parent franchise’s practices

  • Participation in a divisional practice squad series

    • For 2025, these series will be hosted in the North and East Division, however, a South series may be added dependent upon signups

  • Participation in the MLQ Next Gen Showcase at the MLQ Championship

  • A customized reversible jersey featuring franchise branding on one side and divisional branding on the reverse

  • Discounted entry to day one of MLQ Championship

    • While the fee does not include entrance to the MLQ Championship on Saturday, practice squad members can attend for free if they sign up to volunteer at the event

Practice Squad Structure and Oversight

Each practice squad is overseen by an MLQ Practice Squad Coach, chosen by MLQ People Operations in collaboration with the franchise head coach. The coach may be a non-player or a practice squad player but cannot be a member of the franchise’s main 30-player roster.

Additionally, franchises may opt for a Practice Squad Manager to assist with logistics and administration. Like the coach, the manager may be a non-player or a practice squad player but cannot be a member of the 30-player active roster.

Franchise staff openings can be viewed here.

FAQ

  • Franchise rosters are composed of 30 athletes that compete in MLQ series and the Benepe Cup at MLQ Championship.

    Practice squads are composed of 21 athletes and do not participate in MLQ series. Practice squads do, however, complete in the MLQ Next Gen Showcase, held on the Sunday of MLQ Championship weekend, and possibly other practice squad-designated events (such as the East Next Gen SuperSeries).

  • Practice squad players go through the same tryout process as the 30-person franchise roster athletes. More information can be found here.

  • Yes. The deadline for practice squad player dues is June 1 of each season. A player needs to send their dues to their manager before participating in a practice.

  • Practice squad dues should first be sent to the practice squad manager or, if applicable, the franchise manager.

  • Players may no longer be added to the practice squad throughout the season. A player may be removed as the franchise and practice squad coaches see fit.


    Once a player is removed from or chooses to leave a team’s practice squad, they cannot be re-added at any point in the season. As previously mentioned, the practice squad is an opportunity for young or inexperienced players to grow into MLQ-level talent. Consistency and repetition is key to this growth and cannot be met if there is constant movement within the squad.

  • All practice squad athletes will now receive MLQ-official jerseys. They will be reversible and have the franchise branding on one side and the divisional branding on the reverse.

  • To minimize the risk of bias in our matches, members of the practice squad will not be able to serve in any officiating capacity for intra-division matches or matches in which their franchise is participating except as a goal referee, timekeeper and scorekeeper. If they do serve as a goal referee, timekeeper or scorekeeper, they may not wear team-affiliated apparel or accessories. They can volunteer during matches in all non-officiant positions, including as videographers, commentators, statisticians, etc. MLQ may make exceptions to this rule as the league sees necessary.

  • You should contact commissioners@mlquadball.com and gameplay@mlquadball.com with this information, including what team(s) and they can determine if you are eligible for an exemption.

  • If your question is specific to tryouts, you should contact your desired franchise. If you do not receive a response within 48 hours or you have a league-specific question, contact our team at info@mlquadball.com.