Beginner's Guide to Quidditch

By: FUN Monster

Quidditch is a fictional sport from the Harry Potter universe that's played on flying broomsticks. To play, two teams compete to score points by throwing a ball called a quaffle through hoops mounted on either end of the field, which are guarded by a keeper. Meanwhile, they must avoid bludgers, balls hit at them by opponents with bats. While all of this is going on, a tiny winged ball called a snitch flies around the field erratically, and players known as seekers try to spot and catch it, which earns their team 150 points and ends the game. Quidditch is very popular in the world of Harry Potter, and a version of the game is also becoming popular in real life. Today, it's known as the sport of quadball.

What Is Quadball?

Quadball is a mixed-gender, full-contact sport that's a non-magical adaptation of quidditch. The game of quadball, invented in 2005, is like a mixture of rugby, tag, and dodgeball, and it's evolved into a competitive sport played by teams around the world, especially on college campuses and in community leagues.

Equipment Needed to Play

To play quadball, you first need a field to play on and six goal hoops attached to poles, three of which are placed at either end of the field. You'll also need a quadball, which is usually a volleyball that's been slightly deflated so that it's a little softer and easier to grab out of the air; three bludgers, rubber dodgeballs that are also slightly deflated; and a snitch, a flag that's attached to the flag runner's waist (as in flag football). Every player also needs a broomstick, usually made from a piece of PVC pipe. And since this is a full-contact sport, all players should wear protective gear such as mouth guards and shin guards as well as comfortable athletic clothing and shoes with good grip.

Rules of Quadball

A quadball team has up to 21 players, seven of whom are on the field at any time: one keeper, three chasers, two beaters, and one seeker. Teams may have a maximum of four players of the same gender on the field at once. You'll also need one neutral player who isn't on either team: This person will be the flag runner. All players except the flag runner must keep a broomstick between their legs at all times.

During a game of quadball, the chasers move the quadball down the field by carrying it or passing it between themselves, then try to throw the quadball into one of the other team's hoops, which are guarded by their keeper. Each goal is worth ten points. Meanwhile, the beaters throw the bludgers at opposing chasers. When a player is hit by a bludger, they must drop their ball if they're holding one, then dismount from their broomstick, run to their own team's hoops and tag one of them, and mount their broomstick again before they can resume playing.

After almost 20 minutes have elapsed, the flag runner enters the field. At the 20-minute mark, the seekers enter and begin to chase the flag runner. The game continues until one of the seekers catches the snitch by pulling the flag from the flag runner's waist.

At this point, if the team that caught the snitch has a higher score, they win the game. If this is not the case, play proceeds into overtime. In overtime, both teams compete to reach the target score, which is the larger of the two teams' scores plus 30 points. The team that reaches this score first wins.

Glossary

Assist: A pass that directly leads to a goal being scored

Bludger: A ball used in quadball that players can throw to disrupt the opposing team

Chaser: A player whose primary role is to score goals by throwing the quadball through the opponent's hoops

Foul: An infraction of the rules that may result in penalties or free plays for the opposing team

Gender Maximum Rule: A rule stating that a team cannot have more than four players identifying as the same gender (either women, men, or any other gender identity) on the field at any time

Hoops: The three rings mounted on vertical posts through which chasers aim to score goals. Each hoop has a different point value based on its height.

Keeper: The goalkeeper, who defends against shots on goal and protects their team's hoops

Knockout: A situation where a player is temporarily removed from play due to being hit by a bludger or committing a foul

• IQA Guide to Playing Quadball
• How to Play Quidditch: Rules and Basics
• History and Rules of Quadball
• Quidditch Rules
• The Emergence of Real-Life Quidditch
• Harry Potter Costumes
• Quidditch Rules
• What Is Quidditch?
• An In-Depth Guide to the Fictional Quidditch
• Adult Halloween Costumes
• Quidditch Rules Guide
• How to Play Quidditch
• Kids' Costumes