How to Play – Quidditch
How do you play Quidditch if you can’t fly?
With the recent push on Quidditch in the UK, it’s got a lot of people questioning how the game is actually played. Obviously, flying is out of the question (for now!) – but the rest of the game is almost identical to that from JK Rowling’s famous series of Harry Potter novels.
With this in mind, we have completed a small article outlining the rules of the game to help you get a greater understanding of the amazing art of Quidditch.
What positions are they on the Quidditch Pitch?
So, just like any sport – there are a number of different positions that you can play on the field:
Chaser – the main aim of the chaser is to throw the Quaffle (one of the two main balls used) through the opposing team’s hoops to score a goal – with each goal being worth 10 points for the team.
Keeper – alike to football, the keeper is positioned to protect and safeguard the hoops, preventing any goals being scored. These can turn into a chase on the offence.
Beater – not dissimilar to that of dodgeball – the beaters are positioned to throw bludgers at the opposing team to ‘get them out of play’. Their main objective is to ensure that the other players return to their hoops.
Seeker – Alike to JK Rowling’s version of the game – the player who catches the golden snitch earns 30 points for their team and then ends the game – making their team victorious.
The Golden Snitch – the golden snitch is a separate position in the real-life version of the game. Completely neutral and not playing for any team – the goal of the golden snitch is to avoid being caught by both teams (kind of like tag rugby in a sense).
Are there any rules for the game?
A quidditch team usually consists of 7 players per team being on the pitch at any given time – whilst we are obviously unable to fly – in the adult game each player must be mounted on a ‘broom’ when in play otherwise they penalised and must return to their hoops before entering the game again (this is more difficult than you think). At a youth level brooms are not part of the sport, this allows for development of key skills catching and throwing without the restrictions associated with the brooms.
Can both girls and boys play together?
Yes, of course, both genders are able to play together. To make things even throughout the game there must be only four players that identify as the same gender on the pitch at any given time – ensuring that the game is mixed and inclusive to all.
How can my school get involved?
We are the official education partner of QuidditchUK and the Quidditch Premier League. Enrich Education has a goal of developing youth quidditch nationwide, by providing; school events, staff training, official equipment, tournaments, regional affiliation packages and much more. To get involved simply request a call back on our website today, or contact us directly by emailing info@enricheducation.com.
