How to Play Muggle Quidditch: 7 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

In the Harry Potter saga written by J. K. Rowling, the main sport among wizards is Quidditch. But you don't need to have magical powers to play.

There are many different ways to play Quidditch, but the most commonly used rules are those established by the Italia Quidditch association (which you can find here).

In the past, Muggle Quidditch was played mainly in American universities, but in recent years there has been an incredible growth in the number of local teams. Additionally, Quidditch has expanded beyond America and is now played on 5 continents.

Steps

Step 1. Find all the necessary materials and players (see the Things You Will Need section below)

Step 2. Know that all players can play while riding a broom

But brooms can be a hindrance, so feel free not to use them.

Step 3. Place the quaffle and two bludgers in the middle of the field

Ideally, the quaffle and fireballs are slightly deflated in order to be easier to catch and throw.

Step 4. Start the game

Both teams start from the starting line and try to take the quaffle and the racing cars.

Step 5. Respect your duties based on the type of player you are:

• The hunters try to score by throwing the quaffle through one of the three rings. Each goal is worth 10 points.

  

• The hitters try to hit the players with the fireball. If a player is hit he must stop what he is doing and suffer a penalty; that is, leave the quaffle (in case of a hunter) and go back to touch the pole of its rings or sit for 10 seconds.

  

• The goalkeepers protect the rings at each end and try to block the hunters' attempts to score. If the goalkeeper is close to the rings he is safe from being hit by the racing cars.

  

• Seekers try to catch the snitch runner (a person) or get an object attached to the snitch runner such as a sock or flag. You can set your own rules on how a player catches the snitch. A common way to play is to have a snitch runner (one person), and give him an edge to run and hide within predefined boundaries. Then the seekers set out in search of the snitch runner, attempting to capture the player. Other methods, such as the one adopted in 2005, use a tennis ball in a sock, hanging from the snitch runner's shorts, as a snitch. Regardless of the method, the winning seeker earns 30 points for his team, unlike the books, where the snitch is worth 150 points. The inventors of Muggle Quidditch thought it was worth too many points, so they changed its value.

  

• The snitch runner, who is usually a runner, runs around (usually around borders) trying to escape the seekers.

  

• The referee must ensure that the rules are respected. Also, take note of the score.

  

Step 6. Play the game

The object of the game is to score as many points as possible and the game ends when the seeker grabs the snitch.

Step 7. Feel free to change the rules of the game

See the Tips section for tips.

Advice

• Alternatively, the snitch can be a yellow ball (tennis balls are fine) that is hidden before the game starts by one of those present or the referee. Set boundaries and send seekers in search of the snitch.
• Hitters can try hitting bludgers in the air with a shortened hockey stick or short club. They can also use regular-length hockey sticks to hit fireballs (wiffleballs, perhaps) from the ground. The easiest way is to hit players by throwing dodgeball balls.
• Playing without a scope can be easier (but also less fun!)
• A variation is Quidditch with the Boccino Monetina. Find five cents or another small dime. Have both teams turn and have it thrown on the grass or field by the referee while the teams are not looking. Play while the seekers go in search of the dime snitch.
• Remember that the snitch runner, if you decide to use one, is not a real player in the game, so he doesn't have to follow any of the rules. If he wishes, the snitch runner can do whatever he wants to avoid capture.
• You can buy brooms that look authentic to make the game more realistic.
• You can play Aquatic Quidditch in the pool. More or less the same rules apply. Ask someone to throw something (the snitch) on a pool line at regular intervals. They can even use reproductions of the snitches.
• The Quidditch community is very large, check out the International Quidditch Association (IQA) website to find teams near you.
• Another variation is when the referee places the snitch somewhere in the field (in this case it is a ball). The seeker must find the blindfolded snitch, relying only on the coach's instructions, while the game is in progress.

Warnings

• A ball flying through the air can hurt. If you're playing Quidditch, you're probably just having fun, so play gracefully.
• Drink a lot and exercise responsibly.