Quidditch (real-life sport)

Quidditch, also known as "muggle quidditch" or "quadball," is a real-life sport inspired by the fictional game of the same name in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. It is a mixed-gender, full-contact sport played by two teams of seven players each. While brooms are used, players do not fly. Instead, they run with a broom between their legs.

The sport incorporates elements of rugby, dodgeball, and tag. The three types of balls used are:

• Quaffle: A slightly deflated volleyball used by Chasers to score by throwing it through one of the opposing team's three hoops. Each goal is worth 10 points.
• Bludgers: Dodgeballs thrown by Beaters at the opposing team to disrupt their play. Being hit by a Bludger forces a player to dismount their broom, returning to their hoops before re-entering the game.
• Snitch: A tennis ball placed inside a sock attached to the shorts of a neutral official, the Snitch Runner. The Snitch Runner is free to roam the pitch and evade seekers. Catching the Snitch is worth 30 points and ends the game.

The seven players on a team are divided into the following positions:

• Chasers (3): Score points by throwing the Quaffle through the hoops.
• Beaters (2): Defend their team from Bludgers and throw Bludgers at the opposing team.
• Keeper (1): Defends the hoops from the opposing team's Chasers.
• Seeker (1): Catches the Snitch.

Quidditch is governed by the International Quidditch Association (IQA), and national governing bodies exist in many countries. The sport has grown significantly since its inception in 2005, with organized leagues and tournaments held worldwide. Due to J.K. Rowling's continued anti-transgender sentiments, the sport was renamed "quadball" by US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch in 2022, although some organizations still use the name "quidditch".