In the muggle (non-wizard) version of Quidditch, the Snitch is played by a person.
The film and book series might have ended, but boy wizard Harry Potter’s beloved game is alive and well on Tabaret Lawn thanks to uOttawa students Clare Hutchinson and Tegan Bridge, co-presidents of the uOttawa Quidditch team.
“The rules are close to the ones in the book, taking into consideration the fact that we can’t fly,” says Hutchinson, who is in her fourth year of English and political science and plays on the uOttawa team, with a mix of English, Science, Arts and Social Sciences students, something she attributes to the breadth of the appeal of Harry Potter.
“It’s definitely a great way to stay active, but for a lot of us, it’s also a nice way of extending the legacy of the Harry Potter series,” says Hutchinson. “Also, if you present a bunch of university students with the chance to act like a bunch of children, they’ll usually jump at the opportunity!”
One of those students is Jonathan Braun, dressed all in yellow at Sunday’s practice because in the muggle (non-wizard) version of Quidditch, the Snitch is played by a person.
“I’m in my fifth year of history studies and I was wondering what would be a good way to make sure my last year was awesome,” says Jonathan Braun. “I’ve always been a Harry Potter fan and I’ve always wanted to fly, so this is pretty much living the dream for me!”
For now the team is preparing for the upcoming Canadian Cup in Ottawa on October 29, and the World Cup in November in New York City, which will unite over 100 teams from all over the world, including New Zealand and Finland.
uOttawa Quidditch’s website, Facebook page, Twitter handle, and contact email.
For more information about Quidditch in general visit the International Quidditch Association website.
Rules of the game
The game is played with 7 people per side, in addition to a Snitch.
3 Chasers attempt to score goals with the Quaffle on hoops on either end, guarded by a Keeper.
2 Beaters attempt to hit players with dodgeballs, and 1 Seeker attempts to catch the Snitch — all running on broomsticks.
Snitches and Seekers are not confined to the field, and the Snitch often engages in crowd–pleasing antics to escape the Seekers.
The game does not end until the Snitch is caught, making each game uniquely entertaining.
Quidditch is a rough-and-tumble sport, with players tackling each other in order to gain control of the ball.
Quidditch is also one of the few truly co–ed college sports, with teams at all levels comprised of both men and women.
Most awesome! One of my students is doing her fourth year research project on the culture of the sport of Quidditch! Good luck, team!
Wow! What a cool sport! And I hear that anyone can come out to practices, even if they’re not on the team!
I’m definitely going to tell all my friends about this.
Hmm, a fourth year project on the culture of Quidditch? How does one get a doctorate in your field Dr. Giles? Do they demonstrate understanding in the proper and practical use of a broom?
Feel free to enlighten me
C’est quand le premier match??