J.K. Rowling Controversy Prompts Real-Life Quidditch CHANGES

The influence that the Harry Potter books have had on our generation is massive. Not only have the books inspired an 8-part movie series, but they’ve also led to whole theme parks dedicated to the story. And did you know that the fictional game of Quidditch from these books has become a real-life sport?

Quidditch as a real sport not only exists but is played in about 40 countries by at least 450 teams (US Quidditch). But now this sport is getting a new name, at least in part to distance the game from its original creator, J.K. Rowling.

Major League Quidditch announced on Twitter that the official name for real-life Quidditch has been changed to Quadball. The change was made by the International Quidditch Association as well.

Announcing quadball – real-life quidditch's new name. Welcome to a new realm of sport ➡️ https://t.co/5DKvrVTEBT pic.twitter.com/6yeemox5ri

— Major League Quidditch (@MLQuidditch) July 19, 2022

 

The new name refers both to how many balls are used during the game and how many positions are played. Apparently, fans were polled in the creation of the name, and Quadball was a popular choice. Note that this name change applies just to real-life Quidditch — the magical sport in the Harry Potter stories will of course stay the same.

This re-brand comes in the wake of J.K. Rowling’s comments about the transgender community, which have been criticized by some as anti-trans. Quidditch organizations are seeking to distance themselves from Rowling by changing the name of the sport.

Some LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have spoken out against Rowling. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint (who play Harry, Hermione, and Ron, respectively, in the movies) have also “publicly distanced themselves from Rowling’s comments and said they stand with the trans community” (The Washington Post).

But distancing themselves from Rowling’s anti-trans position wasn’t the only reason for the name change. The IQA is also looking to grow the sport, which was made difficult by the fact that the Warner Bros. company owns the trademark for “quidditch.” By changing the name to Quadball, the organizers hope to be able to continue to grow and eventually become a mainstay sporting event.

This game was first played in real life at Middlebury College in Vermont in 2005. It has many of the same rules as the fictional game Quidditch, with 7 players on each team (including chasers, beaters, a keeper, and a seeker), similar balls (like the quaffle), and elevated hoops for scoring. Although players do not fly on broomsticks, they do hold broomsticks between their legs during the game.

Quadball is a unique sport in that it is both full-contact and mixed-gender. QuidditchUK said that the sport “celebrates that inclusion of those from the LGBTQ+ communities, and greatly encourages anyone from any background to take part in our sport.”

Other changes could come to this sport in the future. Major League Quidditch hinted at future “brand changes,” which could mean different names for the player positions and balls.

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Have you ever seen a real-life Quadball game? Let us know in the comments.