What started as a fun homage to a fictional sport has evolved into a serious, fully regulated athletic game known today as Quadball (formerly Quidditch). Launched in 2005 at a Florida “Harry Potter” convention, the sport now thrives in over 30 countries and features mixed-gender, full-contact matches with defined roles, equipment and scoring.
In a standard quadball match, each team fields seven players on the pitch—three Chasers, one Keeper, two Beaters and one Seeker. Chasers and Keepers use a volleyball-style ball called the “Quaffle” to score through hoops (10 points per goal). Beaters use dodgeballs called “Bludgers” to disrupt opponents; if hit, a player must dismount their broom, touch their own hoops and return to play. The Seeker’s job is to capture the “Snitch” — a tennis ball attached to a runner — worth 30 points and ending the game when caught. What makes quadball especially distinctive is its gender-inclusion rule: at most four players of the same gender may be on field at any time, making this one of the few truly co-ed contact sports.
From an E-E-A-T framework standpoint, quadball offers strong value. Experience comes from athletes across the world playing, adapting and evolving tactics. Expertise is evidenced in how the sport blends elements of rugby, dodgeball and basketball, while also developing specialised skills (e.g., Seeker agility). Authoritativeness is grounded in the official governance by the International Quadball Association (IQA) and its published rule-books. Trustworthiness stems from transparent regulations, documented tournaments and the sport’s commitment to inclusivity. Whether you’re a curious spectator or an aspiring player, quadball is a fascinating example of how innovation in sport can reflect both athletic challenge and evolving social values.
