Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) is where the world of witchcraft and wizardry comes to life. The co-presidents of the club, seniors Corinne DeFrancisci and Marissa Maze, try to incorporate as many Hogwarts traditions as they can throughout the school year, including the popular sport of Quidditch.

This year’s Quidditch tournament will be held on May 17th after school next to the baseball field. Is your team ready?

Teams pay $25 in order to participate. Rules are posted in the library, and if you have any further questions, you can contact Corinne DeFrancisci, Marissa Maze, or Mrs. Marsha Thompson in the Media Center. They will take team registrations until the day of the tournament.

In the novels, Quidditch is a game where witches and wizards from the four houses (Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw) compete for house points. The game is played on broomsticks and the objective is to get as many balls through one of the three hoops on the opponent’s side. One score is worth 10 points.

There is one twist to this game, however. A “snitch,” a small flying ball, zooms throughout the arena. Two wizards’ game objective is to catch the snitch. If the snitch is caught, the team is given 150 points and automatically wins. The game does not end until the snitch is caught, and it is rumored that the longest Hogwarts Quidditch game is three months!

Last year, HPA hosted their first Quidditch match and it went successfully. Eight teams of eight players each participated in the event, and $120 was raised and donated to the Frederick County Animal Shelter. This year HPA will be donating the team registration fees to an orphanage.

“I don’t think we have a number we’re trying to reach. We’re gratified to get anything,” said DeFrancisci.

Last year’s first place winner was the team Toon Squad; second place went to Just Nevilled Up; and third place went to the American Snapers team. Others teams included: the Mt. Airy Marauders, Po’ Boys, Dumbledore’s Army, and Voldemort’s Navy. The two snitches were played by Cory Haddock and Josh Watson.

This year’s rules are as follows:

1. All teams will have 7-9 players including three catchers, two beaters, a keeper, and a seeker. Each team must have at least two of each gender playing at any given time.
2. Pool noodles must stay between the legs and they must be held by the rider with at least one hand at all times.
3. Improper use of the noodle (ex. Hitting, etc.) will result in removal from the game.
4. No kicking, tripping, bumping, grabbing, elbowing, kneeing, tackling, head-butting, jumping on another player, or making contact with an opposing player’s head, neck, or groin. If a player does not abide by these rules, he/she will be removed from the game.
5. Coaches may only interact with his/her own team members.
6. Referees (HPA members) may use their discretion and stop any behavior they feel is unsafe, and all decisions made by referees or Mrs. Thompson are final. Arguing will result in disqualification.
7. In the case of a tie, 3 players from each team will shoot at the goal from a predetermined distance.
8. Games will be 8 minutes long, and the snitch will be released after 5 minutes.
9. Teams must designate a seeker (who is also the team captain) at the beginning of the game.
10. The seekers try to catch the snitch (a person in our case). Catching the snitch ends the game and gives the team 50 points.
11. Only the seeker may come in contact with the snitch.
12. Chasers will take the Quaffle (a volleyball) and try to get it through a hoop of the opposing team. Each score is worth 10 points.
13. No player may obtain possession of the Quaffle and hold onto it for the purpose of stalling the game.
14. If a player puts the Quaffle through their own hoop, it is considered a score for the opposing team.
15. Players may block a Bludger with the Quaffle if it is in their possession. A play is still considered hit by the Bludger if they deflect it with their bare hand.
16. The keeper stands in front of the hoops and tried to prevent the opposing chasers from scoring.
17. Keeper throws ball back into play after a score. Keeper must stay within lines.
18. Opposing chasers may not interfere or block the Keeper as he/she throws the Quaffle back in play after a player scores.
19. Beaters throw dodge balls at players. If a player is hit, they cannot return to playing until they run back and touch their goal post. Beaters may not hold a Bludger in their hand and tap a player. The ball must be thrown for it to count.

“I will miss all of it. Spending time with a bunch of people who love Harry Potter is a great experience,” said DeFrancisci.

Maze agrees with DeFrancisci. “I’ll miss getting together with a bunch of other people who love Harry Potter just as much as I do and just having a good time being dorks together.”

Good luck to all participating teams!