Rules Team Releases Rulebook Clarifications

The US Quidditch Rules Team has released clarifications to the eighth edition rulebook.

In an ongoing effort to better serve the community, the US Quidditch Rules Team has released the following clarifications to the eighth edition rulebook.

These changes will be inserted into the rulebook shortly, and are being released now to assist summer tournament organizers and attendees.

CLARIFICATIONS

The “Four maximum” rule should be reworded to clarify that the four players of the same gender are the maximum out of the six players on the field, not the entire team.

2.5.7 Headband lost mid-play: Any player who loses a headband may remain in play until they are either knocked out, there is a stoppage in play, or a goal is scored, but the player must replace the headband as soon as possible. Seekers do not have to replace their headband when a goal is scored, but the other two requirements apply.

Addition of 3.3.4.B.i.e: In an advantage call, if the fouling player intentionally, in the judgement of the referee, commits a second foul, a second penalty is given. Otherwise, the penalty for the more egregious of the two fouls is given.

Update to 6.3.2.2.A.i: A player may use one or two hands on the ball to steal.

Addition of the section Body blocking (becomes 6.3.2.3): A body block consists of initiating force upon an opponent by means other than the arms/hands (such as shoulders, chest, hips). Body blocking is the contact that is not the entire force of the attacking player; it has to be done after contact has been established without the full momentum of the attacking player, such as when two players are running in the same direction and one bumps into the other.

A. When to body block:

i. A player may body block any eligible opponent. A body block must be not be initiated from behind. (See 6.3.1.5)

ii. A player may body block another player running in the same direction as them to gain space or knock the other player off the path.

B. Illegal body blocking: A body block becomes is illegal if the full momentum of the player initiating the contact is directed at the player being blocked. Such as, if the body block meets the criteria of a charge. Unless the charge would be legal, in which case the block remains legal

Update on the definition of Push (currently 6.3.2.3, becomes 6.3.2.4): A push consists of initiating force upon an opponent with an extended arm, be it extended during or before initiation of contact

A. When to push: A player may push any eligible opponent.

i. Only one arm may be used to push.

ii. A push must be not be initiated from behind. (See 6.3.1.5)

B. Illegal pushing: A push becomes illegal at the point it becomes a charge directed solely at an opponent not in possession of a ball, unless the player initiating the push is in possession of a ball. (See 6.3.2.5)

i. It is illegal to push using the head, elbow, or feet.

ii. It is illegal to push with two hands.

iii. It is illegal to push an opponent in the head, neck, groin, from behind, or below the knees.

Update on the definition of Charge (currently 6.3.2.4, becomes 6.3.2.5): A charge consists of turning or launching your body directly at an opponent so as to halt their progress, knock them off balance, or knock them to the ground (The remainder of this rule is the same as in the charging section of rulebook eight).

6.4 Fouls and Misconduct: Simultaneous penalty: If a player commits two fouls simultaneously, only the harsher penalty applies.

6.4.1.2.B The referee signals that there was a technical foul by showing a blue card and communicates the nature of the foul.