Quadball: The Gender Rule and the Name Change Up for Debate

A session that mixes play with analysis of one of quadball's best-known rules: no team may have more than four players of the same gender on the field, and each player's gender is the one they identify with. It also looks at why the sport stopped calling itself quidditch in 2022.

How to play

1. Short group reading: the gender rule, which aims for real participation by all genders, and the change to the name quadball, driven by trademark issues and a wish to distance the sport from the author of the book series (3 min).
2. Short quadball game using the rule; one observer per team tallies how many passes each player receives (10 min).
3. Moving values line: the teacher reads statements and everyone stands closer to the agree or disagree cone; two volunteers explain their position (5 min).
4. Second game in which each team proposes and applies its own rule to share the spotlight (8 min).
5. Conclusions on poster board: which rule does more for participation, and why? (4 min).

Rules

• No one asks about or comments on anyone else's gender: students tell the teacher privately if they wish.
• No tackling: steal the ball by tagging the carrier.
• In the debate we argue about ideas, not people.
• Bludgers thrown below shoulder height.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users play chaser or keeper, and on the values line can show their position with a colored card if they'd rather not move.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: statements are projected or shown written on poster board.
• Students who don't want to speak publicly write their argument on a sticky note that the teacher reads anonymously.

Learning goals

• Analyze how a sports rule can promote gender equality.
• Learn about quadball's origins and name change.
• Argue respectfully using data from the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pvc poles: 30
• hula hoops: 6
• tall cones: 6
• volleyballs: 2
• foam balls: 6
• pinnies: 15
• poster boards: 4

Teacher tip

Prepare four or five clear statements ahead of time, for example 'a gender rule is necessary in a coed sport.' Make the teams yourself so nobody has to justify where they're placed. Typical mistake: the debate drifts to the book series; steer it back to the sport and its rules.

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