The referee, originally called a "Quijudge"[1], is an official who watches Quidditch games and makes sure the rules are being adhered to. They will make decisions when the rules are broken, like awarding a penalty to a team which has been fouled.[2]
About[]
At the start of a Quidditch game, the referee will stand in the central circle of the pitch with four balls; the Quaffle, two Bludgers and the Golden Snitch. The fourteen players stand around them until the referee releases the balls. They have to throw the Quaffle in the air, while the other balls will fly of their own accord.[1]
Referees have to be very experienced fliers with the ability to watch fourteen players at once. They often suffer neck strain in the process. At professional matches, there are also official who stand around the pitch and help the referee by ensuring that the players and balls do not cross out of the perimeter.[1]
The Department of Magical Games and Sports will choose referees in Great Britain. They require the candidates to prove that they have what it takes, including passing rigorous flying tests and a written examination on the rules of Quidditch. They also have to take a series of intensive trials to show that they can stay calm under incredible pressure and will not jinx or curse offensive players.[1]
History[]
In the early days of Quidditch, being a referee was considered dangerous and only for the bravest witches and wizards. In 1357, two local teams in Norfolk were playing under the watch of the referee, Cyprian Youdle, when a spectator cursed Youdle and killed him.[1]
Over the centuries that followed, there were no more deaths but referees have been targeted. A popular method used to disrupt the referee is broom-tampering. In one game, a referee had their broom transformed into a Portkey. They disappeared until they turned up in the Sahara Desert months later. After the Department of Magical Games and Sports put strict security measures on broomsticks, these incidents have been reduced and are now a rarity.[1]
In 1894, referee Nugent Potts was pierced through the nose by an arrow produced by Appleby Arrows' fans who liked to shoot them with their wands into the air whenever their team scored. In response, the Department of Magical Games and Sports banned them from doing this in the future.[3]
Known referees[]
Notes and sources[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Quidditch Through the Ages, Chapter Six: Changes in Quidditch Since the Fourteenth Century
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 11
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Quidditch Through the Ages, Chapter Seven: Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 8