Think back to those elementary school days. More specifically, think of gym class. It's your time to shine and release all of that tightly-wound energy coursing through your veins. You are about to dominate in the most intense and vengeful game of Dodge-ball your 4th grade friends have ever seen. The sweat is dripping, the sun is shining, and your feet are ready to run. The whistle blows and you let your body fly, you have to get to the dodge-ball first, you have to. You pick one up and NAIL one of the biggest kids on the other team. It's smooth sailing from there.

It's lunch, time to relax and reward yourself after that exhausting domination of Dodge-ball. But, you can't relax. Word in the cafeteria is that the enemy dodge-ball team wants a rematch...in Tag. It's all or nothing now. You have to drop that pizza and lace up those Converses even tighter. You walk out to recess with your eyes on the prize, which is just bragging rights. Remember that monstrous kid you nailed in dodge-ball? Well they are it. 1...2...3...RUN!

I am 26 years old and can very confidently admit to being a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I consider everyone I know to be a Muggle, and I am convinced my letter to Hogwarts was lost in the mail. I know probably over 50 spells and all the secret passageways into Hogsmeade. One of the most magical and thrilling parts of the wizarding world is the electrifying game of Quidditch. Those games of Tag, Dodge-ball and Flag-Football have only been preparing you for this moment, combine all of those elements add a broomstick, and you have got yourself the most ultimate game in history.

Game Play

Like most games, the object is to score the most amount of points. In Quidditch you want to score the most amount of points before the Golden Snitch is caught. When a team catches the Snitch the game is over, the team with the most points at this time, wins the game. This definitely a contact sport, which is where your Dodge-ball and Football skills come into play. Let's brake it down even further...

There are 4 possible positions on the team: 1 Seeker, their one responsibility is to catch the Golden Snitch. 3 Chasers, these players will get to score goals by either kicking or throwing the ball through 1 of 3 hoops. 2 Beaters, probably one of the most entertaining positions, they get to completely disrupt the game and the other players by throwing balls at them, (remind you of Dodge-ball yet)? Finally, 1 Keeper, and this is your "goalie". So if you haven't already assumed you are in a for a real workout. Quidditch is not for the softies, get ready to get down and dirty and play as if your reputation on the school yard depended on it. Oh did I mention, everyone is playing while on broomstick? Let the entertainment begin!

Gender Equality is a Real Thing

This game is amazing, exhausting, and will challenge you more than physically. My absolute favorite part of Quidditch isn't the brooms, uniforms, or even the game itself, my favorite part is what Quidditch stands for. US Quidditch has taken an amazing stand and has made the game of Quidditch gender equal. I don't just mean male or female either. Any individual, even if they do not identify within the binary gender system, is acknowledge and welcomed by the community of Quidditch. They 100% support individualism and want you on their team. They even have a "Gender Maximum Rule" which means a maximum of 4 players who identify as the same gender can be actively playing on the field at the same time. Let's go Team Equal!

New Friends

My favorite type of people, are the ones I can be myself around. If I can talk about wizards and Quidditch with you, then you and I are best friends. Think about joining a sport where everyone there loves Harry Potter and are not afraid to admit it. These types of friends will be by your side and will love you for being YOU. I guarantee they will bring out those awesome qualities that you are sometimes to shy to show. Your confidence will soar and think of all that happiness that will follow. I see a win-win situation here.

Be a Part of the Movement

Quidditch is more than a sport. Yes it is a grueling, hands-on, stress-relieving outlet, for people of all ages to let loose and be active. Yes, you will learn incredible leadership skills, gain confidence, work off those donuts you had for breakfast. Yet more importantly, you will be making a difference, not only in your life but in community as well. You will be showing everyone its AWESOME to be yourself and to not be afraid to get out in the world. You will be taking a stand on gender equality and on sexist sports. Play because you beleive that men, women, and all genders are equal human beings. Play because you love the burn in your legs after an intense game. Play because you believe in something, play because its fun. Play becuase it makes you happy.