IQA Updates Rule Book Process, Creates Rules Committee

by · December 30, 2021

The International Quidditch Association (IQA) is in the process of creating a new rule book since the last one was released in October 2020 and it is updated every two years. This time, the IQA is also working on changes in the process of creating the rule book itself.

According to the IQA, this new process should give national governing bodies (NGBs) more input and provide greater transparency for the public. The rules should then be more stable and have the ability to better respond to any new issues that might arise.

For these reasons, the IQA decided to create a rules committee. It will be a new committee that will be split into three parts. The first part is made up of approximately eight members of the rules team, the second part is made up of anywhere from eight to twelve “at large” members of the rules committee, and the third part is made up of NGB representatives.

All the members of the rules committee should speak on behalf of the Muggle quidditch community at large, and NGB representatives on behalf of their NGB. To be a part of the NGBs represented on this committee, the NGB must be in good standing with the IQA currently; be a full, associate, or developing member; and use the IQA rule book as the primary rule book for its league. There is also a process for NGBs to request permission to make amendments for their NGB.

 

A chaser in an American jersey is shown holding a quaffle and running forward. One chaser in an Australian jersey is running toward them, while another Australian chaser is moving out of view of the camera. Two other American players, referees, and spectators are shown in the background.

Credit: Ajantha Abey Quidditch Photography

 

The first part of the committee, the eight-member part, will debate proposals for changes to the rules. These proposals will be shared with all parts of the rules committee and also with the public. A few weeks after that, the rules team’s debates will start. The rules team can accept, reject, or request revisions to proposals. After that, there will be a final vote. Only the full rules committee will be able to vote, although the public will see which proposals were approved before the rule book is released.

The proposals are divided into minor, regular, and major changes. The proposals for the major changes have different rules than the others because they may change the fundamental aspects of the game. One year in each cycle between IQA World Cups will be labeled a “Major Change Year.” In this year, there might be up to three major changes.

The positions on the rules committee and rules team are now open. Anyone is able to apply as a volunteer. The positions on the rules team require more time and weekly two-hour meetings. The positions on the rules committee require less time, likely from three to five meetings a year, mostly between March and May.

It is a common misconception that one needs to be a referee or otherwise be an expert on the rules as they are in order to be a good candidate for the rules team. However, that is not the case. In fact, it is best if the rules are created by a group with many different perspectives on the game, not just referees. So you just need to know the game, not all the rules details. If you have a year or two of quidditch under your belt, and you’ve been paying attention, then you likely have enough knowledge of the game to provide a good perspective.

 

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