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harry potter - Does Hogwarts have sports if you're not in a Quidditch team?


The only organised physical activity in the Harry Potter books seems to be the Quidditch Cup. The teams for that are very small (even assuming a reserve for every position, there only 14 players per house times 4 houses - that's not a lot of students). Aside from flying lessons with Madam Hooch, which seem to only happen in first year (To what extent are flying lessons provided at Hogwarts?) - is there any other activity for students who don't make it onto the Quidditch team? Do they just give up? Are training sessions provided by Madam Hooch to help people train for try-outs? Is there a B-league that's never shown? Do they play any other sports, or have PE lessons, or is running away from fellow students' curses considered sufficient exercise?


I've read the books and never found any reference to non-Quidditch-Cup exercise, but perhaps there is something from an interview or Pottermore that touches on this - any suggestions?



Answer




The best example of a sport encouraged, at least a one point at Hogwarts, is Dueling (kudos MajorStackings)


Dueling


We know from Quidditch Through the Ages that from 1750 the Department of Magical Games and Sports began passing legislation regarding the game of Quidditch, so this confirms that this particular department is indeed involved in sports.


We also see in the film version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that the Daily Prophet has a 'Sports' section.



Now, it seems a bit ludicrous to me that a whole department be established for a single game/sport and I was right to suspect there were other games/sports. We have...**



  • Gobstones, a game rather like marbles with a magical twist. According to the previously linked Pottermore reference, there are even International leagues (probably where the Department of Magical Games and Sports comes in).


Gobstones



  • Wizard Chess (kudos user13267)


Wizard Chess




  • Exploding Snap (kudos user13267)


Exploding Snap



  • Garden Gnome Tossing (kudos MajorStackings)


Garden Gnome Tossing



  • Dragon Baiting (kudos MajorStackings)

  • Speed Spells (kudos MajorStackings)


  • 3 Headed Dog Racing (kudos MajorStackings)

  • Owl Racing (kudos MajorStackings)


So, in the wizarding world in general, it seems people can play Quidditch or Gobstones, or perhaps a muggle sport if they felt that way inclined and were sufficiently familiar with the rules.


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