5§ • Pertinent News for the Discerning Wizard • Sunday . 1 October 1999
RUTHELESS REFEREEING: PLAN TO REDUCE REMOVALS BY CALLING FURTHER FOULS
By: Margaret Urquhart
Following a first month filled with injuries, referees will be calling more fouls in the hopes of fewer player removals. The British and Irish Quidditch League and the Department of Magical Games and Sport have discussed the issue with referees after the end of September's matches, which saw 33 players removed from the pitch by medics over the course of 24 games.
September 1999 has seen the most injuries in the first month since the 1919-1920 season and on pace to be the most injuries since league records started being kept in 1674.
Head Referee Sikander Alva spoke exclusively to the Prophet about the new decree. "The injuries we've seen this season have been an unfortunate consequence of taking a year off. As referees, coaches, and players get back into the rhythm of professional quidditch, we'll see fewer incidents. In the meantime, referees will be calling fouls more aggressively, especially fouls involving close flying and other reckless behavior that could cause injuries or collision. The new standard of refereeing will, we hope, improve the quality of the matches and make them more enjoyable for spectators."
Last month saw two high-profile mid-air collisions: one between Gwenog Jones and Ginny Weasley of the Harpies and another between Jake Dibble of the Arrows the and Montrose's Captain Micah Savage. These were in addition to the usual removals for bludger strikes and other injuries.
Fans can expect more forceful foul-calling starting with today’s matchup of Falmouth and Ballycastle.