Males and Females at Quidditch - and why this could be more than just a "Flint"

[Sherry]

No: HPFGUIDX 185227

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Zara" <zgirnius at ...> wrote:

> Zara:
> 
> As you say, the possibility of female Seekers make sense. Being light 
> on  a broom might help, and things like visual acuity and focus would 
> be greater advantages that bulk and strength (and are not unevenly 
> divided among the sexes).
> ...
> 
> Both Beater and Keeper would seem to be positions in which males 
> would have an advantage. Beaters hit the Bludgers with bats, which 
> would seem to give players with upper body strength an advantage. 
> Keepers, all other things being equal, presumably are better if they 
> are taller - the greater reach associated with being tall should 
> allow them to better cover goals.
> 
> So, I think Rowling did think this through (some).  I also think she 
> is not an athlete, and not a big fan of Quidditch. <g>

Sherry:
I interpreted the positions in Quidditch in the same way you do, Zara.
Seekers and Chasers are positions in which light-weight, agile players
are best placed, while Beaters and Keepers are positions that call for
size and bulk. I always compare them to positions such as Goalkeeper
in Football (known as Soccer in the United States of America).
> 
> Zara:
> I would not consider Fleur a good example [of a woman choosing
houshold over job]. Her previous job was some 
> sort of internship or part time position with Gringotts "to eemprove 
> her Engleesh" - was it even a position of unlimited duration? I don't 
> think we are told - she might have been out of work before her 
> marriage, and put off searching for a new job in light of the 
> takeover of the Ministry.

Sherry:
I had the impression that she put working in the Order of the Phoenix
ahead of a regular job in the needs of the period.