The Daily Prophet - Sports Extra!
Date: Sunday, 10 June 2001
Time: Morning Edition
Characters Involved: The Daily Prophet - Sports Section Extra!
Rating: G
Ministry Maximizes Match Safety!
By “Pitch” Malbum
Mr. Rupert Blackthorn, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic held a sudden press conference yesterday on the front steps of the Ministry. Mr. Blackthorn’s Office has been deluged with the queries of concerned Quidditch fans and Season Ticket holders for the British and Irish League matches regarding Ministry safety measures for the fledgling season. Mr. Blackthorn was quick to assure reporters, fans, ticket holders and all interested warlocks and witches - and that’s everyone! - that the Ministry of Magic has taken every possible precaution to assure fan safety on the Pitch.
Concern has reached a fevered pitch in our community due to the recent werewolf attack. Fans attending matches, including possible night play during periods of the full moon were understandably anxious about possible safety concerns. Mr. Blackthorn further assured the assembled Quidditch fans and reporters that both the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and the Werewolf Capture Unit within it were dedicated primarily to the safety of the wizarding community with the full and unwavering support of Minister of Magic Rudiger Shingleton. Mr. Blackthorn would not elaborate on any additional measures taken beyond what had been publicly announced during last season, however he did allude to “consideration within the Ministry of every possible protective measure” that might become available to protect match spectators.
Also on hand at the press conference was Preston Gand, Spokeswizard for Q.U.A.C.K., Quidditch United Association of the Concerned Keepers of Quidditch, the Association of the Quidditch Team Owners. Mr. Gand reiterated Q.U.A.C.K.’s commitment to the safety of all players and spectators before, during and after Quidditch matches, saying that the Aurors supplied by the Ministry of Magic would be supplemented by additional privately retained wizards paid for by the owners to enhance match security.
Both warlocks were quick to point out that no violence or harm came to any wizard or witch during the entire scope of last season’s play, nor was any threatened or reported during the opening week of play for this season. “Safety of the Community is the foremost concern of the entire Quidditch family of owners and Players.” Mr. Gand, like Mr. Blackthorn before him, would not address any specific measures, including new spells or potions, that his group might be using against werewolves. Likewise, neither man would address questions regarding allowing known werewolves to purchase tickets for or attend any regularly scheduled matches.
Both Mr. Gand and Mr. Blackthorn promised regular and open reports on any threats to match safety now and in the future. Readers of The Daily Prophet can be certain that all details will be reported here first!
Opening Day at Exmoor, page 2
British and Irish League Standings, page 3
British and Irish League "By" Week Schedule, page 4
Quidditch Finals for Hogarts, Sports Sidebar, page 4