No matter how ardently nonbelievers will deny the legitimacy of Quidditch as a sport, there is nothing fictitious about the injuries that result.  According to the official World Cup 2010 Injury Report, there were 53 injuries in all. Not all of those could have been prevented (take “bee sting,” for example), but there are certain simple precautions that can be taken to prevent injury. Stretching and warm-ups go a long way toward reducing chance of injury, but injury prevention doesn’t end with the start of the clock. Here are some tips on what you can do once taking the field.  It’s game time, people.

1) Proper Equipment
Mouth guard — Yes, you’d prefer to show off the thousands of dollars worth of orthodontic work that went into your brilliant pearly whites, but it’s best to make sure they stay firmly attached to your head.  It keeps you from inadvertently biting and spreading your vampirism, too.
Goggles — It’s all fun and matches until somebody loses an eye…
Cleats — Not only do they look cool and athletic, but believe it or not, they’re functional too. Cleats are great in those rainy matches because they reduce the number of embarrassing pictures of you that somehow become splattered across Facebook. More subtly, they prevent pulled ligaments.
Shin guards — Bruises look gross.

2) Responsible Game Play
Use appropriate force — Just as you wouldn’t use a flamethrower to light a Hanukkah candle, don’t tackle someone half your size at full speed. Overkill is ugly.
Be aware — As we all know, Quidditch is a highly entertaining sport, and subsequently attracts a lot of over-zealous spectators who crowd the field.  Even non-Quidditch players are people too. They have feelings and nervous systems so try to avoid running smack into them.
Communicate — If your teammate is going for goal and doesn’t see the monster of a chaser coming straight for her, give a shout out! “Man on!” Friends don’t let friends get blindsided.
Play by the rules — In most respects, Quidditch players don’t tend to go by the book. But in the case of the official rules, follow them. Like, seriously. They are there for your own protection. Don’t tackle from behind, keep your hands off the Keeper and steer clear of heads. It’s important!

3) After the Match
Be a good sport — Because getting punched in the face hurts.