JK Rowling criticised by woke Quadball star for trans views - despite sport being based on Quidditch

The Harry Potter author first used the game in 1997 when The Philosopher's Stone was published.

Yet those who play the sport in real life have attempted to distance themselves from Rowling due to her controversial views.

The 58-year-old has been regularly condemned for sticking up for biological women online.

Some, however, think she's crossed a line.

And Jake Dalbey, a chaser with the Minneapolis Monarchs, the official Major League Quadball (MLQ) franchise in Minnesota, has now condemned Rowling.

“Everything that she [Rowling] said in regard to trans people and the LGBTQ community is at odds with what quadball is trying to do," he told Racket.

“It has always been rooted in equality.

"The rule that you can’t have more than four people of the same identifying gender on the field has always created a nice atmosphere.

"It opens it up to a way more diverse group, and it doesn’t just become a boys’ club.”

Dalbey also insists there have never been any instances of discrimination and transphobia during a game.

“By playing quadball, you’re buying into a certain mindset,” adds the American.

“No team that I have ever played on has ever had a problem with how players choose to identify, nor has it ever really needed to be discussed.

"We’re a pretty well self-governed group.

"If you did make a fuss about something like that, it would be taken care of pretty quickly.”

Dalbey admits he's a huge fan of Harry Potter.

However, he insists his devotion to the sport isn't because of his love of the books, films and numerous other media.

“I have always been a big Harry Potter guy, but that’s not really what drew me in,” he continued.

“I went to college at Iowa State, and at the end of my freshman year I wanted to find a sport or some type of intramural where I could compete and stay in shape.

"Quidditch seemed more accessible than some of the other sports that had more rigorous tryouts, so I picked that and ended up playing on the Iowa State club team for the next three years.

“It’s not like some sports where you have to be really good at one specific thing.

“There are so many different pieces that even if you’re not great in one area there is still plenty of opportunity for you to play.”

Quadball rules state there can be no more than four players of the same gender identity on the field.

And Dalbey says the quirky sport is growing.

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“You’re seeing more former high school or college athletes getting involved,” he said.

“It’s been on ESPN a few times, and there are more teams popping up in different parts of the country.”