Sphere (sport)

Only playable by those born with the Mark, Sphere is the sport of wizards, held in magical stadiums which generate a special playing field that renders all bearers of the Mark buoyant in air. The air within is also thickened slightly, and an inflated ball that neither sinks nor rises in the air is used as two five person teams try to score goals. The goals themselves sit on opposite ends of the sphere, and typically have a goalie guarding them. Flight within the sphere might seem easy but requires a degree of focus, and the game can be more taxing for the wizards than most suspect. Additional magic is frowned upon, but part of what makes the game so exciting is seeing what wizards can get away with as they weave subtle magics into their play styles. Purely cosmetic magical effects are allowed, though cunning wizards weave more potent effects into these as well. Judges of these games are heavily scrutinized, and reports of scandal among the halls of judges always make news around the world. 
Magical stadiums such as this aren't cheap, and as a result, there are only eight stadiums in the world. (It's simple enough for a wizard school to set up a temporary stadium so their team can practice, but it often lacks the size and seat capacity necessary for the games to be properly held.) Older wizards mutter that magical schools sometimes pick applicants based solely on their capacity to play Sphere, but the prestige (and purses) to be one are too tempting.