The Encyclopaedia of Sport and Games

Every sport and game of the Edwardian world in four volumes — from angling and ballooning to yachting — written by the people who did them, Theodore Roosevelt on big game among them.

Home › U › Union (Not later than the th May)

Union (Not later than the th May)

not later than the 20th May in each year, provided that- (A) Any injured player does not receive more than 6s. per week-day while injured. [FOOTBALL (B) Payments are only made on the certificate of a registered medical practitioner. (c) Any player does not play football within eight days of his accident. If he does so, no insurance compensation shall be paid. (D) Proper books of account be kept. 8. This Union may hold inquiries into any alleged breaches of these rules at its pleasure, and shall do so when requested by any club or member of a club, provided any such club or member make a preliminary deposit of £10, or such smaller sum as this Union may determine, to be accompanied by a preliminary written statement of the chief known facts. After any such inquiry, this Union may return the preliminary deposit wholly or in part, and may order the expenses of such inquiry, of clubs and members implicated, and of witnesses, to be paid as it may determine. 9. At all inquiries under Rules 6 and 8, correct notes must be taken. 10. Any club, member, or player affected by any decision given by a county, union of counties, or university under the delegation of powers contained in Rule II, may appeal direct to this Union. Such appeal must be made within ten days, and must be accompanied by a deposit of £50 and a written statement of the grounds of appeal. After any such appeal, this Union may return such deposit wholly or in part, and may order the expenses of such inquiry, of clubs and members implicated, and of witnesses, to be paid as it may determine. determine. II. This Union may delegate to recognised governing bodies, such as counties, union of counties, and universities, powers to act for it in such cases and under such regulations as it may determine. All powers so delegated, and the bodies to whom such delegation be made, shall be published annually in the official guide of this Union. 12. This Union may appoint a sub-committee or committees to act on its behalf in all cases arising under these rules, giving such powers as it may determine. 13. This Union shall have power to deal with all cases arising out of these rules, and with all acts which it may consider as acts of professionalism, and which are not specially provided for. 14. Where the word Union is used in these rules, the Committee of this Union for the time being shall be understood, and in the delegation of powers the committee of the recognised governing body shall be understood. In case any difference of opinion arises as to the meaning of any of these rules, such meaning shall be decided by the committee of this Union, or if it occurs at a general meeting, by the chairman thereof.

Any such decision shall be entered in the minutes , and shall be accepted as the true meaning until otherwise interpreted by a two-thirds majority at a general meeting of this Union, after due notice had been given.

II.-ASSOCIATION.

The 1.-The game should be played by eleven players on each side. The dimensions of the field of play shall be maximum length, 130 yards; minimum length, 100 yards; maximum breadth , 100 yards; minimum breadth, 50 yards. The field of play shall be marked by boundary lines. lines at each end are the goal-lines, and the lines at the sides are the touch-lines. The touchlines shall be drawn at right angles with the goal-lines. (a) A flag with a staff not less than 5 ft. high shall be placed at each corner. A half-way line shall be marked out across the field of play . The centre of the field of play shall be indicated by a FOOTBALL] suitable mark, and a circle with a 10 yards' radius shall be made round it. The goals shall be upright posts fixed on the goal-lines, equidistant from the corner flagstaffs, 8 yards apart, with a bar across them 8 ft. from the ground. The maximum width of the goal-posts and the maximum depth of the cross-bar shall be 5 in. Lines shall be marked 6 yards from each goal-post at right angles to the goal-lines for a distance of 6 yards, and these shall be connected with each other by a line parallel to the goal-lines; the space within these lines shall be the goal area. Lines shall be marked 18 yards from each goal-post at right angles to the goal-lines for a distance of 18 yards, and these shall be connected with each other by a line parallel to the goal-lines; the space within these lines shall be the penalty area. A THE TATE LIBRARY, BRIXTON, S.W. 3.-Ends shall only be changed at half-time.

The interval at half-time shall not exceed five minutes, except by consent of the Referee. After a goal is scored the losing side shall kick off, and after the change of ends at half-time the ball shall be kicked off by the opposite side from that which originally did so; and always as provided in Law 2. 4.-Except as otherwise provided by these laws a goal shall be scored when the ball has passed between the goal-posts under the bar, not being thrown, knocked on, nor carried by any player of the attacking side. If from any cause during the progress of the game the bar is displaced, the Referee shall have power to award a goal if in his opinion the ball would have passed under the bar if it had not been displaced. The ball is in play CARRYING THE BALL. suitable mark shall be made opposite the centre of each goal, 12 yards from the goal-line; this shall be the penalty-kick mark. The circumference of the ball shall not be less than 27 in., nor more than 28 in. The outer casing must be of leather, and no material shall be used in the construction of the ball which would constitute a danger to the players. In International matches the dimensions of the field of play shall bemaximum length, 120 yards; minimum length, 110 yards; maximum breadth, 80 yards; minimum breadth, 70 yards; and at the commencement of the game the weight of the ball shall be from 13 to 15 ozs. (a) [The touch and goal-lines must not be marked by a V-shaped rut.] 2. The duration of the game shall be 90 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.

The winners of the toss shall have the option of kick off or choice of goals. The game shall be commenced by a place kick from the centre of the field of play in the direction of the opponents' goal-line; the opponents shall not approach within IO yards of the ball until it is kicked off, nor shall any player on either side pass the centre of the ground in the direction of his opponents' goal until the ball is kicked off. [If this Law is not complied with the kick off must be taken over again.] if it rebounds from a goal-post, cross-bar, or a corner flagstaff into the field of play. The ball is in play if it touches the Referee or a Linesman when in the field of play. The ball is out of play when it has crossed the goal-line or touchline, either on the ground or in the air. [The whole of the ball must have passed over the goal-line or touch-line before it is out of play.] 5.-When the ball is in touch, a player of the opposite side to that which played it out shall throw it in from the point on the touch-line where it left the field of play. The player throwing the ball must stand on the touch-line facing the field of play, and shall throw the ball in over his head with both hands in any direction, and it shall be in play when thrown in. A goal shall not be scored from a throw-in, and the thrower shall not again play until the ball has been played by another player. [This Law is complied with if the player has any part of both feet on the line when he throws the ball in.] 6. When a player plays the ball, or throws it in from touch, any player of the same side at such moment of playing or throwing in is nearer to his opponents' goal-line, is out of play, and may not touch the ball himself, nor in any way whatever interfere with an opponent, or with the play, until the ball has been again played, unless there are at such moment of playing or throwingin at least three of his opponents nearer their own goal-line. A player is not out of play when the ball is kicked off from goal, when a corner kick is taken, when the ball has been last played by an opponent, or when he himself is within his own half of the field of play at the moment the ball is played or thrown in from touch by any player of the same side. (a) [Decision of the International Board :-A flag may be placed opposite the half-way line of each side of the field of play, but it must be at least one yard from the touch-line, and upon a staff not less than 5 ft. high.] 7.-When the ball is played behind the goal-line by a player of the opposite side, it shall be kicked off by any one of the players behind whose goalline it went, within that half of the goal area nearest the point where the ball left the field of play; but, if played behind by any one of the side whose goal-line it is, a player of the opposite side shall kick it from within one yard of the nearest corner flagstaff (a). In either case an opponent shall not be allowed within 6 yards of the ball until it is kicked off. (a) [The corner flag must not be removed when a corner kick is taken.] 8.-The goalkeeper may within his own half of the field of play, use his hands, but shall not carry the ball. The goalkeeper shall not be charged except when he is holding the ball, or obstructing an opponent, or when he has passed outside the goal area. The goalkeeper may be changed during the game, but notice of such change must first be given to the Referee. [If a goalkeeper has been changed without the Referee being notified, and the new goalkeeper handles the ball within the penalty area a penalty kick must be awarded.] 9.-Neither tripping, kicking, nor jumping at a player shall be allowed. A player (the goalkeeper excepted) shall not intentionally handle the ball under any pretence whatever. A player shall not use his hands to hold or push an opponent. Charging is permissible, but it must not be violent or dangerous. A player shall not be charged from behind unless he is intentionally obstructing an opponent.

Cases of handling the ball and tripping, pushing, kicking, or holding an opponent and charging an opponent from behind may so happen as to be considered unintentional, and when this is so, no penalty must be awarded. If a player turns so as to face his own goal when he is tackled, or is obviously aware that he is about to be tackled by an opponent, he is intentionally obstructing, and may be charged from behind. 10. When a free kick has been awarded, the kicker's opponents shall not approach within six yards of the ball unless they are standing on their own goal-line. The ball must at least be rolled over before it shall be considered played-i.e., it must make a complete circuit or travel the distance of its circumference. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has been played by another player. The kick off (except as provided by Law 2), corner kick, and goal kick shall be free kicks within the meaning of this Law. 11. A goal may be scored from a free kick which is awarded because of any infringement of Law 9, but not from any other free kick. 12.-A player shall not wear any nails, except such as have their heads driven in flush with the leather, or metal plates or projections, or gutta percha, on his boots, or on his shin guards. If bars or studs on the soles or heels of the boot [FOOTBALL are used, they shall not project more than half an inch, and shall have all their fastenings driven in flush with the leather. Bars shall be transverse and flat, not less than half an inch in width, and shall extend from side to side of the boot.

Studs shall be round in plan, not less than an inch in diameter, and in no case conical or pointed (a). Any player discovered infringing this law shall be prohibited from taking further part in the match. The Referee shall, if required, examine the players' boots before the commencement of a match. (a) [Wearing soft india-rubber on the soles of boots is not a violation of this Law.] 13.-A Referee shall be appointed whose duties shall be to enforce the Laws and decide all disputed points; and his decision on points of fact connected with the play shall be final. He shall also keep a record of the game, and act as timekeeper. In the event of any ungentlemanly behaviour on the part of the players, the offender or offenders shall be cautioned, and if any further offence is committed, or in case of violent conduct, without any previous caution, the Referee shall order the offending player or players off the field of play, and shall transmit the name or names of such player or players to his or their National Association, who shall deal with the matter. The Referee shall allow for time wasted, lost through accident, or other cause, suspend or terminate the game whenever by reason of darkness, interference by spectators, or other cause, he may deem necessary; but in all cases in which a game is so terminated he shall report the same to the Association under whose jurisdiction the game was played, who shall deal with the matter.

Referee shall award a free kick in any case in which he thinks the conduct of a player dangerous, or likely to prove dangerous, but not sufficiently so as to justify him in pruting in force the greater powers vested in him. The power of the Referee extends to offences committed when the play has been temporarily suspended, and when the ball is out of play.

The [Persistent infringement of any of the Laws of the Game is ungentlemanly conduct within the meaning of this Law. All reports by Referees to be made within three days after the occurrence (Sundays not included), and reports will be deemed to be made when received in the ordinary course of post.] 14.-Two linesmen shall be appointed, whose duty (subject to the decision of the Referee) shall be to decide when the ball is out of play, and which side is entitled to the corner kick, goal kick, or throw-in; and to assist the Referee in carrying out the game in accordance with the laws (a). In the event of any undue interference or improper conduct by a linesman, the Referee shall have power to order him off the field of play, and appoint a substitute, and report the circumstances to the National Association having jurisdiction over him, who shall deal with the matter. (a) [Linesmen where neutral should call the attention of the Referee to rough play, or ungentlemanly conduct, and generally assist him to carry out the game in a proper manner.] 15. In the event of a supposed infringement of the laws, the ball shall be in play until a decision has been given. 16.-In the event of any temporary suspension of play from any cause, the ball not having gone into touch or behind the goal-line, the Referee shall throw it down where it was when play was suspended, and the ball shall be in play when it has touched the ground. If the ball goes into T FOOTBALL] touch or behind the goal-line before it is played by a player, the Referee shall again throw it down. The players on either side shall not play the ball until it has touched the ground. 17. In the event of any infringement of Laws 5, 6, 8, 10, or 16, or of a player being sent off the field under Law 13, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposite side, from the place where the infringement occurred. In the event of any intentional infringement of Law 9 outside the penalty area, or by the attacking side within the penalty area, a free kick shall be awarded to the opposite side from the place where the infringement occurred. In the event of any intentional infringement of Law 9 by the defending side within the penalty area, the Referee shall award the opponents a penalty kick, which shall be taken from the penalty-kick mark under the following conditions:-All players, with the exception of the player taking the penalty kick and the opponents' goalkeeper, shall be outside the penalty area. The opponents' goalkeeper shall not advance beyond his goal-line. The ball must be kicked forward. The ball shall be in play when the kick is taken, and a goal may be scored from a penalty kick; but the ball shall not be again played by the kicker until it has been played by another player. If necessary, time of play shall be extended to admit of the penalty kick being taken. A free kick shall also be awarded to the opposite side if the ball is not kicked forward, or is played a second time by the player who takes the penalty kick until it has been played by another player. The Referee may refrain from putting the provisions of this Law into effect in cases where he is satisfied that by enforcing them he would be giving an advantage to the offending side. If when a penalty kick is taken the ball passes between the goal-post, under the bar, the goal shall not be nullified by reason of any infringement by the defending side. DEFINITION OF TERMS.

A Place Kick is a kick at the ball while it is on place kick, the ground in the centre of the field of play.

A Free Kick is a kick at the ball in any direction the player pleases, when it is lying on the ground.

A Place Kick, a Free Kick, or a Penalty Kick must not be taken until the Referee has given the signal for the same.

Carrying by the goalkeeper is taking more than two steps while holding the ball, or bouncing it on the hand.

Knocking-on is when a player strikes or propels the ball with his hands or arms.

Handling and Tripping. - Handling is intentionally playing the ball with the hand or arm, and Tripping is intentionally throwing or attempting to throw an opponent by the use of the legs, or by stooping in front of or behind him.

Holding includes the obstruction of a player by the hand or any part of the arm extending from the body.

Touch is that part of the ground on either side of the field of play.

FOOTBALL IN AMERICA. -The first mention of football in America refers to a time when, in New England, many years ago, unnumbered sides formed, and struggled for possession of an inflated bladder, much as in the earliest records of the English game; only, so far as we can learn, the first American football was more of a kicking game, whereas the very first English was more of a carrying or Rugby game. There were no rules, of course, except those of mere local application, and all disputes were settled on the field. Crude as it was, this game was taken up by schoolboys, and naturally found its way into the colleges. Yale University has the first authentic record of football in an annual Freshman-Sophomore match, which became an institution in 1840. The challenges and Diagram of the American Rugby football field with arrangement of players. This shows the ordinary formation on the offensive. On the defensive the formation is more open, and the full-back near his goal:

TOUCH IN GOAL TOUCH IN GOAL TOUCH LINE 330 FEET GOAL 18 Fr. & 6 Inches GOAL LINE 160 FEET RIGHT END RIGHT HALF BACK RIGHT TACKLE RIGHT GUARD CENTRE LEFT GUARD LEFT HALF BACK LEFT TACKLE LEFT END QUARTER BACK FULL BACH GOAL LINE 160 FEET 18 Fr&6 Inches GOAL 25 YARD LINE 25 YARD LINE TOUCH IN GOAL TOUCH LINE 330 FEET TOUCH IN GOAL acceptances of these matches were publicly posted on the doors of Old Chapel. The game was by no means scientific, in fact it was a mere rough and tumble, and the ball was a round bladder in a leather case.

These annual football scrambles were continued until 1858-59, when they were stopped by the order of the faculty, and replaced by the annual rushes between the classes, which, after all, differed but little from the game as it had been played, except in the absence of a ball. These rushes were not governed by rules, but they were the means of suggesting later organisation.

From 1859 until 1870 football was neglected in the United States; but with 1870 began an awakening which finally resulted, in 1873, in a convention, held in New York by Columbia, Princeton, Rutgers, and Yale

Read next

← Union (Any club disregarding)Universities →