User:Grover cleveland/History of the laws of the game/Sheffield/1876


 * 1875
 * 1877

Sheffield FC uses altered rules
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000181/18760212/052/0010 (Sheffield Independent - Saturday 12 February 1876 ) The rules played were according to tbe code of the Sheffield association, with the exception of the one relating to the goal keeper. In this respect the London law was adopted, whereby the custodian could handle in any part of the field.

Interesting game -- Glasgow v Sheffield
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000986/18760226/020/0005 (Athletic News - Saturday 26 February 1876) ) THE ATHLETIC NEWS GLASGOW v. SHEFFIELD. This match was played at Shcllield, Wednesday, and excited great interest, the Scottish players being great favourites with the Sheffield people. The attendance was very large—the largest yet seen football match at Hramall-lane—fully <5,000 persons being present. The toss resulted iu favour of the Northerners, and they elected to kick with the wind at their backs from the end next IJramall-lane. At 3-30 Mr. J. C. Clegg, the Sheltield captain, kicked off, and no sooner hud hostilities commenced than the Sheffield stronghold was in danger. The second kick in the match, made by Phillips, sent the ball towards the Sheffield goal. M‘Kinnon first, and then M. M‘Neil, essayed its downfall by two well-directed shots, but its old custodian, Carr, was too alert to let the ball pass him. loing next had a try to capture it, but his aim was erratic, and the ball went outside. welljudged kick from the side by M‘Kinnou to "Wilson almost proved fatal, but Carr stopped the ball splendidly. A tremendous struggle next ensued close to the Sheffield goal, but ultimately the ball was sent out danger only to brought back by M'Kinnon in capital style, but his final effort proved futile. At 3-30 the visitors’ efforts were rewarded. Kennedy, judging the distance accurately, sent the ball from the side to Andrews, who was lying in wait for it at the low side, and succeeded iu eluding the vigilance of Can -, and shot it past him. The next notable incident was capital attempt by M. M‘Neil, but the ball again went outside. One of the visitors landed the ball straight for the goal, and another then took it in charge, lie kicked most unerringly. But for Carr’s long reach, it must have gone just under the bar. He, however, was equal to the emergency, and directed its course over instead, and just saved his goal at most critical moment. Hurry M'Neil would not be denied, and came again to annoy Carr, but the giant frustrated his final effort. Lang next tried his hand, or more correctly, his foot. The shot was a most accurate one, but Hunter interposed his head, whence it rebounded over the bar. So far, the visitors had been constantly pounding away at the Sheffield goal, but the siege was now raised Mosforth, who invaded their territories. This success was but transient, the M‘Neils, Lang, M'Kinnon, and others by some line crossing play soon brought the ball back again within the Sheffield lines. Houseley stopped their little game by a grand return, and Charles rushed off with the ball to the Scottish goal, but was foiled by their backs. grand run by Wylie raised the hopes of the spectators, and they cheered him on, but just as his efforts were on the point of fruition he also was thwarted. Another attempt by Orton, who made a clever run, almost proved effectual, his final try ending in the ball going only just outside the post. This was the first time that the Glasgow goal was really in danger. H. M‘Nell’s career was suddenly arrested by Gregory, who sent him flying several yards. Mosforth next gave his opponent some more trouble, by threading his way past several of them, and taking the ball along with him. After he had been deprived of it Hunter sent it back finely, when it was taken in charge by Gregory, His final effort was well directed, but the Northern goalkeeper stopped the ball with his hands. Urged on by this partial success, came again. First he made judicious kick from the corner, which he followed up by another grand shot, which required all the skill of M'Geoch to stop with his hands. Latterly the play of the men had been particularly good, and considering the disadvantages they were labouring under, kicking against a strong wind, their efforts were most meritorous. After the ball had once more been shot over the bar M. M'Nell half-time was called. It was now generally anticipated that with the wind in their favour the Sheffield men would soon put themselves on an equality with their antagonists. The result, however, proved otherwise. This was doubtless in some degree owing to the fact that the boisterous wind at starting had now lulled very considerably, although it was still nearly equal to extra man in favour of the Sheffield team, but they failed to fully utilise it. Somehow it did not much trouble the Glasgow men, as after immense kick from the side by Hunter and a second by Gregory, 11. M'Neil stole up the side, and caused the Sheffield goal to in danger. Carr rushed out to meet him, but missed his kick, and had it not been for the timely assistance of the back, his citadel would have been at M‘Neil’s mercy. A particularly good backward kick by Anthony was the next item of interest, after which the bail was grandly kicked up by W. M'Neil and M'Kinnon. . confederate was entrusted with the final kick, but lacking direction, it went outside. A second attempt went direct for the mark, but Carr stopped it just in the nick of time. At this time the sun shone out brilliantly for about ten minutes fair into the eyes of the visitors. After two excellent kicks from this side iy J. <'. Clegg, the Glasgow goal was in imminent peril, Wylie having line chance. Just he let lly one of the backs interposed his body, when the ball rebounded towards H. M'Nell, who again swooped down with it like lightning to the .Sheffield end, when put it out at tin”side, and it was as quickly returned. Gregory landed it just over the bar from the side. A similar kick by Hunter wont fair into the portals of the lasgow goal, when it was headed in several directions by both sides. After being again sent out of danger it was once more returned from the centre J. C. Clegg to Wylie. His effort was a grand one, but the ball was equally well stopped by the goal-keeper, who sent it back. Wylie then tried to head it through, but only succeeded in putting it outside the posts. His effort was loudly and deservedly applauded. Another finelymeasured kick from corner was also neutralised by one of the backs, who headed it away. After the siege had been again raised the ball was immediately taken to the other end, where another splendid shot was stopped by Carr. A short, sharp struggle then ensued in close proximity to the Sheffield goal. A well-directed dlort was «topp.'(l liy Carr, who tried to throw the ball out, but unluckily threw it against Andrews’ legs, whence it cannoned through the goal at -l-tO. After particularly gooil backwards kick Orton time was called, (Glasgow thus winning somewhat easily by two goals to nothing. Sides:— Gi.ascow.—H. M ‘.Neil I’ark), .1. Hunter t3rd Lanarkl, G. M. Wilson (Clydesdale), A. Kennedy (Kastern), J, Phillips I’ark), J. CamplK'll (Hangers), -- laing (Clydesdale), JI. M‘Neil (Hangers), P. Andrews (Eastern), W. M'Kinnon (<)ueeu’« Park), captain, A. > 1 btmbre.-kt, goal. Umpire; Mr. Win. Dick. Siikkkiki.i).—J. (<’legg (captain), W. K. t'lcgg, J. Hunter, H. Gregory, W. Mosforth, J. Houslev, S. Charles, G. Anthony, J. <5. Wylie, W. Orton, W. 11. Carr (goal). Umpire: Mr. H. W. Dickenson. After the match the players and their friends met and sat down to an excellent dinner, served by Mr. Armfield, at the Adelphi Hotel, in his usual first-class style. Mr. J. G. Shaw, the president the Sheffield Association, was in the chair, and Mr. M'Kinnon, the Scottish captain, was elected vice-chairman. After the dinner toasts and songs followed each other in quick succession. The visitors expressed themselves as being highly delighted with the warm welcome that had been accorded to them, and hoped the good feeling now existing would l»e long continued.

Game played under Sheffield rules with goalkeeper using hands
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000499/18760228/039/0008

Meeting for alteration of rules -- Sheffield adopts FA goalkeeper rule (1876-02-28)
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000250/18760229/054/0007

THE SHEFFIELD FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The general meeting of the Sheffield Football Clubs' Association was held last night Mr. Armfield's, Adelphl Hotel, Arundel-street, for the alteration of rules, If deemed necessary. Mr. Dickenson at first and Mr. J. O. Shaw, President of the Association, later on acted chairmen. The first proposition, which was moved by Mr. J. F. Hall, was to the following effect:—" To erase Law 6 and substitute the following :— When a player kicks the ball, anyone of the same side who at such moment of kicking ls nearer to the opponents' goal line is out play and may not touch the ball himself nor any way whatever prevent any other player from doing so until the ball has been played unless there are at least three of his opponents nearer their own goal line, but player ls out of play when the ball kioked from the goal line.'' After some discussion the motion was negatived by a large majority. The next motion was to add to Law 8 the following :— " That the goal-keeper may be changed during the game, but not more than one player shall act as goal-keeper at the same time, and no secondjplayer shall step and act during any period in which the regular goal-keeper may have vacated his position." An amendment was made by Mr. W. H. Cake, and after talking the subject over, it was resolved unanimously that the London Association's rule on that point shall be future acted upon. follows:—"That the goalkeeper may use his hands defence his goal, either by * knocking on' or ' throwing,' but shall not carry the ball," The remaining portion of the motion was adopted, with the proviso that -notice must be given previous to any change of the goalkeeper. It was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Mr. J, Clegg, *' That previous to the next great match v, London that practice matohes shall be played with a view of selecting the best men for the future team." Mr. Clegg strongly maintained that the Sheffield team had considerably deteriorated. At one time they were one of the best passing players in the kingdom, whereas now they had btcome one of the most selfish, and to this must be ascribed principally their continuous defeats. He said no matter how gocd a player a man may be It quite Impossible for him to win a match by his own individual exertions. A letter was read from Mr. Dick, the hon. secretary of the Scottish Association, announcing the safe arrival of the Scottish team in Glasgow, and thanking the Committee most cordially for their very kind and hospitable reception on their recent visit to Sheffield. A match ls In treaty for a return be played in Glasgow early in April.—A vote of thanks to the chairmen concluded the proceedings.

BLIL
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18760304/093/0005 (Saturday 04 March 1876)

The annual general meeting of the Sheffield Association for the alteration of rules and laws of the game was held at the Adelphi Hotel last Monday evening, under the presidency of Mr R. W. Dickenson. There was numerous attendance, and the first proposition was the substitution of tbs London off-side rule in place of the one at present in force in Sheffield. It was pretty well discussed, and a feeling shown that grounds in Sheffield were unsuitable for it, and, as Mr J. C. Clegg remarktd, tbe strong defence it admits would in many prevent any likelihood of ecore oeinf made. The same gentleman also remarked the refusal of the London body to concede the kickin from the ride, and thie no doubt influenced the melting in Begeliring the proyoeilion large majoritr. The London dhfioition of how and when go(»l-ktt«p«r may use bit hands wat then carried unanimously, with the understanding that notice be immediately given to the umpire on change of goalkeeper. The remaining portion of the business was formal.

REJECTED OFFSIDE BECAUSE NOW ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO SCORE.

ANGER AT FA REFUSING TO COMPROMISE ON THROWIN

SRI
OOTBALL SHEFFIELD FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The annual general meeting of the above association, for the alteration in the rules or laws of the _f_me, was held at Mr. Armfield's, Adelphi Hotel, Arundel street, last evening, Mr. B. W. Dickenson occupying the chair. The first proposition was to erase Law 6, and substitute tbe following : — " When a player kicks the ball, any one of the same side who, at such moment of kicking, is nearer to the opponents' goal line, is out of play, and may not touch the ball himself, nor in any way whatever prevent any other player from doing so until the ball has been played, unless there are at least three of his opponents nearer their own goal line, but no player is out of play when the ball is kicked from the goal line." This, of course, is the London off-side" rule, and, after some discussion, the motion was negatived by a large majority. The next motion was to add to Law 8 the following :— M The goal-keeper may be changed during the game, but not more than one player shall act as goal-keeper at the same time ; and no second player shall step in snd act during any period in which the re- gular goal-keeper may have vactated his posi- tion" After considerable discussion, an amendment was made by Mr. W. H. Cabb, and the London defini- tion of the rule was carried unanimously. It is as fol- lows : — " The goal keeper may use his hands in defence of his goal, either by knocking on or throwing, but shall not carry the ball." The remaining portion of the motion was adopted with the proviso tnat notice must be given on the change of goal keeper. It was unanimously resolved that practice matches be insti- tuted, the contending teams to be chosen from the various clubs, previous to the forthcoming match against London next month. It was proposed by Mr. J. C. Clegg, who remarked that in place of the Sheffielders being remarkable for an ?? passing game they had degenerated into a most selfish system, and he was convinced that individual play should give place to good general tactics in the shape of crossing the baU to confreres when at all likely to he penned. A letter from Mr. Dick, tbe hon. sec. of the Scottish Association, thanking the Sheffielders for the hearty and hospitable reception accorded to the " braw laddies " whilst in the cutlery town, was read ; and we believe a match is in treaty with the Sheffield and Glas- gow teams in Glasgow early in April next. The usual vote of thanks concluded the business of the meeting.

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000181/18760229/046/0007

Definitive statement of new rule
Sheffield Independent - Saturday 28 October 1876

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000181/18761028/002/0005

AGM (1876-10-11)
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000181/18761012/026/0007

Sheffield v Hull played under "hybrid rugby" rules
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000250/18760306/054/0004 (Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 06 March 1876)

THE SHEFFIELD CLUB v. HULL. RUGBY RULES. This match was played Bramall-lane Saturday. At the commencement of the game the weather was fine, but soon after half-time rain came down heavily. This system of play, or rather a hybrid style of Bugby Rules, was in vogue in Sheffield some years ago, but has since been abandoned for what are now styled the Sheffield Association Rules, which are nearly similar to those played by the London Association. The novelty of the contest attracted a large company. The Sheffield side was got under the auspices of the Sheffield b, one of the clubs forming the Sheffield Association, with which it frequently confounded. The visitors ostensibly hailed from Hull, but we understand there was a strong contingent of the best Huddersfield players in their ranks. It only by very great stretch of Imagination that the Rugby Rules can possibly be termed football. Certainly, In this match the foot was actually used about a dozen times to propel the ball, but is absurd to call it football. is all intents and purposes handball, and It is a great misnomer to designate otherwise. The play consists principally of protracted scrimmages, garottlng, legging, tripping, and tearing of clothing, &c It his been somewhat civilised lately, hacking having now become obsolete. Iv one instance we noticed the Hull captain, who is athlete on large scale, and particularly well adapted for this style of play, get tbe ball under his left arm and rush off with it. When an adversary came uptotackle him, he shot out his dexter fist the direction of the neok or chin, and kept his antagonlstsat bay for somo time. His action had some suavity it, but had it been little more forcible It would have looked very much like striking his adversary the face. It easy to imagine that they will occasionally make a mistake, and that their Intention may be misunderstood, the result of which would probably be a free fight all round in some of our Sheffield clubs. At first the spectators were hugely ticked with the scrimmages and trotting, and laughed heartily. When a player Is collared his flight with the ball he at once says, " Have It down." About a dozen of each gather round him, and push and thrust opposite directions, the one side to get it over the goal line and then touch down for a try, and the other prevent them, They surge and sway about all sorts of ridiculous positions, until the ball emerges on one side, when it is up again by whichever side can get "to it first, and away they rush to be in turn dragged down to earth by the neck, legs, arms, by the aid of the singlet, several which were nearly torn from the players' shoulders. The plucky little Sheffielders tried hard to restrain the heavy phalanx that bore down upon them, but in vain. They were physically unable to withstand the superior weight and strength of tbelr adversaries, who had in Mr. W. Hodgson a veritable Hector, who was well backed up. The Sheffield team had not a heavy, powerful player amongst them a few were sturdy, but others much too weedy for a game that requires great size, power, and speed, as well skill. Sheffield won the toss, and kicked with a strong wind towards East Bank. Hostilities began by Hull kicking off at 10. From the very commencement it was evident that the Sheffield team was match for their stalwart and more experienced opponents, who gradually forced them towards own goal line. The Hull captain made several excellent runs, and eventually he passed the ball to Mr. E. W. Harrison, who made touch down fir his side. The try was entrusted to Mr. H. Huth, but the ball was misdirected. After another excellent run by one of the Hull backs Mr. Matthews was compelled to touch down self defence. Scrimmages were next the order of the day, and the players hugged and embraced each other frequently and affectionately. After being pinned a considerable time, Mr. H. Sorby made a raid partly into the visitors' territory, but his career was very quickly stopped. Mr. Dixon a good return stopped one which would probably have given the visitors another try. Soon afterwards Mr. W. Hodgson made another grand run, and keeping all antagonists at bay with his clenched fist, got safely over the Sheffield goal-line. The try was again entrusted to Mr. Huth, but he a second time failed to score. Shortly afterwards tbe visitors obtained third touch-down, but Mr. Huth's aim was etratlc, the ball again going wide. Half-time was now called and ends changed. One of the Hull men made a good shot at goal, but the ball bounded over the bar, not being kicked clean over, no goal occurred. After good drop kick by Mr. H. Sorby, his brother, Mr. R. A., caught an opponent by the hand, and swung him forcibly to the ground. Some fine cross play was shown by the visitors. Mr. Hodgson, after a good run, threw the ball to confederate, who was dragged down just he reached the Sheffield goal line with the ball, but Mr, Matthews secured the touch and thus prevented the other side from having another try. Mr. H. Sorby and Mr. W. Hodgson next made noat runs for their respective sides and Sheffield was again compelled to touch down in self defence. Immediately afterwards the Hull men secured their first goal. The ball was kicked from tbe Sheffield end and secured inits flight by Mr. B. Harrison, who had a clear drop kick, and sent the ball flying fair over the centre of the cross-bar, that constituting goal according to Rugby rules. Another neat run by Mr. H. Sorby was followed a very fine one by Mr. B, Harrison. Alter a clever piece of dribbling by Mr. Matthews, little Sorby again shot away with the ball, but he was collared, and his singletalmost torn from his back. Immediately afterwards time was called, Hull ultimately winning by one goal, three tries, and three touches down to nothing. Sometime before hostilities ceased rain came down freely, and many persons left the ground. Under ordinary circumstances rain would not have driven them away, and it is quite certain that Bugby rules will never be popular with the Sheffield public. It Is more than probable that Sheffield such a match will never again, yesterday, attract nearly 2,000 people to witness it. The sides were as follow :—Hull: Messrs. Hodgson and H. (backs), E. Hodgson (three-quarter back), W. Hodgson (captain) and E. W. Harrison (half backs), H. 8. Brooke, A. Bradley, A. Wheatley, Huth, T. F. Lambert, A. Hodgson, B. A. Lawßon, B. Harrison, and A, M'Canley (forwards)—total, Sheffield: Messrs. P. Marsh and P. F. Hoole (backs), F. H. Faviell (threequarter back), H. Sorby and L. Hoole (half backs), W. A. Matthews (captain), R. A. Sorby, E. F. Willey, Marsh, W. Lodge, J. Hunter,. S. S. Dixon, T. O. Willey, P. Sorby, and Spottiswoode (forwards)—total, 15, Mr, M, Ellison, jon,, umpire for both sides.

No change in rules

NORTHERN FOOTBALL ANNUAL launched with rules

Sheffield FA's own Challenge Cup launched.

RECONSTRUCTED RULES OF 1876
1. The maximum length of the ground shall be 200 yards, and the maximum breadth 100 yards. The length and breadth shall be marked of by flags, and the goals shall be upright posts, eight yards apart with a bar across them, eight feet from the ground.

2. The winners of the toss shall have the choice of goals. The game shall be commenced by a place kick from the centre of the ground, by the side losing the toss; the opposite side shall not approch within 10 yards of the ball until it is kicked off, nor shall any player on either side past the centre of the ground in the direction of his opponents' goal until the ball is kicked.

3. Ends shall only be changed at half time. After a goal is won, the losing side shall kick-off, but 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 provided in law 2.

4. A goal shall be won when the ball passes between the goal posts, under the bar, not being thrown, knocked on, or carried.

5. When a ball is in touch, a player of the opposite side of that which kicked it out, shall kick it from where it went out, and no player be allowed within six yards of the ball, until kicked. The player who thus kicks the ball, shall not kick it again until it has been kicked by another player.

6. Any player between the opponent's goal and goalkeeper (unless he has followed the ball there), is off-side and out of play. The Goalkeeper is the player on the defending side, for the time being, is nearest his own goal.

7. When the ball is kicked over the bar of the goal, it must be kicked off by the side behind whose goal it went, within six yards from the limit of their goal. The side who thus kick the ball are entitled to a fair kick-off in whatever way they please; the opposite side not being allowed to approach within six yards of the ball. When the ball is kicked out behind the goal line, a player of the opposite side to that which kicked it out, shall kick it in from the nearest corner flag. No player to be allowed within six yards of te ball until kicked.

8. No player shall carry or knock on the ball; and handling the ball under any pretence whatever shall be prohibited, except in the case of the goal-keeper, who shall be allowed to use his hands in defence of his goal, either by knocking on or by throwing, but shall not carry the ball. The side breaking this rule forfeits a free kick to the opposite side, and the offending side shall not approach within six yards of the kicker; but nothing in this rule shall extend to drive them to stand behind their goal line. The defending side shall be exempt from this rule, within three yards of the goal. The goal-keeper may be changed during the game, but not more than one player shall act as goal-keeper at the same time, and no second player shall step in and act during any period in which the regular goal-keeper may have vacated his position.

9. No goal shall be obtained by a free kick.

10. Neither tripping nor hacking shall be allowed, and no player shall use his hands to hold or push his adversary, nor charge him from behind. Any player so offending, shall forfeit a free kick to the opposite side.

11. No player shall wear spikes, projecting nails, or iron plates on the soles or heels of his boots. Any player so offending shall be considered out of play so long as the infringement continues, and no other player shall take his place.

12. An umpire shall be appointed by each side, at the commencement of the game, to enforce the preceding rules, whose decision on all points during the game shall be final. And they shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play, and have power to give a pnalty for foul play of any kind. Each umpire to be referee in that half of the field nearest the goal defended by the party nominating him. Each umpire to be referee in that half of the field nearest the goal defended by the party nominating him, and to be supplied with a small flag, or other conspicuous article, with which he can draw attention, the ball always being considered in play until he has given his decision.