Football encompasses a group of team sports that revolve around kicking a ball to score goals. The specific sport referred to as "football" depends on regional popularity. Various forms of football, including association football (soccer), Australian rules football, Gaelic football, gridiron football (American football), International rules football, rugby league, and rugby union, share common ancestral roots and are recognized as distinct "football codes." These codes exhibit varying degrees of similarity in their rules and gameplay.
1901: Formation of the Northern Rugby League
In a pivotal moment for the sport, the separate Lancashire and Yorkshire rugby competitions merged in 1901, officially forming the Northern Rugby League. This marked the first official use of the term "rugby league" in England.
1903: Ontario Adopts Burnside Rules
In 1903, the Ontario Rugby Football Union adopted the Burnside rules, incorporating elements of American football such as the line of scrimmage and the down-and-distance system, marking a significant step in the development of Canadian football.
May 1904: FIFA is Founded
Recognizing the need for a governing body for association football, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in Paris in May 1904. This marked a significant step in organizing and promoting the sport on an international level.
October 1905: President Roosevelt's Influence on American Football Rules
On October 9, 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt held a meeting with representatives from major football universities, urging them to address the violence and dangerous play. This meeting became a catalyst for significant rule changes.
1905: Calls to Ban American Football and President Roosevelt's Intervention
Due to the rampant violence and serious injuries in American football, there were calls to ban the sport in 1905. Responding to the growing concerns, President Theodore Roosevelt hosted a meeting, ultimately leading to significant rule changes that shaped the sport into its modern form.
1906: Repeal of the Football Act 1424
After falling into disuse, the Football Act 1424, which prohibited a game known as "football" in Scotland, was finally repealed in 1906.
1906: Introduction of the Forward Pass
In 1906, the forward pass was introduced to American football as a way to open up the game and reduce injuries. Though initially underutilized, this rule change would become one of the most impactful in shaping the modern game.
1906: Rugby League Reduces Team Size
In a significant rule change, rugby league reduced the number of players per team from 15 to 13 in 1906, further differentiating the sport from rugby union.
1907: New Zealand Professional Rugby Team Tours
A professional rugby team from New Zealand embarked on a tour of Australia and Britain in 1907, garnering significant interest and enthusiasm for the sport, which contributed to the launch of professional rugby leagues in Australia the following year.
1921: Ban on Women in Football
In 1921, a ban was imposed preventing women from playing on English and Scottish Football League grounds, highlighting the gender discrimination within the sport during this era. The ban remained in place for several decades.
1929: Forward Pass Adopted in Canadian Football
Further drawing from American football, Canadian football implemented the forward pass in 1929, contributing to the unique rules and style of play that distinguish it from its American counterpart.
May 1930: Calcio Storico Revival
After being last played in January 1739, the traditional Italian game of calcio storico, a violent form of football dating back to 16th century Florence, was revived in May 1930.
1948: Formation of the Rugby League International Federation
Driven by the need to standardize rules for international matches, the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) was formed in 1948. This marked a crucial step in unifying the sport on a global scale.
1966: Introduction of the Four Tackle Rule in Rugby League
Borrowing from American football, rugby league officials introduced the concept of "downs" in 1966, initially allowing teams to retain possession for four tackles before being required to relinquish the ball.
1970: Introduction of the Truncated Icosahedron Ball in the World Cup
The now-iconic football with a pattern of hexagons and pentagons, based on a truncated icosahedron, was first used in the World Cup in 1970, marking a significant visual change in the sport.
1971: The Six Tackle Rule
The maximum number of tackles in rugby league was increased to six in 1971, solidifying the "six tackle rule" that remains a fundamental aspect of the sport today.
1995: Rugby Union Becomes an "Open" Game
A significant shift occurred in rugby union in 1995 when it became an "open" game, allowing for professional players. This decision had a profound impact on the sport's landscape, further distinguishing it from rugby league.