The Game's Origin - Part 1

Tough, popular and cold (see linesman)

Sport back in the 19th century wasn't professional like it is today. It was about well being and character building. Schools played various types of Football but it was given a set of rules around 1869 to bring all schools together under one sport. Football (Soccer) was created and is the basis of all Football codes.

Like so many human endeavours, it didn't suit everyone. Those who wanted the leaders of the British Empire to be tough felt the game needed to be more physical and Rugby Union was formed. That became a code for middle and upper classes and by refusing to allow working class people compensation for time off work (broken time) kept the game for them. Working class people then had to play Football.

In the north of England, coal miners and factory workers wanted to play the rougher Football so twenty two clubs met in the town of Huddersfield to decide what to do. Unanimously they agreed to break away and form their own game, called Northern Rugby. It quickly changed some rules to make it more spectator friendly and it was a huge success.

No effort was made to spread the new game, the teams in the north of England were simply happy to play their game and compensate players for wages lost due to time off work. That is how the game could have stayed but elsewhere someone heard of this game and...well that will be a subject for another article.

Part 2 can be read by clicking here.

Picture source: normanwalshuk.com.