Cambridge Rules (1867)

Drawn up in October, 1863 by a University committee, consisting of representatives of Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Marlborough, Shrewsbury, and Westminster, and revised March 30, 1867, by a University committee, containing representatives of the University Football Club, of St. John's, Emmanuel, Jesus, and Christ's College Clubs, and of Eton, Harrow, Rugby, Marlborough, Shrewsbury, Westminster, the Charterhouse, Cheltenham, Uppingham, and Winchester Schools.

1. The length of the ground should not be more than 150 yards, and the breadth not more than 100 yards. The ground should be marked out by posts, and two posts shall be placed on each side line, at distances of 25 yards from each goal line. Also, two posts shall be placed on each goal line at distances of 20 yards from the goals; the posts shall be called "touch down" posts.

2. The goals shall consist of two upright poles at a distance of 15 feet from each other.

3. The choice of goals and kick off shall be determined by tossing, and the ball shall be kicked off from the middle of the ground.

4. In a match when half the time agreed upon has elapsed the sides shall change goals, when the ball is next out of play. After a change or a goal obtained, the kick off shall be from the middle of the ground in the same direction as before. The time during which the match shall last and the numbers on each side are to be settled by the heads of the sides.

5. When a player has kicked the ball any one of the same side who is nearer to the opponent's goal line is out of play, and may not touch the ball himself, nor in any way whatsoever prevent any other player from doing so. A player who is out of play becomes in play again as soon as anyone of the opposite side has kicked or stopped the ball, or when one of his own side who is in play has passed him with the ball.

6. When the ball goes out of the ground by crossing the side lines, it is out of play, and shall be kicked at least 15 yards straight into the ground again from the point where it is first crossed the line.

7. When the ball goes out of the ground by crossing the goal line between the touch down posts and the goal posts, whoever first touches the ball when it is in the ground with his hand may have a free kick, bringing the ball 25 yards straight out from the point where the ball crossed the goal line.

8. No player may touch the ball behind his opponent's goal line who is behind the line when the ball is kicked there.

9. When the ball goes out of the ground by crossing the goal line between the touch down posts and the side posts, it shall be kicked off from the line of the 25 yards' posts by one of the defending side.

10. When a player has a free kick, no one of his own side may be between him and his opponent's goal line, and no one of the opposite side may stand within 10 yards of him.

11. A free kick may be taken in any manner the player may choose.

12. A goal is obtained when the ball goes out of the ground by passing between the poles, on in such a manner that it would have passed between them had they been of sufficient height.

13. The ball when in play may be stopped by any part of the body, but may not be held or hit by the hands, arms, or shoulders.

14. All charging is fair; but holding, pushing with the hands, tripping up, and shinning are forbidden.

15. In case a player infringe any rule, the ball shall be taken to the side line nearest to the point at which the infringement occurred, and kicked straight in again, according to Rule 6, by one of the side aggrieved.

16. If in the opinion of the umpire a touch down was unfairly prevented by holding, pushing, or otherwise, he is empowered to allow it.

17. A match shall be decided in the first instance by number of goals; should these be equal, then by the number of touches down from which goals were not obtained.

18. In every case the decision of the umpires shall be final.