Cambridge is known for being the birthplace of football as we know it today
With its educational centre of excellence, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most important inventions have come from Cambridge. From the structure of DNA, to the first reflecting telescope and the first graphical computer game, Cambridge is well established on the map of scientific discoveries.
When it comes to sport, the first thing most people associate Cambridge with is the boat race. But aside from this, when Cambridge’s elite students weren’t studying, they were busy coming up with the rules for a sport which is now played by people across the world.
Cambridge is credited as being the birthplace of football as we know it today. While the ‘Cambridge Rules’ aren’t used in competitive football today, they do serve as the foundation for the rules, having a significant impact on the first laws of football which were published by the Football Association (FA) in 1863.
The 11 rules were thought up on Parker’s Piece in the 1848 and were stapled to trees around the park, marking the first time football had any formal laws. The Cambridge Rules are are said to be the first football rules which allotted each player an area of the pitch, and based the game on passing the ball.
According to Cambridge Rules 1848, the rules were as follows:
- This club shall be called the University Foot Ball Club.
- At the commencement of the play, the ball shall be kicked off from the middle of the ground: after every goal there shall be a kick-off in the same way.
- After a goal, the losing side shall kick off; the sides changing goals, unless a previous arrangement be made to the contrary.
- The ball is out when it has passed the line of the flag-posts on either side of the ground, in which case it shall be thrown in straight.
- The ball is behind when it has passed the goal on either side of it.
- When the ball is behind it shall be brought forward at the place where it left the ground, not more than ten paces, and kicked off.
- Goal is when the ball is kicked through the flag-posts and under the string.
- When a player catches the ball directly from the foot, he may kick it as he can without running with it. In no other case may the ball be touched with the hands, except to stop it.
- If the ball has passed a player, and has come from the direction of his own goal, he may not touch it till the other side have kicked it, unless there are more than three of the other side before him. No player is allowed to loiter between the ball and the adversaries’ goal.
- In no case is holding a player, pushing with the hands, or tripping up allowed. Any player may prevent another from getting to the ball by any means consistent with the above rules.
- Every match shall be decided by a majority of goals.
When it comes to a football goal, you’re probably familiar with the white metal frame and net. The standard measurement is 7.32m wide and 2.44m high.
In the 19th century, they didn’t have goals readily available. Their goal was marked by two trees. On the edge of Parker’s Piece are two ash trees, which are said to be the origin of the goal size which is still used today.
Parker’s Piece remains a popular spot in the city for sport, especially during the summer months when people can be seen playing badminton, rounders, and of course, football.
In 2018, a monument called ‘Cambridge Rules 1848’ was installed in Parker’s Piece. The monument is made up of four stone pillars, each of which are engraved with the Cambridge Rules translated into several languages.