The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-11-09
RUGBY Or ASSOCIATION.
The Relative Merits OF the Two StyIei
of Football Playing.

The recent effort to make football popular in
Western Washington cannot be said to have
| made great advancement. The game between
eeatte and Port Biakeley, to be played in this
city ON Thanksgiving day, does not seem to
mouse great interest or cause much discussion
TO the result AT game played at the Madi-
son street grounds some weeks ago between
teams representing Port Blakeley and Tenino,
there was not more than 100 persons present,
Notwithstanding 1t was Sunday and u perfect
day for sport
1t may be that the rules under which the pres
ent league play are not such as interest those
who would take pleasure in the game under
other conditions. There are two styles of play.
Familiarity known as the Rugby and the Associ-
ltion. The latter is the choice of the league in
this state, and the cause of this may be said to
lie In the fact that the interest in football centers
In the Scotch people. In Scotland the game is
played as scientifically and excites as much
interest under the Association rules as Rugby
games do in the East. The main point of dis
unction between the two styles hinges on the
manner of handling the ball. In Rugby player
may seize the ball in his arms aud make a dash
down the field until some opposing player
tackies and downs him, or he crosses the goal
line and makes touch down. In the Associa-
lion style the ball must not be touched with the
hands A run down the field must be accom-
piished by series of kicks from one player to
ahother, called "teain work, or by lodging OBJ
posing players and at the same time keeping
control OF the ball il is rolling along Another
point Of difference is the manner of making
goals. In Rugby the ball must pass
over the bar post of the soal. In
me Association 1t must go through the
soal and under the cross bar. 1t will be seen at
ence that the goal tender in game as played
under the Association rules is a very important
person, in fact is allowed to put his hands to
the ball, either 10 catch or knock away. on the
other hand, Rugby does not have goal tender
The relative merits of the two styles have
caused much argument and each side has
aiways been more than satisfied at the conclu-
Sion that their views were correct However
That may be- the facts of the case stand promi-
aenty forth in this country. The contests be-
tween Yale. Harvard aud Princeton, which are
played under the Rugby rules, awaken interest
throughout the whole country. The probable
result is food for discussion for many days
previous to the match. To be a sue
tessiui football captain at one of the
large colleges means great deal more than ap-
pearsnces indicate. The glory of victory brings
with IT great satisfaction. but to the public and
HE business men with whom these same men
are soon to mingle il indicates yet more. 1t
inows that the mind, which is capable of con-
uoiling the movements of n band of athletes so
NAT victory rests upon their banner, is also
upaole OF taking q position encountered with
responsibility. In this country the Association
rules do not seem 10 arouse enthusiasm, but in
scotland the crowds are large and number
sloussnds at each important match As inter-
~ goes IN this country, the final contest under
hugoy regulations between Yale and Harvard
N 1891 brought out so 90 people