Soccer (or football in England) was split from rugby after its arrival in educational institutions, and regulations were established. The separation resulted from soccer laws that prohibited players from gripping the ball with their hands, pushing, shoving, and confining the ball to their feet, chest, and head. These rules were created because students used the sport as a form of physical exercise and athletes enjoyed great popularity; therefore, any activity that would get them off the field too long would reduce attendance at games. Another reason given for the separation is that soccer's governing body at the time, the Football Association, did not want to be associated with sports such as shoving and punching, which were commonly used in rugby games at the time. Finally, it was believed that there were sufficient differences between the two sports that they should be kept separate. In conclusion, the reasons for separating soccer from rugby are based on traditions set by the former association that didn't want to be associated with activities such as shoving and punching.