Many of the early clubs are long since defunct. One, Aberdeen Rangers, amalgamated with 'Shire in 1877 though it was in effect a 'Shire takeover as the club's name and colours, red and black hoops, were retained. |
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What sort of a game was it last century? Play lasted four quarters, each period lasting 20 minutes though often the last two were reduced to 15 minutes each. Two umpires NOT a referee controlled the games and their frequent disputes. Each team appointed its own umpire, whose aim was to ensure fair play - at least for his own side. He kept up with play and had the power to initiate claims for the players as well as to advise and criticise them. Frequently he must have been tempted not to give a decision against his side and may very well have not been in a position to view the infringement claimed. |
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When in doubt, umpires were advised to give the verdict against the side which made the most noise on the principle that they were more likely to be in the wrong. If the umpires disagreed, the two captains had to make the final decision. Later, a referee was in sole charge of games and then, as now, this was not always appreciated. The rugby reporter of the Bon Accord in the 1880s was prone to spice his copy with advice and a restatement of rules. |
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He wrote once:
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"By the way. one umpire disallowing a point, unless supported by the referee, does not establish his decision or affect the position of a game. "It is not good play for the man next the touchline to obstruct the throwing in of the ball - it is only a waste of time."
"Captains should insist that in any dispute their teams hold their tongues."
"We would also point out that umpires have nothing to do with time. The referee shall he timekeeper and shall have power at his absolute and sole discretion to allow extra time for any delays."
"One word of advice I would give to the players and that is to work more and wrangle less during the progress of a match."
"I fancy the less you go in for dribbling the better as the spectators lose all interest in the game when they see that stick-in-the-mud performance (so much for that later cry 'Feet Scotland' - Ed) I mean all rugby clubs to take this tip."
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Maybe such performances were responsible for the next cri de coeur:
"As is often the case in Aberdeen, the spectators interfered with play to a great extent."
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Reports in the 1880s give a flavour of what an argumentative lot our old players were.
"There was even more wrangling than usual during the game. Where were the umpires and referee?"
Shire v 'Varsity Nov 13, 1886
"To prevent any chance of disputes, I hope the captains of both teams will see that a neutral referee is appointed." Dec 11.1886
"The 'Shire and Alliance match was a very noisy game - the shouting and yelling on the field being almost deafening at times. No one did anything in particular barring Smart and Wyness, the latter of whom played the best game he has done this season. Smart's goal kick was one of the prettiest I have ever seen at Holburn." |
| Left: Aberdeenshire Football Club 1889-90 |
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Finally a poetical appeal was made, no doubt swiftly entitled
"Balls" by the players
"Remember when playing a match, boys
To yelling pray never be prone,
For you can't call the game one of football
When each has a bawl of his own!
For there's only one ball to the game, boys
And really ' 'tis quite out of place
That any bawls should be there, save
The ball in the leathern case!" |
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In those early days.a goal was the only score allowed by which a match could be won. It was scored by placing the ball over the cross bar between the posts by either kicking it directly off the ground while still in play (a field goal) or by a drop kick (a dropped goal) or by a place kick after the ball had been touched down over the opponent's goal line. The side who had gained the touch down could try for a goal. The successful kick converted the try into a placed goal. Then, as now, goals were difficult to come by with the result that very many games ended as draws. After 1876, the try was taken into account in the recognition of the winning score. |