The Field Game, a traditional sport played at Eton College, is a unique form of football with distinct rules and gameplay that set it apart from modern football codes. Understanding how to play the Field Game involves grasping its objective, player roles, scoring methods, and specific rules that govern play.
Overview of the Field Game
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The Field Game is played between two teams, each consisting of 11 players, on a rectangular pitch with goals at each end. The goals are smaller than those in standard football, and players are not allowed to use their hands to touch the ball except in very specific situations, such as when contesting a “rougeable” ball.
Objective
The primary aim is to score points by either kicking the ball into the opponent’s goal or by scoring rouges, which are a form of secondary scoring unique to this game. The team with the most points at the end of the match wins.
Playing the Field Game
Starting the Game
The game traditionally begins at a set time, with teams positioned on the pitch. The ball is kicked off from the center to start play.
Movement and Ball Handling
Players move the ball primarily by kicking it; handling the ball is restricted. Hands may only be used to stop or touch the ball when it is behind the goal line, but the ball must not be carried, thrown, or struck with the hand. This makes footwork and strategic kicking essential skills.
Player Positions and Roles
Players have designated areas on the pitch and are not allowed to roam indiscriminately. The game features formations where “bully” members (similar to scrums) from both teams mix in the middle, with “behind” players positioned on the flanks, creating a structured and tactical gameplay environment.
The Bully
The “bully” is a key feature of the Field Game, resembling a rugby scrum, where players from both teams push against each other to gain control of the ball. Bully formations occur during restarts and specific gameplay situations, such as after the ball goes out of play or during rouge contests.
Scoring in the Field Game
There are two main ways to score points: goals and rouges.
Goals
A goal is scored when a player kicks the ball between the goalposts without using their hands. Each goal is worth 3 points. The goals are smaller than in association football, making scoring a challenge.
Rouges
Rouges are a distinctive scoring method. A ball becomes “rougeable” when it crosses behind the opponent’s goal line under certain conditions, such as being kicked by a defender or rebounding off an attacker without deliberate play. When the ball is rougeable, players from both teams race to touch it first:
- If an attacker touches it first, their team scores a rouge worth 5 points and then attempts a conversion.
- If a defender reaches it first, the attacking team chooses between taking a single point or forming a bully near the opponent’s goal line to attempt a “bully rouge,” which is worth 5 points.
Conversion
After scoring a rouge, the attacking team attempts a conversion. This involves moving the ball down narrow tramlines near the goal, trying either to score a goal or to hit the ball off a defender to score another rouge. The conversion requires precise control and teamwork.
Rules and Penalties
The Field Game has many unique rules to ensure fair play and maintain its traditional character:
- No player may run behind the goalposts before the ball is kicked behind to contest a rouge.
- Players cannot carry or throw the ball; only kicking and limited hand contact are allowed.
- Specific fouls such as “sneaking,” “firking,” and “passing-back” can be penalized.
- The game is overseen by umpires and a referee who enforce rules, settle disputes, and ensure fair play.
Strategy and Skills
Playing the Field Game requires a combination of physical fitness, tactical awareness, and technical skill:
- Kicking accuracy and power are crucial for scoring goals and managing the ball.
- Speed and agility help players contest rouges and navigate the structured field positions.
- Team coordination is vital during bully formations and conversions to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
Conclusion
The Field Game is a historic and complex sport that blends elements of football and rugby with its own distinctive rules and scoring system. To play it well, one must understand the importance of disciplined positioning, the unique scoring methods of goals and rouges, and the strategic use of the bully and conversions. This makes the Field Game not only a test of physical skill but also of teamwork and tactical intelligence.
