Week2:History

     The history of American football is long and very complex. And it is very interesting.
   First, I must describe the "Football". It is said that the origin of  Football is the festival of  villages. The rule at that time, so it was quite rough, win if the ball striking lithograph in the square. Of course, everyone has been observed actions such as hitting or kicking. 
   
      Over time, beyond the range of the festival, Football would be incorporated into the field of education, such as school. By football has been incorporated into the field of education, the rules of football have been developed in more detail.
   
    However, the rules are different depending on the area or schools and confusion has occurred during the game that takes place between the different school. So, that was growing movement to unify the rules.


   Mainly, football was divided into two lineages.

1. Eaton school groups.

　　・Players do not have the ball in hand.
     ・Players must not tackle an opponent.


As you know, this Football has evolved into soccer which is known by everyone today.


2.Rugby school groups.

   ・Players can handle a ball by hand.
   ・Players can tackle the opponent.

This Football has evolved into rugby and American football.


   In the late 1800s, Both of two types Football was introduced to the United States for the first time.
Initially, soccer-type Football was popular, but rugby-type Football was more popular gradually.
As same time,it was increased the momentum that will develop a uniquely American football.
   Then, Walter Camp, who had been working as a rugby player, was revised the rule,which is " Changing to scrimmage from scrum".  This revision is revolutionary and innovative, and it is not too much to say that at this moment is the birth of American football. So, Walter Camp is called "the father of American football".

                                                                      Walter Camp


      Since then, the revision is carried out many times, such as the introduction of "the down system", American football was to raise the degree of completion as a national sport. On the other hand, it was also growing criticism that American football is too dangerous. In fact, there were many injured people in the game of football. In addition, there are some players who lost their lives due to serious injury. 

  In the 1930s, American football faced abolition. But President Franklin D. Roosevelt is decided that we should not extinguish this uniquely American sport, so the rule of American football was revised more safety and protector became more rugged.

    In this way, American football has become a national sport in the United States.


    By the way, In japan, many people believe that the origin of American football is rugby football, but this idea is a little wrong. It is true that American football was born from rugby-type Football, and rugby football was also born from rugby-type Football. So, relation between American football and rugby football is sibling rather than the parent-child. 
   
     I will descrive the difference of rule between American football and rugby football after week.