Description of the Rules of Football as played at Shrewsbury School (1855)

1. Each side could consist of twelve, or of an unlimited number.

2. A match was decided by the best out of three 'games' (i.e. goals).

3. A goal could be kicked at any height.

4. A player who caught the ball direct from a kick could take a 'hoist' (i.e. drop kick); otherwise the ball might not be handled.

5. No one might stand wilfully between the ball and his opponent's goal.