the organization, as well as in the successful conduct of the inaugural meeting, was, as already stated, appointed the first President Mr. E. C. Morley, of the Barnes club, also well known on the Thames side as an amateur oarsman, another supporter of what I may term, for purposes of distinction, the dribbling game, had the distinction of being chosen the first Hon. Secretary; while the adherents of the Rugby game also had a share in the original management in the selection of Mr. G. Campbell, of the Blackheath club, to the post of Treasurer.
Constituted as the meeting was with a fair representation of both sides of football opinion, it is not to be wondered at that the initial stages of the movement for federation were marked by a certain amount of harmony. At that time Eton, Winchester, Westminster, Harrow, Rugby, and Charterhouse were recognized as the leading schools, and, with a view to amalgamate, if possible, their six codes into one uniform set of rules, the Hon* Secretary was instructed to procure the opinions of the different captains on the best means of adapting the various games to admit of a code that would be generally satisfactory. At the same time, as the result of a lengthy discussion, on November 10, it was resolved that the Hon. Secretary should draw up rules to be submitted to a subsequent meeting on the following lines:—
- The length of the ground should not exceed 200 yards.
- The width of the ground should not exceed 100 yards.
- The goals should be defined by two upright posts, without any tape or bar across the top of them.
- That a goal should be scored whenever the ball was kicked between the goal-posts or over the spaces between them.
