Playing long balls into empty space since 2012.

Tuesday 29 September 2020

100 Years Ago Today, 1 October 1920

 Telegraph (Brisbane), Friday 1 October 1920, page 4


















Telegraph (Brisbane, Friday 1 October 1920, page 5











St George Call, Saturday 2 October 1920, page 2


SOCCER.

(By ' Off-side.')

The round ball code has practically terminated for this season as far as this district is concerned, although it till take at least three weeks to finalise the Gardiner Cup (State Championship) owing to several games having to be replayed through being drawn in the first instance.

In the Australian Trustee's Competition, St. George (who had qualified for the final of the Australian Assn. Cham pionship), showed a true sporting spirit in playing Balmain to decide which team should meet Adelaide City in the final. Mr. Read has received a letter from Mr. Bonfield, manager of the Newcastle team that visited Kogarah recently, stating that they all arrived home safely, but that Griffiths (who injured his kneecap during the match), was under the care of the local doctor. Have received a rather lengthy report from Mr. Chas. Brown, Secretary of the Kogarah Rechabite Senior Club, and a glance through its contents shows that the Club has had a rather successful career for its first appearance in Metropolitan football. Of the players themselves one could not say that they possessed any brilliant stars, although the team all round was above the usual standard, as they proved by filling fourth position in their division. Amongst those who played fairly consistent throughout the season are: Flint, Schofield, Soames, Brown, Beehag, and Thompson, whiie in the, Junior team the following could be mentioned: Storey. Morley, Probert,, Perry, Walters, Weidemier and Fullagher. It is rumoured that their goalie smiled last Saturday during a painful operation, and as a result, nobody else will appear in the picture. As this column goes into recess, I would say farewell to 'Left-wing' and my readers until next season. My thanks are due to all those who have assisted me throughout the season.




Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser, Friday 1 October 1920, page 4


BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOOT

'RALL.

On Saturday, October 9, a game of British Association football, or, as it is called in the vernacular "soccer," will be played between two Adelaide teams, on the 'Murray Bridge Show Ground, the proceeds going to the Soldiers* Memorial Hospital Fund. The game has been arranged by Mr. A. Maton, and as it is a new sport to Murray Bridge, though there are quite a number of ex players residing in the town, it is hoped that many residents will avail themselves of the opportunity to witness the match, and so in crease the funds of the hospital, which institution is badly needed in the district. Prior to the match a game is to be played between a girls' eleven and some retired players. The visitors are to be entertained at luncheon in the Parish Hall, and M'esdames Terry and Maton have this matter in hand, and will be pleased to receive assistance from ladies of the district. This game, which is claimed to be "the only game of real football played, has increased in popularity in England, and has totally overshadowed every other football game, and in New Zealand, one of the strongholds of the Rugby game, it is rapidly ousting the handling game. In Adelaide there are more than 1,000 players engaged in the game every Saturday, and it is rapidly increasing in popularity. There are 11 players on each side, and the game is played in two halves usually of 45 minutes each. The only player allowed to handle the ball is the goalkeeper, and he can only take two strides with it when he must play the ball. It will thus be seen that it is essentially "football," and not handball. The game is played with five forwards, three half backs, two backs, and one goalkeeper on each side, and as the players with the exception of the goalkeeper, move up with the ball it is a fast, and at the same time, an open game, as the players have to retain their positions. Residents who have never seen the game will be greatly interested in it, and it will amply repay patronage on the occasion, and at the same time will add to the funds of the hospital.

Newcastle Sun, Thursday 30 September 1920, page 5


CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SOCCER

Wallsend Wins Final

By three goals to nil Wallsend defeated Marist in the 'A' grade final of the Catholic schools competition, on Learmonth Park, Hamilton, this afternoon. J. Blake, V. Garratty and K. Walker scored. Wallsend team combined well, and deserved the victory. The Blake brothers, C. Arnock and Treay were the most prominent for the winners, while T. Simmons, O'Brien and Jones did good work for Marist

Arrow (Sydney), Friday 1 October 1920, page 14


NEWCASTLE SP0RT


....

SOCCER STILL STRONG. The attendance at the Tramway Ground, Hamilton, on Saturday, when Adamstown and Wallsend met in the final of the senior grade competition of the N.D.B.F.A. ran this season's record a close second. It was a well ordered crowd, and although at times the excitement caused a crush in some parts nothing- but good-humored barracking prevailed. The game was fast, but the defence of each team was so strong that goal-kicking was reduced to a minimum. Adamstown, who had the wind in the first half, gained their one goal to nil win in that period, and although WallBend made every effort in the second portion Adamstown's defence' was faultless. The Tramway Ground will be used to-morrow for the Kerr Cup match in which Helensburgh (South Coast) and Hamilton figure, and the re-play of the Gardiner Cup semi-final between Balmain Fernleigh and Weston. Although the game is sure to be a hard one it is 'considered that Weston, after securing a draw (2 goals each) in Sydney on Saturday will prove a little too . good for their opponents this time. But whichever way the result goes the winners of this match should go very close to winning the Gardiner Cup. At Federal Park, Wallsend, another. Kefr Cup match. Corrimal (South Coast) v Wallsend will be played. : West Wallsend will receive a .visit from Balgownie, who are to play West Wallsend No. 2. The latter team will include C. and A: Lewis. Pod Qonvery and Peter Muir» and while it is recognised that Balgownie boasts a good team they will find Westy's No. 2 pack a hard nut to crack. These matches will clear the way for the next round of, the Kerr Cup, a competition that is to be hurried along. After the matches last Saturday the various trophies were presented to winners. Among -those who officiated at the ceremony was Mr. Sam Genge, an old identity in Newcastle Soccer. Mr. Genge, who' recalls the time when he took part in the Ellis- Cup games easily 26 years ago, has presented a cup for the N.D.B.F.A. for thc past four or five years.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Monday 4 October 1920, page 3


FOOTBALL. SOCCER CODE. Balmain Defeat Weston. Long before the gates opened at the Tramway ground on Saturday a crowd had assembled. The opening of the gates was deferred, pending the arrival of. Helensburgh team. However, the South: Coasters did not arrived on the midday train, and it was announced that only one game would be played, the first game being awarded to Hamilton on a forfeit. When Balmain and Weston took the field a good crowd had assembled. The teams were: -- Balmain: Cartwright (goal), A. Fisher and Batten (full-backs), Ferrier, Leadbetter, and Storey (half-backs) J. Fisher, Hancock, Porter, McIvor, and Yabsley (forwards). Weston: R. Austin (goal), Oliver and Lambert (full-backs), D. Austin, Creighton, and Rodgers (half-hacks), Jarvie; Avis, Gil-more, Hawke, and F. Austin (forwards). Lambert won the toss, and Porter kicked off against a stiff breeze. Weston soon began to have the best of the game, and secured three corners in as many minutes. Two were cleared, and the third one passed behind. In spite of the assistance derived from the wind Weston's forwards were very weak, and their efforts in front of goal were very poor. Avis, Gilmore, Hawke, and Jarvie all missing opportunities, and at half time no score was recorded. Resuming play, Hawke got across a good centre, Gilmore's shot being put be-hind by Batten. The ball was quickly at the other end, and a corner was forced, Yabsley's good kick was headed out by Creighton, Leadbetter returned, Porter, Mclvor, and Lambert went for the ball, McIvor footed it across the goal mouth, and J. Fisher had an opening which he smartly accepted, and Balmain led one to nil. The lead was a short lived one. A. Fisher tripped Gilmore, and Lambert's penalty shot gave Cartwright no chance. With the scores again even play became very hard. Weston attacked, .J. Fisher on two occasions clearing with the for-wards closing in. From one clearance Leadbetter send forward, D. Austin headed back, but the ball was returned to Por-ter, who, running in, beat Austln, with a low shot. The Weston defenders stopping and appealing for off side. After this re-verse Lambert went centre for Weston, Gilmore stepping back. In spite of hard attempts the local men were unable to equalise, while Balmain came close to in creasing their lead, and won by two goals to one, and so quallfy for final honours with Granville in this State championship events. The game was a good one. The better team won because they took their chances. Forward the visitors were better than Weston, whose attempts near goal were very poor. Fisher at full back was Balmain's best player, closely followed by Leadbetter and Porter. Oliver was easily Weston's best, D. Austin and Hawke being the next best..

Geelong Advertiser, Tuesday 5 October 1920, page 3


CONAN DOYLE'S VISIT TO GEELONG,

Thursday, October 14, has been fixed as the date of the visit to Geelong of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.- He will lecture in the Mechanics' Hall. In all probability the Mayor will be asked to accord him a civic welcome. Amongst local spiritualists his visit is arousing keen interest. They are disappointed, however, that Sir Arthur is only to give one lecture in Geeiong, while at both Bendigo and Ballarat he is booked for two. On Saturday last he witnessed the final of the League football match and seemed much impressed with the style of game played in Australia. He stated yesterday that he knew something about football, having played Rugby for the Edinburgh University, and Soccer with the Hampshire Club. He had seen the American game and summing them all up, he was of opinion that the Australian rules game was magnificent. From the spectacular point of view, it was probably the best of them all

The Daily News in Perth added this "The only suggestion he could make was the elimination of bouncing the ball every ten 
yards, which would give a fast player the deserving advantage at his speed, and make the game still faster."


Title: The Wanderings of a Spiritualist : On the Warpath in Australia, 1920-1921 
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle * A Project Gutenberg of Australia eBook * 
eBook No.: 1307001h.html 
One of my first afternoons in Melbourne was spent in seeing the final tie of the Victorian football cup. I have played both Rugby and Soccer, and I have seen the American game at its best, but I consider that the Victorian system has some points which make it the best of all— certainly from the spectacular point of view. There is no off-side, and you get a free kick if you catch the ball. Otherwise you can run as in ordinary Rugby, though there is a law about bouncing the ball as you run, which might, as it seemed to me, be cut out without harming the game. This bouncing rule was put in by Mr. Harrison who drew up the original rules, for the chivalrous reason that he was himself the fastest runner in the Colony, and he did not wish to give himself any advantage. There is not so much man-handling in the Victorian game, and to that extent it is less dramatic, but it is extraordinarily open and fast, with none of the packed scrums which become so wearisome, and with linesmen who throw in the ball the instant it goes out. There were several points in which the players seemed better than our best— one was the accurate passing by low drop kicking, very much quicker and faster than a pass by hand. Another was the great accuracy of the place kicking and of the screw kicking when a runner would kick at right angles to his course. There were four long quarters, and yet the men were in such condition that they were going hard at the end. They are all, I understand, semi-professionals. Altogether it was a very fine display, and the crowd was much excited. It was suggestive that the instant the last whistle blew a troop of mounted police cantered over the ground and escorted the referees to the safety of the pavilion.

Thursday 24 September 2020

Soccer Minutiae in the Gazettes

Theft

New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), Wednesday 24 August 1921 (No.34), page 484


Burglaries, etc.


Cessnock.—Stolen, between 7.30 p.m. the 13th and 11 a.m. the 14th instant, from the Ambulance Hall, Cessnock, the property of Alfred Henry Price, residing at Mayfield-street, Cessnock,—A silver tenor horn, No. 82843, brass worn off first valve and also near where right thumb grips, “Boosey and Coy maker,- England,” stamped thereon, in a black leather case; value £30. Identifiable. Suspicion attached to a team of Soccer footballers from Balgownie.


New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), Wednesday 19 December 1923 (No.51), page 660


Watches and Jewellery Reported Stolen, Missing, Etc.

Ida May, 66 Hugo street, Redfern

Description.

A gold oval wristlet watch, on a leather strap, with gold , oblong buckle, “O.K. from J.R.” thereon.

A silver open-face keyless wristlet watch, on a black band ; a

Nellie Stewart bangle, “From Wanda to Ada” thereon ; a plain half-hoop bangle ; a curb-link bangle, with padlock; kn 18-parat gold single stone ring, claw setting; a smail gold ring, set with a pearl • a pair of aquamarine ear-rings; a pair of ear-rings, set with pink stones ; a pearl ear-ring; a gold and platinum knife edge brooch, set with a pearl in centre ; a safety-pin brooch, set with a pearl in centre ; a blue enamelled pendant; a gold bangle, has a heart set with a ruby and five small pearls; a gold scarf-pin, set with a pearl in centre; lady’s gold antique ring, set With a daisy cluster of pink stones, small pieces of cut steel round edge of stones.

Gent.’s 9-carat gold hunting watch ; a 9-carat gold curb-link double albert.

A Single stone diamond ring, claw setting ... ... /

A silver fetter-link albert; a gold medal, “ Winner of second division Soccer Pyrmont Rangers, G. Robinson,” on back; a gold medal, “ For mark of esteem from the Pyrmont Football Club ” on back ; a gold medal, “Winners of First League, Pyrmont, 1918, G. Robinson,” on back; a gold medal, “Winners of Sunlight Cup, won by Pyrmont, C.Robinson,” on back ; a gold medal, “100 yards brace  handicap, won by C. Robinson,” on back : a gold medal,

“For mark of esteem from Pyrmont Rangers, to C. Robinson;” on back, a silver medal, “ Winner 10 ft. Champion Boat Race, C. Robinson, on back ; a nickel medal “U.A.O.D.” on front.

A nickel open-face watch, half enamelled dial; a silver cqrb

link albert; a square nickel matchbox; a gold medal, “Winner of Sunlight Cup, Pyrmont,’E. Robsnson,” onback.

New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), Wednesday 21 August 1929 (No.34), page 591


Burglaries, &c. j

....

Canterbury.—Stolen, between 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. the 15th instant, from the residence of Alfred William Brinkley, Delroy, Oswald-street, Campsie,—A gold brooch, “Mother" set in pearls thereon; a gold dagger brooch with a small sapphire in centre, safety-chain broken; a gold bangle with twenty-one small pearls on bar; three gold medals, shield with a Soccer football in front in blue and gold, “Canterbury Junior, Premiers, A. W. Brinkley” on back; a gold medal, Soccer football on front, “C. D. B. five-a-side competition, C. W. Brinkley” on back; pair gold oval sleeve-links, square and compass on front, “A.B." on back; two gold pin brooches, “Baby" on bar; and the sum of £12 10s.; value £25. Partly identifiable.


New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930), Wednesday 22 July 1925 (No.29), page 393


Burglaries, etc. j

Darlinghurst.—Stolen, between 3.30 and 4 p.m. the 18th instant, from the Finance room, at the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show Grounds, Sydney, the property of the Metropolitan Soccer Football Association,—The sum of £185. Not identifiable. (approx. $15,000 today)



Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 - 1973), Thursday 3 February 1927 (No.11), page 197


PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ACT.

LIST of applications for tlie registration of the copyright in literary (including musical and dramatic) and artistic works, and the performing rights in musical and dramatic works under the Copyright Act 1912.

1st October to 31st December, 1926.

Literary Copyright Applications.


15495. Troedel and Cooper Pty. Ltd., Bank-place, Melbourne, Vic. Sheet of Letterpress: "Rules of The Soccer Game (Football)—Illustrated." 15th October, 1926.


Copyright

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 - 1973), Thursday 13 August 1925 (No.63), page 1234


PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1912.

LIST of applications for the registration of the copyright in literary (including musical and dramatic) and artistic works, and tlie performing rights in musical and dramatic works under the Copyright Act 1912.

1st April to 30th June, 1925. Literary Copyright Applications.


18863. Vincent Surrey Smith, 98 Carhalton-street, Croydon Park, Sydney, N.S.W. Game: "Rules of Table Soccer Game," 15th June, 1925.


Sunday 20 September 2020

100 Years Ago Today 24 September 1920

Herald (Melbourne), Saturday 18 September 1920, page 3


British Association

A friendly game of British Association football was played between N. and D. and Preston clubs at Middle Park in aid of funds for erecting a memorial tombstone to Walter William Williams, who died from injuries received in the game between these two teams on June 19. A satisfactory amount was received as a result of a collection taken up on the ground. Teams representing Windsor and Osborn House Submarine Clubs played a return match match. At half-time Windsor had kicked one goal to nil.


Albany Despatch, Thursday 23 September 1920, page 1


Denmark Notes.

All who are interested in football ought to roll up next Saturday to witness the match between Denmark and Albany. The Australian game is gaining in popularity here and there is no reason why both "soccer" and "Aussie" should not be played with credit to the players and enjoyment to the spectators.


Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thursday 23 September 1920, page 5


SYMPATHY.

We are in deep sympathy with Mr. Darcy Rose in the distressing accident he met with in the football match, and hope the injury will not permanently disable his arm. Football is always a dangerous game, and more particularly Rugby football. The Melbourne Association game from many points of view is a far safer game to play and much more interesting game to watch; though for pure football — that is playing with the feet — neither Rugby nor Association can compare with the British Soccer. The wonderful dexterity of feet is a sight worth going miles to see. The cleverness in playing the ball also with the head is remarkable. Then as regards getting a goal there can never be any doubt, for a big net is fastened to the upright posts and the crossbar and the ball is caught in the net below the bar. The goal-keeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with the hand, for in guarding the goal he can kick or punch the ball away. There are no scrums and no collaring. To become highly proficient in Soccer one must begin as a boy — as they do at Wallsend, West Wallsend, Adamstown, Young Wallsend, Cessnock, Balmain, &c. — and keep it up year after year. The whole of our district is making anxious enquiry about our esteemed friend, Mr. Darcy Rose, and all wish him a speedy recovery.


Geraldton Guardian, Thursday 23 September 1920, page 2


LOCAL AND GENERAL.

British Association Football — Australian-born players of the British Football Association will meet the English-born players at Queen 's Park on Saturday afternoon. Australia will be represented by Evensen, Armitage, Barker, Hardwicke, Wight (captain), Reitze, Thomas, Hall, Quinn, Stone and Smith, reserves, Bartlett, N, C. Evensen and Eipper, England's representatives will be Kelsall, Reid, Bishop, Gibson, Challinor, Herbert, L. Cartwright, Weston, Bell, Hancock, G. Cartwright, reserves Bunny and Cooper. As there is a difference of opinion as to the speediest man in the Association a race distance, goal to goal, or approximately 100 yards, will be run off on Saturday prior to the match, for a medal suitably inscribed. Entries must be in the hands of the Secretary, Mr. J. G. Scott, by 2.45 pm. on Saturday. Mesrrs C. Crage and C. Warburton will be the judges, and Mr. W. Hollings, sen., will be the starter.


Sun (Sydney), Friday 24 September 1920, page 8




Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Friday 24 September 1920, page 3


GARDINER CUP SEMI-FINALS. Mr. J. W. Earp writes:- "In your paper there appears a reference to a meeting of the New South Wales Soccer Association, held in Sydney. The chief business was the selection of grounds on which to play the Gardiner Cup semi-finals. Newcastle made an offer for the Weston and Balmain Fernleigh fixture, but when put to the vote the offer was rejected, and so the game will be played at the Sports Ground, Sydney. Both delegates from the South Maitland Association voted against the acceptance of the Newcastle offer, and it was virtually their vote which placed the game in Sydney. A further motion, moved by one of the Maitland delegates, and seconded by Newcastle, received little support, and was defeated, only one Maitland delegate voting for the proposal. Re the Newcastle offer, Maitland delegates did vote against the offer because the offer was not big enough. That's the reason the game is to be played in Sydney. It was wrongly stated that only one of the Maitland delegates voted for the proposal, for both voted for the game to be played in the Maitland district, and their offer was to give the New South Wales Association the Whole of the gate, and for the support it received it was just the same as Newcastle received for their offer."








Wednesday 16 September 2020

100 Years Ago Today 17 September 1920

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Thursday 16 September 1920, page 3



SOCCER CODE. The appeal lodged by West Wallsend against the decision in their game against Cessnock in the Gardiner Cup, played at Weston, was dismissed by the protests and disputes committee, who met in Sydney. It was thie cause of considerable discussion, and was decided on the casting vote of the chairman. South Coast, Maitland, Sydney and Newcastle were all represented, as well as ex-officio members of the New South Wales Association.


Mercury (Hobart), Friday 17 September 1920, page 10





Toowoomba Chronicle, Friday 17 September 1920, page 4












Capricornian, Saturday 18 September 1920, page 53


SOCCER FOOTBALL.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/69734714


Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate, Saturday 18 September 1920, page 7


WOMEN BULL-FIGHTERS.

MURDEROUS MEXICANS.

One of the results of the eight years of revolution in Mexico has been the emancipation ot women along certain unusual lines. Thousands of women are serving as armed, fighting soldiers in both the Federal and rebel armies. At least one woman, Margarita Nen, has maintained herself as the head of a considerable force of revolutionists in southern Mexico since 1911. In some of the states of Mexico women vote on all matters except the election of the President, and their being denied the vote on this office is not so much of a loss to them, inasmuch as the man with the most soldiers always became President, irrespective of the vote cast. 

But the most remarkable invasion of the fields of man by woman in Mexico is her entry into the bullring. Bull-fighting flourishes in every city and town of the republic except the city of Mexico. Approximately 200 women are engaged in bullfighting, either as toreres, the actual slayers of the wild bulls ; picadores, the mounted attendants in tbe ring, or in some other position in the cuadrilla of the bull-fighter. These women have become as expert as any of the men who risk their lives in this sport, and they win tbe applause of the hundreds of thousands who attend the bull-fights every Sunday and every feast day, while their earnings range from £60 to £400 or £600 every time they enter the sanded ring. Bulls for fighting are different from ordinary bulls. They come from special bloods imported from Andalusia, and from the time they leave the ranch they are kept in the dark, blindfolded in dark crates like piano boxes, where they cannot turn around or lie down, until they are rushed out into the sunlight in the ring filled with thousands of people. Their naturally bad tempers are made much worse, and a hungry lion could not be any more terrible than one of these half-crazy, altogether angry, hungary bulls.


Daily Telegraph, Friday 24 September 1920, page 3


WOMEN AND SPORT.

(By J.G.)

Madame Sarah Grand, always an ardent feminist — though never of that aggressive type— discussed her sex and its problems from varying standpoints. One of those touched on athleticism. "A tendency to be deplored," said this novelist of a past generation, "Is the excessive devotion of girls of the middle and upper classes to sport, and especially athletics. There are certain sports and pastimes which are eminently sultable for women and girls. Among them I may mention swimming, dancing, riding, and tennis (if played in moderation), and the first two named are, of course, splendid by reason of the fact that they develop the body symmetrically. But cricket, baseball, lacrosse, football (and she might have added hockey), some forms of gymnastics, I am convinced, are bad for girls. By means of unsuitable sports we are developing a race of muscular women who are not the complement (as they should be) of men. but their physical competitors and rivals. Women were never meant to be Sandows. Men may like 'good sports' (using the words in their literal meaning) as play-matcs, but they do not very frequently marry them. The athletic girl is not in Madame Grand's opinion the highest type of womanhood, either physically or mentally. Fresh air, exercise, a reasonable indulgence in suitable sports and pastimes will produce the future mothers the nations of the earth so much need after the drain of war; but we cannot build up a nation by methods designed to eliminate the characteristics of sex development, mentally and spiritually. Diana, the goddess of sport, has never been depictcd with 'knotted' muscles and the thews of a prize-fighter. The Greek games were calculated to develop grace and symmetry rather than more muscle." So much for the physical attributes of the girl of to-day. The author of the Heavenly Twins (among the most discussed books of its decade) has something also to say on the moral side of the question. While allowing that women have won their freedom by their self-sacrifice and patriotism during the war, she differentiates emphatically between freedom and license; but suggests that many of her sex do not recognise this difforence, or if they do, they ignore it. Mme. Grand, however, declares her belief that this is but a passing phase— that things will presently settle down, because "women love stability."


Not that close to 100YAT but entirely relevant

Daily News (Perth), Saturday 6 March 1920, page 7


SHOULD WOMEN PLAY FOOTBALL ?

(By F. A. M. Webster, Author of 'Success in Athletics,' etc)

That women can play football there is no doubt, for some of the munitioin girls one used to watch in war-time displayed skill, endurance, and judgment worthy of a professional. But whether football, as a game, is good for girls is quite another matter. In favor of the sport one may say that the violent exercise expands the lungs, oxygenates the blood, and stimulates the heart, in consequence of which the figure is developed and the complexion improved. On the other hand, football, no matter how fairly played, is a rough-and-tumble game. It would, I think, have a coarsening and distinctly bad effect upon the female mind, likely to cause a girl to lose much of her feminine charm.

Apart from psychological considerations, there is the question of personal, bodily contact which enters so largely into football. This creates a big risk of permanent injury and personal disfigurement, -which no sensible woman would be willing to face. In such sports as tennis and golf a girl can stop playing as soon as she is tired, but with football it is different. The honor of the team is involved, and no matter how fatigued a girl may feel, she must battle on to the bitter end rather than let down her fellow-players. This is where the greatest danger of all is to be anticipated.

Good Looks at Stake. 

Strain, up to a point, is good in that it develops muscle. But the over strain to which the weaker members of a team are almost bound to submit themselves in a protracted struggle is bad, and leads to a breakdown sooner or later. Possibly only a temporary disability, it is true, but it is more likely that a permanent injury to the heart will result. Another side of the question is the effect of participation upon personal appearance. In the first place, the constant running, kicking, twisting, and turning are likely to seriously impair the symmetry of the lower limbs and to thicken the ankles to an unpleasing degree. The strain of constant effort causes the neck to swell1 and become flabby after the game is given up. I have noticed that in their strenuous efforts to get the ball or shoot a goal, women almost invariably twist their faces into, the most terrifying masks. It is admitted that such contortions are but momentary, but if repeated often enough, they are bound to leave their mark in the shape of unsightly lines and wrinkles. Taking all points into consideration, I do not think that there can be any doubt that football is not a game for women to play. The strain imposed upon the heart and limbs, the risk of permanent injury and personal disfigurement, and the coarsening effect up on the mind are all too great to be entertained.

Healthy individual sports, such as tennis, swimming, and running, into which bodily contact does not enter, are undoubtedly beneficial, but I am sure that women will do well to let such rough-ahd tumble games as football severely alone.

Thursday 10 September 2020

100 Years Ago Today, 10 September 1920

Lithgow Mercury, Friday 10 September 1920, page 4



Daily Standard (Brisbane), Saturday 11 September 1920, page 4





Daily Mail (Brisbane), Monday 13 September 1920, page 6




Newcastle Sun , Monday 20 September 1920, page 2





St George Call, Saturday 25 September 1920, page 7








Argus, Saturday 11 September 1920, page 22


TO-DAY'S SPORT.

FOOTBALL SEMI-FINALS.

n» OLD IlOV

In all"-lio principal .football organisations the mur approich of the end of the season will be h-raided to-daj b\ the pla* in« of Hie fi»t Mttu

fln.it mat che«.

TUB LKAOl'K.

rnv.uov v. coi.uN.nvooi). _,

î*it rrov, fee-owl hi the home anti home malche«, will meet Collingwood (fourth) on Hie Melbourne* Cn«ket-croutui, wj.i're, gi\en tine «eather, a re-ceñí croud is ovpcitcd nie intcn.it taken in the meeting of the-t. near neighbour* anil keen iim-onef-tH ff very «real. The ( ollingwood'teum will not be Jina II v "clcflcd until J o'clock toda*,, as the committee is taking no chances und will he guide«) >U> to the lj_t minute bv weather and

other consider.t-ons,

'im: ASSOCIATION.

lilll'NSWICK V. POUT MELBOURNE.

Brunswick (second on the list) and Port Mel bourne (fourth* are the teams in the iirst bcmi final to be placed today on the Kof-t Melbourne Cricket-ground, Tlie teams are well matched, and should provide a goodrgunio. Like their fel-low "Magpie»" of the Lcaguc.

^JU^OINJ-EVCUE.

Collingwood'.- ÃœnlVcn-ity. at the Melbourne

Crick et -groucd, at a quarter to J, I

JUNIOR ASSOCIATION*.

North Melbourne *\'-"u'îiIianifitowII, at footscray Cricket ground, at 3 o'clock.

MELBOURNE DISTRICTS.

Coburg v. Oakleigh, at Richmond City, Reserve; Brunswick \, Camberwell, at Anutcui ¡.pert-, ground. l V

SENIOR CADET ASSOCIATION. .

North Carlton r. South Metl.ut.rne, at K__st -Mel-bourne Crlckct*ground; Brighton \. Footscray, at Ruhiuoiid City Reserve; East Melbourne \. Wil bain.to.vn, .it Fawkner Park.


BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

League final (replay):-N. and D. v. St. Kilda, at Middle Park. Friendly game, Albert Park v. Preston, at Middle Park.




Herald , Saturday 11 September 1920, page 3


British Association League Final


N. and D. V. St. Kilda


Notwithstanding drenching showers, there was a good attendance at Middle Park, where N. and D. and St. Kilda me in the second final of the British Association League. The meeting between those two clubs is usually productive of good football. Up to the interval play was characterised by drim determination on both sides. At this stage N. and D. led by one goal to nil. Lowe, of St. Kilda, missed an easy opportunity of equalising the scores from a penalty kick. 
FINAL 
N. & D.— 2 G. 
St. KILDA— Nil. 
GOAL KICKERS.— H. Westin, J. Greaves.






COP THAT! The Mysterious case of Police Soccer in Australia

Trawling Trove for references to 'police' and 'soccer' in Australia, it soon became apparent that the results were one of two kinds. First the endless references to police intervening in disputes/brawls on the soccer field and second, the less common but nonetheless frequent references to police playing soccer, as individuals or in teams organised by police.

What a search for "police soccer" reveals:

  1. police intervening in soccer violence as early as 1895 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/108096420 no doubt there will be earlier incidents
  2. police teams/police boys club teams
  3. individual police playing the game
  4. migrant police joining clubs
  5. curiosities
  6. articles with no connection between police and soccer



1870

Police play Melbourne FC in a modified game in which "home rules" apply.

NSW 

1912 1914

Newcastle

1948 toured Qld

Qld

tours of police teams from NSW 1946 and 1948

SA

1930

TAS

1948 Police boys club

Vic

1949

ACT

1950s

Tuesday 1 September 2020

100 Years Ago Today, 3 September 1920

Geraldton Guardian, Thursday 2 September 1920, page 1


BRITISH ASSOCIATION NOTES.

(By 'Looker On.')

The premiership competition has now been finally settled, and the honors go to the Rangers, who made their position absolutely secure by a two goals to nil victory over the Town on Saturday. When the teams turned out Rangers' prospects did not appear to be any too rosy, for they had only nine men, but eventually a tenth turned out. The Town, too, were not at full strength, having a couple of substitutes. The game was not one to enthuse about, but the Rangers Deserved to win because there was more vim in their play. Currie played a good game, and put in some very effective centres, and had the left wing been stronger some of them should have been turned to account. The Town, after keeping the Rangers out in the first half, were naturally expected, when they turned round and had the ground in their favor in the second half to do better, but the changing about of several of the players was a mistake, and did not bring about the desired results. The feature of the Town play was the good work of Evensen between the sticks, who in addition to saving a penalty stopped many hot shots, but he had no chance with the shots with which Weston scored. 

The season will soon close, and interest is now centred in the final for the cup, in which Town and Thistle will try conclusions. The Council, at their meeting on Monday night, very wisely decided to leave the date open until an other meeting, which has been, called for next Monday night. An effort will be made to choose a date which will not clash with the visit of a League team to Geraldton in connection with the Geraldton Association, and until that Association has some definite information as to the date of the visit, the British Association will not fix the date of the final. 

It was hoped earlier in the season that there would be a country week in Perth, but the ruling authority in Perth has intimated that it has been found impossible to make the necessary arran gements. 

The following paragraph with regard to the opening of the English season will be read with interest by local soc cerites: — The football boom is expected to exceed that of last season. The opening soccer matches on Saturday were largely attended throughout the country. Sixty thousand were present at the Newcastle match.



Herald (Melbourne), Friday 3 September 1920, page 3


The Goal Value

SUGGESTED ALTERATIONS

Writing to " Kickeroo, " Adamson (Caulfield) states: — "I quite agree with you in your opinion that the scoring boards at foolball matches under Australian rules should be made to look less like a record of runs at cricket, but I cannot see that reducing the value of a goal to three points would be any improvement. If such a suggestion were adopted it would lead to the scoring of a greater number of behinds, as three quickly rushed behinds would be worth a goal. The proper reform is to render the scoring of both behinds and goals more difficult. In Rugby it is extremely difficult to score a try, and a goal is then scored only if the try is converted by kicking the ball over a bar set between two posts much narrower than our own posts. It requires some skill to kick a goal in Rugby. Again, in the Soccer game, there are no trys or behinds, and the goals are made too difficult altogether to obtain. A team may be continuously attacking and yet fail to score a goal because the shots have skimmed over the bar or havo been turned aside by the goalie. Not a single point is scored with shots that have missed by a fraction of an inch. 

"We do not want to go to extremes, but there is a very simple method of scoring which is worth considering by the Australian Football Council. It is to do away with .the behind posts, and place a bar between tho goal posts at a height of about 8 feet. Score a goal where thd ball is kicked over the bar and a behind where it is kicked or, forcod over the goal line underneath the bar. A behind will be scored also if the ball hits the post above the bar and goes between the posts, out not if it hits the outside of the post and falls back into the playing area or on the wrong side of the posts. If a ball goes out of bounds within 10 feet of the goal posts it must be carried by the boundary umpire to a flag-post at a distance of 10 feet and thrown In at that spot.

"This suggestion has a great deal to recommend it. In the first place it ensures that a goal cannot be obtained by a fluke. The six points for a goal must be well earned, not, as at present, by a lucky "grubber, " Behinds will be cut down considerably, as they must be gained by getting the ball behind the actual goal line, and not over a line which extends some fifteen feet on either side. Unseemly scrambling in front of goal will be done away with to a great extent, as the attacking side will be induced to play out to men some distance in front of the goal. . . Who would say that a shot from a lucky kick close to the goal line which goes under a bar is worth six points, as against a good kick which puts the ball between the goal posts high up? It might be conceded that a goal will be scored if the ball hits the bar but goes over it, and a behind will be scored if the ball hits the bar and drops to the ground in front of the goal line or goes under the bar." 

Official writes:— "I and many others heartily agree with your suggestion regarding the necessity of altering the present method of goal scoring. I have heard much comment in football circles during the week in support of your view. I would go further and suggest that threei points be allowed for a goal, two points for striking a goal post, and one point for a behind."

Armidale Chronicle, Wednesday 1 September 1920, page 2


Uralla.

(From our correspondent).

....

SOCCER FOOTBALL.

Soccer is gaining a great hold in Uralla.

Holdaway, who represented Armidale district against Queensland, is a keen enthusiast.

There are many promising players here. Just a little practice is all that is required now.


Daily Mail (Brisbane), Wednesday 1 September 1920, page 3


(To the Editor.)

Sir.— I am a constant spectator at the Woolloongabba ground during the Soccer matches on Saturday afternoons, and like many other enthusiasts of Soccer, I love to see a ding-dong game between two teams. Last Saturday I witnessed the game between Queen's Park and Returned Soldiers, when both teams played for 120 minutes without either side scoring. It was easily the hardest tussle I have yet witnessed this season, and judging by the play of both sides, should, prove doubly interesting next Saturday during the play off— that is if the Soccer Association desire to make it so. I should like to suggest, through the medium of your paper, that the executive again stage the play off of the above teams at the 'Gabba ground next week, both in fairness to the teams and the spectators who were interested in Saturday s game. Yours, etc.,

SPECTATOR.


Worker (Brisbane), Thursday 2 September 1920, page 12


SPORT.

* * * 

The Association football scribe of the Sydney ''Daily Telegraph' had the following item in the August 25 issue of the paper named: 'The Queenslanders returned home defeated in all four fixtures contested. As expositors of Soccer they were good, more so than the mother Slate. As goal-getters they were deficient. Compared with pre vious visitors, one team only was superior to them — that of 1913. Judged on individual effort, they may find solace in the fact that M 'Bride has no peer here as a back, and as a winger, Robertson, who is credited with 10 3.5 for the 100, was not at all outclassed. By the way, on their homeward jour ney, the Queensland Soccer representa tives defeated an Armidale team by 3 goals to 2, so that they had the solace of one victory during their New South Wales tour. 


Argus, Saturday 28 August 1920, page 22


TO-DAY'S SPORT.

FOOTBALL 

....

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Semi final, League.- N. and D. v. Melbourne Thistle. at St Kilda pitch; St Kilda v. Spotswood at Albert Park's pitch.