Page "The Football Association" Paragraph 8

The first version of the rules for the modern game was drawn up over a series of six meetings held in the Freemasons ' Tavern from October till December.

At the final meeting, F. M. Campbell, the first FA treasurer and the Blackheath representative, withdrew his club from the FA over the removal of two draft rules at the previous meeting, the first which allowed for the running with the ball in hand and the second, obstructing such a run by hacking ( kicking an opponent in the shins ), tripping and holding.

Other English rugby clubs followed this lead and did not join the FA but instead in 1871 formed the Rugby Football Union.

The term " soccer " dates back to this split to refer to football played under the " association " rules.