Typical Plays Used in Early Football and Why they Were Dangerous

Introduction

The origin of early football can be tracked from the versions of rugby football as well as association football that initially existed. The two versions had originated from mid-19th-century football that was played in Britain. During this time, the football was kicked at a goal in reference to football games in public English schools. With time, individuals such as Walter Camp instituted some changes to the football that was being played that led to significant developments. After introducing the changes, for example, the scrimmage line, he was considered as the "father gridiron football," that is, the father of American football (Watterson 2002). In the 19th century, there were further developments such as the inducement of forwarding pass that was associated with the growth of college football that had gained its popularity, that up to date is a widespread appeal. the significant tactical changes and typical plays that were integrated into football included the retention of ball possession until violations that made the rival team take the possession, reduction of team members from fifteen to eleven, the introduction of forwarding pass, a well-standardized and numerical scoring, creation of penalties and interference, and center positions. In addition, tackles below the knees were allowed, and the field goals reduced to three points in the early 19th century. There was also the introduction of the National Football League.

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Nevertheless, typical early plays were extremely dangerous because of common injuries that the players suffered. Due to the violent nature of the games, limited rules involved, and poor officiating, the players suffered several injuries that would sometimes be fatal, for instance, knees, shoulders, heads, and legs. More so, the injuries could include strains, dislocations, and fractures. There were also death cases. Up to date, football is considered an important sport and as a sports enterprise supported and practiced by American colleges.

Arguments for and Against Football in Early College Sports

Early football was widespread in colleges as the main college sports. Due to the much concentration, widespread popularity, and practice and the very many and major issues underlying the play, there exist many controversies and conflicting images about the sport. This induces many arguments that either support or object early college football. The arguments for early college football that existed were fitness, cooperation, fraternity, analytical ability, leadership, and prestige. Football as a sport, and in relation to it ruthless nature in the early ages enhanced the physical strength, speed, flexibility, and endurance. These were gained through participation and practice. Early football entailed effective and powerful regular training and practices that built fitness to college players. Early college football enhanced cooperation during teamwork activities, training and while playing with aims of winning. There was effective cooperation between the players that built a teamwork spirit. The act of celebrating victories and sharing defeats and suffering helped to strengthen bonds among players hence building a fraternity. Victories would bring about prestige and respect as a result of mental and physical toughness that was required (Donnor* 2005). The prestige would be transferred even to the whole college. The sports also induced the act of leadership within the team. In addition, it helped in improving the analytical abilities of the players as they needed to critically understand the strategies, tactics patterns to foster in order to win. These arguments were in support of the early college football.

However, there were some arguments against early college football. For instance, severe and fatal injuries. Many people argued that early college football resulted in deaths and severe injuries such as strains, and concussions (Harrison 2014). This was relatively common in early college football due to the ruthless nature and poor refereeing with minimal rules. Another argument against early college football was the act of indiscipline due to limited rules that led to frequent injuries.

Walter Camps Words "method, not men" and their Relationship to the Concurrent Developments in Business Management and American Industrialization

Walter camp became a significant leader in early football, inducing some significant changes in the typical plays of early football. At eighteen years he joined Eli team with a goal of becoming victorious over Harvard team. Walter became a captain for being a fantastic team player, with his pleasant kicking style and being an agile leader. He had his main strategy, the Yale strategy which he stated as "method not men" he had resigned as a captain, twice on eves of big games when his teams failed to adhere to the strategy (Watterson 2002). His leadership was towards winning. In his words, he meant that for the team to win, it was the method or style of play they would apply and not their perception of being strong and physical individuals. Walter strategy and ideology was based on the method of play and the tactics they would apply as well as the pattern of play against the opponent teams and not as "the men" mentality the players had.

The Walter camps words "method, not men" has a significant relationship to the developments in business management and American industrialization. This is because business management and development usually put into different application methods for its success, despite the consideration of the personnel. For instance, there is a need to integrate various strategies such as networking and recognition of competitors. Therefore, Walters's words, "method not men" have main application in business management since they carry powerful concepts of the importance of applying methods over-concentration of manpower.

References

Branch, T. (2011). The shame of college sports. The Atlantic, 308(3), 80-110.

Donnor*, J. K. (2005). Towards an interestconvergence in the education of AfricanAmerican football student-athletes in major college sports. Race, Ethnicity, and Education, 8(1), 45-67.

Ferguson, R. J., Mcmaster, J. H., & Stanitski, C. L. (1974). Low back pain in college football linemen. The Journal of sports medicine, 2(2), 63-69.

Harrison, E. A. (2014). The first concussion crisis: Head injury and evidence in early American football. American journal of public health, 104(5), 822-833.

Watterson, J. S. (2002). College football: History, spectacle, controversy. JHU Press.