ETIQUETTE FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2635, 1 June 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

ETIQUETTE FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

Do not attempt to play football unless you tip the scales at 2001bs.

Hold your breath when you are the under man in a scrimmage of twenty. Do not carry anything in the way of glassware in your pockets during the game.

Remember that drawing-room manners may be dispensed with on the field.

Keep your mouth closed, even if it has been extended two inches on either side by an unexpected tackle.

Retire if your spine is broken in more than three places, and do not try to kick a goal with your broken leg. Do not give way to your suffering. Even if your head is kocked off keep quiet about it. This is the famous "grit."

Do not let your love for trophies lead yon to appropriate the ear of a player for a scrap book. Never throw a member of the opposing team into the grand stand. It may fi ighten the ladies.

If you kill your adversary, a letter ol apology to his parents is a delicate bill not necessary attention.

As regards costumes, two canvas shirts, a hair mattress over the stomach, and mail trousers are indespensable. The head gear should be constructed to stand heavy weights, and should be tested at :?00lbs before it is accepted. Discriminate between your friends and your foes, and endeavour not to kick your captain's head over the goal line in mistake for the ball.

A really good player of football never delays the game to look for his ear, if perchance he loses that member of his organisation in a scrimmage. Leave your life insurance policy in in your locker. It might be destroyed in the garni', and then your heirs would bo deprived of half the pleasure of your victory.

Shoes should be well fitted with spikes two inches in length and well sharpened at the point. A steel sole razor edged, will be found of great assistance in retaining one's footing.

You need not have any hesitation iibout destroying a man's nose with the sole of your shoe, or removing ouo of his eyes with your spiked gloves, but remember never to tear off more thau one of his canvass shirts at a time.

About the ankles a circlet of spurs should be worn, and the hands should be covered with gloves, the palms of which arc nude of emery paper, and the tibs of the lingers of which should contain spikes similar to those on the shoes.