Harrow football

Harrow Football is played predominantly with the feet, but players may use any part of their body including, in certain circumstances, their hands and arms to propel the ball.

The school now also play a small number of exhibition games against non-Harrow or Old Harrovian opposition.

Players mainly use their feet to move the ball around, and in general they may use any part of their bodies other than their hands or arms.

The Laws of Harrow football are often framed in broad terms, which allows flexibility in their application depending on the nature of the game.

Competition rules may state a minimum number of players required to constitute a team (this is usually seven).

The basic equipment players are required to wear includes a shirt (usually the colour of a Harrow School boarding house or the official Harrow School colour), shorts, socks and footwear.

A game is ideally presided over by two umpires, whose decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.

On the goal line at each end of the field is a 'base' which looks like rugby posts with their crossbar removed so a base may be scored at any point through them.

A standard Harrow football match consists of two periods (known as halves) of 40 minutes each.

It is performed by a member of either the defensive or the offensive side, and its use is warranted by being within a reasonable distance from the ball.

There are several limitations to the bosh, as the bosher may not raise his arms or use his elbows, and it must be performed from either the front or the side (not behind).

Each playing period in Harrow football commences with a kick-off, which is a set kick from the centre by one team.

The only exception is after half time, when the team who did not kick-off at the beginning of the match takes the kick.

When passing, the ball must either go backwards, or be kicked forwards and run onto from behind, similar to rugby.