He was an influential figure in early American football, involved as a player, coach, referee, and administrator.

Dashiell served as the second chairman of the Intercollegiate Rules Committee, the precursor to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), from 1894 to 1911.

During his leadership, the Rules Committee oversaw major reforms to the sport such as the abolition of the flying wedge and the adoption of the forward pass.

While serving as the sport's top rulemaker, Dashiell continued to act as a leading referee.

[3] He served as the head football coach at the United States Naval Academy from 1904 to 1906, compiling a record of 25–5–4.