Understanding the Origins and Evolution of 'Try' and 'Touchdown' in Rugby and Football

Have you ever wondered why the term 'try' is used in rugby while 'touchdown' is prevalent in American football? Both terms refer to a specific type of score in their respective sports, but the origins and evolution of these terms are quite fascinating and varied. Let's explore why these terms exist and how they have changed over time.

The Early Days: 'Try' in Rugby

Back in the early days of rugby, the game had a simpler scoring system. The only way to score was through 'goals,' which were essentially field goals. Interestingly, the first-ever rugby international match between England and Scotland was won by a single goal in 1871.

Initially, there was no scoring event specific to touching the ball down in the in-goal area. However, as the sport evolved, touching the ball down in this area became a strategic move towards scoring. According to old sports reports, teams would often aim to touch the ball down for a 'try' at goal. The subsequent kick for goal would then be attempted.

Scoring Changes in Rugby

As rugby evolved, the scoring system also changed. Initially, trying to score a try did not earn any points. Instead, the team would have to attempt a kick for goal. Over time, the scoring system was modified to award points for both the try and the subsequent goal. The point value of a try in rugby has been adjusted several times:

Initially, a try was worth zero points. Subsequently, it was awarded 3 points. Finally, the modern scoring system gave a try 5 points.

This gradual increase in points highlights the growing excitement and strategic importance of scoring a try in the game. As the sport progressed, the terminology was also updated from ' try/goal' to 'try/tryconversion.'

Why 'Touchdown'? - An American Enigma

In contrast, American football has its own unique term for a score—the 'touchdown.' Interestingly, despite the term, there's no requirement for the player to 'touch' the ball down in the end zone. The term 'touchdown' was coined much later in the sport's history and has a much shorter origin story compared to the term 'try' in rugby.

The origin of 'touchdown' is still subject to research and debate. Some theories suggest it comes from the idea of crossing the goal line or 'touching down' a marker on the field, while others point to the proximity to the goal post or the touchdown arc. Whatever the exact story, it has stuck and is widely recognized in American football.

Scoring Balance Across Sports

To further understand the evolution, we can compare the scoring systems across rugby (union and league) and American football:

Rugby:

Penalty goal: 3 points Drop goal: 3 points Conversion: 2 points (originally 1 point) Try: 5 points (originally 0 points)

International Rugby:

Penalty goal: 3 points Drop goal: 3 points Conversion: 2 points (originally 1 point) Try: 5 points

Football (American):

Field goal: 3 points Extra point (after a touchdown): 1 point (originally 0 points) Two-point conversion: 2 points (introduced in 1994) Touchdown: 6 points

This table shows the different methods of scoring in each sport and how the point values have evolved over time. The scoring systems vary to maintain a balance between strategic and exciting plays, reflecting the unique histories and evolving rules of each sport.

Conclusion

The terms 'try' and 'touchdown' represent the unique histories and evolving rules of rugby and American football, respectively. While 'try' carries a rich history tied to the early days of rugby, 'touchdown' evolved much later in American football. Understanding these terms and their evolution provides insight into the rich and complex histories of these sports.

Keywords: try, touchdown, scoring, rugby, American football