National Bandy Association

The National Bandy Association was the first English governing body for bandy, and actually the first bandy governing body anywhere in the world. The association was founded on February 9, 1891.

The association was formed only a few weeks after the legendary clash between the Virginia Water Team and the Bury Fen Bandy Club, where the two sets of bandy rules published by the National Skating Association were evaluated side-by-side for the first time. It quickly became apparent that a governing body and unified set of rules were necessary.

The Sporting Life newspaper in London reported on the association's formation: "A meeting was held yesterday evening at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street, of members of bandy clubs, to try and arrange a code of rules that would be acceptable to all. Mr. Arnold Tebbutt, Bury Fen Bandy Club, was in the chair, and the following were present : - Messrs. C.G. Tebbutt, L. Tebbutt, W. Minson, R.W. Goodman, T.B. Tarring (Bury Fen Bandy Club), G.E.B. Kennedy, J.A. Milner, H.O. Milner, H. Davenport, E.T. Sachs (Molesey Hockey Club), H.T. Catley, E.W. Sargeant (Surbiton Hockey Club), A.L. Allen (Chislehurst Hockey Club), J.G. Wylie (Putney Hockey Club), C.B. Barrow, P. Laming, J.I. Ward, Harold Blackett, S. King-Farlow, A.R. King-Farlow (Virginia Water Hockey Club) and H. Ellington (London Rowing Club).

It was decided to form an association for the promotion of bandy or hockey on the ice, to be called "The Bandy Association" and that a ball, and not a bung, be played with. Also that the stick be not more than two inches wide at any part. Messrs. C.G. Tebbutt and W. Minson from the Fen District, and Messrs. G.E.B. Kennedy, H. Blackett and J.G. Wylie, from the Metropolitan, were appointed as a committee, to draw up general rules for the game. Mr. H. Blackett is the hon. Sec. Pro tempore. The size of the ball and all other matters except the stick, will be settled by them, they having power to add to their number."

The association published its first set of rules later in 1891. The rules were revised in 1895 with a final set being adopted on November 25.