text: 13 July 2012 Last updated at 11:50 BST
  They were first laid down way back in 1863 and it's fair to say they've come a long way since then.
  Find out how the rules have changed through the years.
  Check out more great Match of the Day Kickabout stuff on their website
target: Football the beautiful game - but without the rules the game we know and love would be ugly.