1883 - Walter Camp Introduces Point Scoring

In 1883, point scoring is introduced. A goal kicked from the field was given a value of 5 points; a goal after touchdown counted as 4 points, a touchdown brought 2 points, and a safety was worth 1 point. As the game continued to develop, it became obvious that a touchdown was harder to score than a goal kicked from the field. So in 1884 the touchdown was increased to a value of 4 points. The field goal stayed at 5 points, and the goal after touchdown was reduced to 2 points. The safety was raised to 2 points.

In 1897 the touchdown was raised to 5 points and the kick following a touchdown dropped to a value of 1. The field goal fell to 4 points in 1904 and to 3 points in 1909. In 1912 the touchdown rose to a scoring value of 6 points.

This scoring system-touchdown, 6 points; kick after a touchdown 1 point; field goal 3 points; safety 2 points has remained unchanged.