The accolade of a Blue is awarded according to strict criteria to sportspeople at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge for competition at the highest level. Its prestige means the status of "Blue" is fiercely guarded and a close watch is kept by the Blues Committee who are empowered to grant both "Blues" and "Half Blues".

At Oxford, a "Half Blue" was first awarded for Hockey in 1900 and a "Full Blue" in 1926. The current rules (2020) state that the starting XI for both the Men's and Women's Blues teams in the University Match are each automatically granted a "Full Blue", with Captains able to award up to a further five at their discretion and that of the Blues Committee.

Photo taken by Helen Ritchie Photography.