The Canadian Football League (CFL) is set to undergo significant transformations in the next two years to enhance the entertainment value of the sport. This initiative, aimed at increasing excitement for fans, was highlighted by Craig Reynolds, CEO and president of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, during a recent press conference following the announcement of the changes.
The league’s comprehensive plan, revealed on Monday, involves a phased implementation over a two-year period that includes modifications to both the gameplay and visual aspects of CFL matches. These changes encompass reducing the field size, relocating the goal posts to the back of the end zone, and revising the rules for awarding single points.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston emphasized the goal of enhancing the game’s entertainment factor, stating that the focus is on favoring touchdowns over field goals while also improving the overall fan experience at stadiums and for viewers at home.
Reynolds shared that initial reactions have been varied, with support for increased scoring tempered by concerns about altering the traditional Canadian style of play. He assured fans that core CFL elements such as three downs, 12 players per side, the expansive field, and unrestricted player motion will remain unchanged, emphasizing that the objective is to refine an already great game.
The adjustment of goal posts to open up the end zone is expected to lead to a substantial rise in touchdowns, according to CFL data, with an anticipated boost in completion rates within the end zone.
While some, like veteran CFL commentator Rod Pedersen, see these changes as a gradual shift towards American football rules, others express resistance to altering the CFL’s unique characteristics. Pedersen acknowledged the necessity of eliminating the single point awarded for missed field goals that pass through the end zone, indicating that this adjustment aligns with a potential transition to American rules in the future.
Key Changes:
– Elimination of single points for missed field goals going through the end zone
– Introduction of a 35-second play clock reset
– Placement of team benches on opposite sides of the field by 2026
– Reduction of field size to 100 yards and end zones to 15 yards by 2027
– Relocation of goalposts to the back of end zones
The CFL rules committee, comprising league officials, coaches, and the CFL Players’ Association, will assess the intricacies of the rule modifications during the upcoming off-season to ensure a smooth transition to the new format.