Beginning in 2026, the rouge and play clock will be modified before drastic field changes in 2027 which include moving the goal posts
Taylor Shire
Regina Leader-Post
The Canadian Football League has announced a series of rule changes from the size of the field and the position of the goal posts to the play clock and the rouge.
On Monday in Toronto, CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston, who is in his first season as commissioner, unveiled the rule changes which will be implemented in a phased approach beginning in 2026 with field modifications happening before the 2027 season begins.
“Our game must continue to evolve and modernize for our players, our fans and our partners,” said Johnston. “These types of idiosyncrasies have been in our game for a long time, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
“Today, we announce a significant step towards achieving our vision for the future of the CFL, with innovative landmark changes beginning next season through a phased approach.”
The most significant change is the position of the goalposts, which will be moved from the goal line to the back of the end zone in 2027. The CFL is also shortening the length of the end zones from 20 yards to 15 yards.
“This will allow passing offences to target the middle of the end zone rather than defaulting to the sides to avoid goal posts,” said Johnston. “It will make going for a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal, more attractive.
“It will deliver more unobstructed sight lines for fans, viewers and television cameras. It will allow quarterbacks and punters, when operating from their own end zone, to play more freely. It will improve player safety, because while collisions with the post may not be commonplace, the risk is clear. It will mean a touchdown pass will have to be stopped by a defender and not the occasional upright or cross bar.”
The playing field itself is also being resized as the length will decrease from 110 yards to 100 yards, meaning there will be no more 55-yard line at midfield and it will instead be a 50-yard line. The width of the CFL field, which is 65 yards, will not be changing.
“This will allow offences to start closer to the opponent’s goal line,” said Johnston. “The shortened field keeps field goals in play, despite the repositioned goal posts.
“It will encourage more aggressive play calling, particularly on third down, when you consider the threat posed by a dynamic returner on a shorter field and an opponent’s more favorable field position following a punt. This combination of changes will deliver more touchdowns.”
Next season, the CFL will be playing on the same dimensions being used currently before the new changes come into effect in 2027.
“It ensures that our teams and stadiums have the time to explore how best to modify turf and reposition goal posts, while evaluating opportunities for additional premium seating and new fan experiences,” said Johnston. “It also provides amateur football with a chance to review the potential impacts of these changes and determine if they wish to align with our vision and how that could be done.”
The CFL also announced that the rouge will be modified beginning in 2026. Teams will no longer receive a point for missing a field goal through the back of the end zone or having a punt or kickoff sail through the back or side of the end zone. A single point will still be awarded if a team concedes a missed field goal, punt or kickoff in the end zone, or if that player touches the ball but fails to bring it out of the end zone.
“We are keeping the rouge, which is synonymous with the uniqueness of Canadian football, but we will modify it,” said Johnston. “There will no longer be a point awarded for a missed field goal or for a punt that sails through the back of the end zone, or if it rolls out of the rear or sides without being touched by a returner. This removes the possibility that the Grey Cup or a playoff matchup, or any game for that matter, will be decided by a missed field goal or a punt or a kickoff through the end zone.”
To improve game flow, the CFL is also introduced a new 35-second play clock which begins immediately after the previous play is whistled dead. The new play clock will replace the current 20-second play clock, which doesn’t start until everyone is set and play is whistled in by an official.
“The CFL’s current 20-second play clock must be manually initiated by an official,” said Johnston. “This change eliminates inconsistencies in timing caused by teams getting set at their own pace, varying times to set yardage markers and much more.
“This change will ensure greater consistency in how long players, coaches and fans have to wait between plays, while empowering players to control the pace of play, instilling a clear sense of urgency at the end of each half in game-altering moments.”
Teams will also be required to have benches on opposing sides of the field. The new changes were unanimously approved by the CFL’s governors, made up of team owners and chairpersons.
“This is all about making our great game even more entertaining,” said Johnston. “We are trading field goals for touchdowns, while improving fan experience in stadiums and at home.
“These changes are the most significant in decades. We are retaining the unique elements upon which our traditions stand but innovating where change is needed to evolve our world-class game.
“These changes are about improving something that is already great. They are rooted in data and analytics; they have been thoughtfully and carefully considered. But they are big and bold because that’s what’s necessary to make our fantastic game even more entertaining, and to win in the attention economy.”
tshire@postmedia.com
