CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUEOFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
2024

CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
50 Wellington Street East
Third Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1C8
PHONE: 416-322-9650
FAX: 416-322-9651
CFL.caLCF.caCANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE © 2024

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESTABLE OF CONTENTS
CFL Rules Committee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
CFL Officiating Department --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
CFL On-Field Officials ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
CFL Tie-Breaking Procedure ------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Legend Of Abbreviations ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
Plan Of the Playing Field ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
Summary Of Penalties---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 92024 CFL Rule Changes ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
RULE 1
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 9
Section 10
Section 11
Section 12

CONDUCT OF THE GAME--------------------------------------------- 11-25
The Field ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
The Ball -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Possession ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Dead Ball ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13
Teams ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Team Captains ----------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Starting & Timing -------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Tie Game ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
Out of Bounds ------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
Playing Uniforms--------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Team Personnel --------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Other Personnel --------------------------------------------------------------- 25

RULE 2
Section 1
Section 2

OFFICIALS ----------------------------------------------------------------- 26-27
Designation of Officials------------------------------------------------------- 26
Jurisdiction & Duties of Officials ------------------------------------------- 26

RULE 3
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3

SCORING ------------------------------------------------------------------- 28-30
Table of Scores ---------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Definitions ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Terminating a Play in Goal -------------------------------------------------- 30

RULE 4
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6

SCRIMMAGE--------------------------------------------------------------- 31-37
Definitions ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Method of Scrimmage -------------------------------------------------------- 31
Interference --------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Placement of the Ball --------------------------------------------------------- 34
Player Restrictions ------------------------------------------------------------ 35
Series of Downs --------------------------------------------------------------- 37

RULE 5
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4

KICKING--------------------------------------------------------------------- 38-45
Definitions ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Kickoff ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
Blocked Kick -------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
Kick from Scrimmage & Open-Field Kick -------------------------------- 42

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULE 6
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4

PASSING -------------------------------------------------------------------- 46-51
Lateral or Onside Pass ------------------------------------------------------- 46
Handoff Pass ------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
Offside Pass -------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
Forward Pass ------------------------------------------------------------------- 47

RULE 7
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5

FOULS & PENALTIES -------------------------------------------------- 52-58
Illegal Tactics ------------------------------------------------------------------- 52
Major Fouls---------------------------------------------------------------------- 52
Disqualification ----------------------------------------------------------------- 57
Objectionable Conduct ------------------------------------------------------- 57
Player Misconduct Fouls----------------------------------------------------- 58

RULE 8
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 9

APPLICATION OF PENALTIES -------------------------------------- 59-64
Definitions ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 59
Fouls After Legal Gains ------------------------------------------------------ 59
Double & Dual Fouls ---------------------------------------------------------- 59
Restrictions Near a Goal Line ---------------------------------------------- 61
Fouls on Convert -------------------------------------------------------------- 62
Fouls in Goal-------------------------------------------------------------------- 63
Fouls Which Occur on the Last Play of a Quarter--------------------- 64
Manipulating the Clock ------------------------------------------------------- 64
Fouls in Overtime -------------------------------------------------------------- 64

RULE 9Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4

INTERFERENCE ---------------------------------------------------------- 65-66
Definition ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65
Interference on Scrimmage Plays ----------------------------------------- 65
Interference after Gaining Possession without Scrimmage --------- 66
Interference on Loose Ball -------------------------------------------------- 66

RULE 10
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8

Replay ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 67-78
Replay Process ---------------------------------------------------------------- 67
The Command Centre Areas of Coverage ------------------------------ 67
Coach Challenges ------------------------------------------------------------- 70
Standard Reviewable Aspects --------------------------------------------- 71
Limits of Replay ---------------------------------------------------------------- 72
Miscellaneous ------------------------------------------------------------------ 72
The Clock ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 72
Approved Rulings-------------------------------------------------------------- 74

REFEREE’S SIGNALS -------------------------------------------------------------------- 79-83
STATISTICAL SCORING RULES ------------------------------------------------------ 84-97
INDEX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 98-103
Content compiled and written by Al Bradbury & Darren Hackwood
The CFL Official Rule Book is published annually by the Canadian Football
League.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Commissioner’s OfficeRandy Ambrosie – Commissioner
Football Leadership Team
Greg Dick – Chief Football Operations Officer and Head of Grey Cup & Events
Darren Hackwood – Vice-President, Officiating
Ryan Janzen – Associate Vice-President, Football Operations
Eric Noivo – Associate Vice-President, Health & Safety and Football Operations
Football Department Staff
Al Bradbury – Manager, Officiating and Replay Performance
Maryse Dazé-Wilson – Senior Manager, Football Operations
Lawrence Hopper – Manager, Football Operations & Global Scouting
Afram Jolak – Coordinator, Football Operations
JohnPaul Perri – Coordinator, Game Day Support
Laurence Pontbriand – Senior Manager, Football & Officiating Development

CFL RULES COMMITTEECFL Rules Committee Chairperson:
Randy Ambrosie
Commissioner
Voting Members:
Jason Maas
Bob Dyce
Ryan Dinwiddie
Orlondo Steinauer
Mike O’Shea
Corey Mace
Dave Dickenson
Chris Jones
Rick Campbell
Brian Ramsay
Adam Bighill
Ritchie Miller
Greg Dick

Montréal Alouettes
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders
Edmonton Elks
B.C. Lions
CFLPA – Players
CFLPA – Players
CPFOA – Officials
CFL

Non-Voting Members
Darren Hackwood
Al Bradbury

CFL
CFL

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESCFL OFFICIATING DEPARTMENT
Vice-President, Officiating
Darren Hackwood
Manager, Officiating and Replay Performance
Al Bradbury
Senior Manager, Football & Officiating Development
Laurence Pontbriand
CFL Officiating Supervisors, Evaluators & Position Coaches
Carey Anderson
Don Cousens
Steve Dolyniuk
Jeff Harbin
Ken Lazaruk
Rick McFadyen
Michel Pinsonneault
Boris Velcic
Dave Foxcroft
RETIRED NUMBERS FOR OFFICIALS
16 - Ross Perrier
38 - Lorne Woods

20 - Jacques Decarie
62 - Jake Ireland5

26 - Don Barker
80 - Ken Picot

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESCFL ON-FIELD OFFICIALSNAME ------------------------- NO --------- POSITION
Ron Barss-------------------- 25 ---------- Down Judge
Blair Brown ------------------ 44 ---------- Field Judge
Larry Butler ------------------ 59 ---------- Back Judge
James Carlisle -------------- 23 ---------- Field Judge
Thomas Cesari ------------- 36 ---------- Down Judge
Ben Chapdelaine ---------- 70 ---------- Side Judge
JP Chorney ------------------ 90 ---------- Umpire
Brian Chrupalo-------------- 73 ---------- Field Judge
Mike Ciona------------------- 92 ---------- Umpire
Emily Clarke ----------------- 39 ---------- Side Judge
Murray Clarke --------------- 22 ---------- Back Judge
Marc Cobb ------------------- 89 ---------- Line Judge
Iain Cropper ----------------- 65 ---------- Back Judge
Chris Donaldson ----------- 93 ---------- Field Judge
Laurent Dubreuil ----------- 35 ---------- Side JudgeDan Fleischhaker ---------- 94 ---------- Side Judge
Dave Gatza ------------------ 75 ---------- Back Judge
Eric Gyebi -------------------- 42 ---------- Line JudgeRob Hand -------------------- 68 ---------- Back Judge
Walt Hawrysh --------------- 81 ---------- Line JudgeRob Hill ----------------------- 63 ---------- Down Judge
Tobin Horton ---------------- 78 ---------- Side JudgeDavid Kendall --------------- 50 ---------- Field JudgeTim Kroeker ----------------- 74 ---------- Referee
Ryan Lange ----------------- 29 ---------- Side Judge
Pierre Laporte--------------- 18 ---------- Side Judge
Eric LeBlanc ---------------- 98 ---------- Line Judge
Tim Louman-Gardiner ---- 99 ---------- Line Judge
Jason Maggio --------------- 37 ---------- Field Judge
Ben Major -------------------- 31 ---------- Referee
Justin McInnes-------------- 67 ---------- Referee
Kyle Mikulik ------------------ 58 ---------- Umpire
Ritchie Miller ---------------- 34 ---------- Umpire
Dan Mulvihill----------------- 83 ---------- Line Judge
Adam Paradowski --------- 45 ---------- Umpire
Georgina Paull -------------- 33 ---------- Line Judge
Andre Proulx ---------------- 28 ---------- Referee
Kevin Riopel ----------------- 40 ---------- Side Judge
Troy Semenchuk ----------- 24 ---------- Umpire
Chris Shapka---------------- 19 ---------- Down JudgeRob Skaggs ----------------- 46 ---------- Back Judge
Matt Spetter ----------------- 88 ---------- Umpire
Ryan Stark ------------------- 52 ---------- Side Judge
Jordan Titosky -------------- 49 ---------- Down Judge
Tom Vallesi ------------------ 60 ---------- Referee
Andrew Wakefield --------- 27 ---------- Down Judge
Anthony Williams----------- 96 ---------- Side Judge

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

CFL TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURE
When two or more member Clubs are tied in the final Division standings at theconclusion of the regular season schedule, preferential ranking for playoff
purposes shall be determined on the basis of the following descending-orderpriorities and shall be awarded to the Club that:a) has won the greater number of games played against all member Clubs of the
League, thenb) has the higher winning percentage in all games played against all of the othertied Club(s), thenc) has scored the higher net aggregate of points (i.e. points scored for lesspoints scored against) in all games played against all of the other tied Club(s),thend) has scored the higher net quotient of points (i.e. points scored for divided bypoints scored against) in all games played against all of the other tied Club(s),thene) has the higher winning percentage in all games played against all member
Clubs of the Division, thenf) has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the Division, theng) has scored the higher quotient of points in games played against all member
Clubs of the Division, thenh) has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the League, theni) has scored the higher net quotient of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the League, thenj) has won a coin toss against the other tied Club.
Note: If two Clubs remain tied after other Club(s) are eliminated during any step,tie breaker reverts to step a).

LEGEND OF ABBREVIATIONS
AFD
AR
1D
12D
3D
Team ATeam B
DR
L5
L10
L15

Automatic First Down
Approved RulingFirst Down
First or Second Down
Third Down
Team putting ball into play
Other Team
Down Repeated
Loss of 5 yards
Loss of 10 yards
Loss of 15 yards

L25
LB
LD
LS
PBD
PBH
PF
PLS
PPG
YG
YNG

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Loss of 25 yards
Loss of Ball
Loss of Down
Line of Scrimmage
Point Ball Dead
Point Ball Held
Point of Foul
Point of Last Scrimmage
Point Possession Gained
Yards Gained
Yards Not Gained

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

PLAN OF THE PLAYING FIELD
DEADLINE

20 YARDS

18'6"
40'
10'
GOAL LINE
28 YDS

5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40

110 YARDS

50
55
50

FILED OF PLAY

45

45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5

20 YARDSGOAL LINE

GOAL AREA

DEADLINE

65 YARDS

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

SUMMARY OF PENALTIESIllegal Handoff Pass
No Yards
Time Count

5-YARD PENALTIESIllegal Procedure
OffsideToo Many Players in the Formation

10-YARD PENALTIESContacting the Kicker
Delay of Game
Holding
Illegal Block
Illegal Contact on a Receiver
Illegal Participation
Illegal Substitution
Illegally Downfield on Kick
Ineligible Receiver
Late Start
Objectionable Conduct
Pass Interference
Punt Out of Bounds in Flight
Pyramiding
Second Forward Pass on a Play
Sleeper Play
Taunting
Time Count – Last 3 Minutes
Too Many Players
Tripping
Unauthorized Person on Field
Use of an Illegal SubstanceBlindside Blocking
Chop Blocking
Crackback Blocking
Face Masking
Leg Whips
Peel Back Block
Push Blocking
Roughing the Kicker
Unnecessary Roughness

15-YARD PENALTIESBlocking Below the Waist
Clipping
Cut Blocking
Hazardous Equipment
No Yards
Piling On
Roughing the Passer
Spearing

25-YARD PENALTIESIllegal Deployment of Designated Quarterback or Designated Import
Grade 2 Roughing the Passer
Grade 2 Spearing
Physical Abuse of Official
Rough Play
Spitting
DISQUALIFICATION
Excessive Objectionable Conduct
Hazardous Equipment
Physical Abuse of Official
Rough Play
Spitting
Two Grade 2 Fouls
Two Player Misconduct Fouls
AUTOMATIC FIRST DOWN
Illegal Interference on a Loose Ball
Pass Interference
Rough Play
Unnecessary Roughness
Time Count – Last 3 Minutes

LOSS OF DOWN
Intentional Grounding

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

2024 CFL RULE CHANGES
Adjustments to the Illegal Block rule (PAGE 34)
It shall be illegal for a Team A player to block an opponent below the waist.
Except when the block occurs between the tight ends or tight end position, within
2 yards of the defensive side of the line of scrimmage extending back to the initial
position of the quarterback or kicker.
For this block to be legal, the Team A player initiating the block below the waist
must be positioned in this area as an offensive line player (tight end included) or
running back at the snap.
Exception:
A Team A backfield player (regardless of position at the snap) may cross theoffensive formation and block a defensive player who is lined up across from, oroutside the offensive tackle at the snap, provided the block occurs in the legal low
block zone described above.
It shall be illegal for a Team B player to block an opponent below the waist
anywhere on the field.
Adjustments to the rules that govern Replay (PAGE 67)
Add No Yards to the list of penalties that can be automatically picked up if called
incorrectly by the on-field officials.
Add whether or not the quarterback was tripped to the list of penalties that can bechallenged by a coach or called by the command centre.
Codify that a coach is permitted to strategically use their timeout to provide thecommand centre additional time to review angles in respect to any automaticallyreviewable triggers.
Codify the command centre will not review unreviewable scenarios or provide
information to a coach if unrelated to a challenge.

NOTE: All 2024 rule changes have been printed in bold throughout the Rule
Book.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULE 1 – CONDUCT OF THE GAMESECTION 1 – THE FIELD
Article 1 – Regulation Fields
The field is 110 yards long by 65 yards wide. It shall be distinctly marked asindicated herein:• The Sidelines mark the sides of the field.
• The Goal Lines mark the ends of the field.
• The Field of Play is the area bounded by these two sets of lines.
• The Dead Ball Line is parallel to and twenty yards behind each Goal Line.
• The Sidelines in Goal are the Sidelines extended from Goal Line to Dead BallLine.
• The Goal Area is the area bounded by the Goal Line, the Dead Line and theSidelines in Goal.
• The bounds shall be defined as the inside of the Sidelines, Sidelines in Goal
and Dead Lines.
• The Field of Play shall be marked every 5 yards with lines extending fromSideline to Sideline and parallel to the Goal Lines.
• Twenty-eight yards in from each Sideline each 5-yard stripe shall be marked
by a short cross stripe parallel to the Sidelines (Hash Marks).
• Markers shall be placed opposite each 5-yard line from the Goal Line,
indicating the distance of each such line from the Goal Line toward the centre of
the field.
• The four intersections of Goal Lines and Sidelines and the four intersectionsof Dead Ball Lines and Sidelines in Goal shall be indicated by flexible markers.
• Vertical posts (goal posts) shall be placed and centred on each Goal Line.
The distance between the posts shall be 18 feet 6 inches. The goal posts shallextend 40 feet above ground level and shall be joined by a crossbar parallel to theground at a height of 10 feet. The diameter of each post above the crossbar shallbe not less than 3 inches or greater than 4 inches.
• At the extreme top of each post, there shall be attached a coloured ribbon 4
inches wide and 42 inches long.
• A wishbone type or single-shaft goal post assembly may be used, provided
that it complies with the above standards and the base of the assembly is notfurther than 75 inches from the Goal Line.
Article 2 – Fields Less Than Regulation Size
If the regulation length of a field is not available because of a fence, a running trackor any other object, a clear line of demarcation shall be established at least one
foot toward the playing surface from such fence, track, or object.
A line shall be painted on the playing surface and shall be considered as theboundary line. A player who touches this line, the surface outside the line or any
object outside the line shall be ruled as having gone Out of Bounds.
SECTION 2 – THE BALL
The official football for a Canadian Football League game is the Wilson CFL Official
Game Ball, which shall be inscribed with the signature of the Commissioner.
The game is played with a ball made of Wilson Exclusive Game ball Leather in four
panels that shall be inflated to a pressure not less than 12 1/2 psi nor greater than
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

13 1/2 psi. The circumference of the long axis shall be not less than 28 inches nor
greater than 28 1/2 inches. The circumference of the girth or short axis shall be notless than 21 inches nor greater than 21 1/4 inches. The length of the long axis shallbe not less than 11 inches nor greater than 11 1/4 inches. The total weight of theball shall not be less than 14 ounces nor greater than 15 ounces. The exposedlaces shall be not more than 4 3/8 inches in length and 1 1/8 inches in width.
The ball shall be painted with 1-inch white stripes around the short axis,
commencing 3 inches away from the point of greatest circumference of the shortaxis.
A minimum of eighteen footballs are used in a game. Each team will supply to theGame Officials, no later than 90 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, aminimum of twelve balls stamped with their team name to be used exclusively by
their team when they are on regular offence (“Offensive Balls”). These Offensive
Balls may have been used in practice prior to game day and may have been usedin previous games. They must however meet a new ball standard at the discretionof the Referee to be used during a game.
Once the balls are under the control of the Game Officials 90 minutes prior to thegame, no team may alter the footballs in any way. Teams may present additionalballs to the Game Officials for use after this time. The additional footballs mustmeet the new ball standard to be used in the game.
The home team must also supply a minimum of another twelve new, unmarked,
and unaltered balls to be used for kicking plays (“Kicking Balls”). Both teams will
use the Kicking Balls for all kickoffs, punts, kicked convert attempts, and field goal
attempts. The home team must also have on hand a sufficient supply of additional
Kicking Balls and make them available to the Game Officials should they berequired due to weather or other circumstances. If the visiting team runs out of
Offensive Balls, they will use Kicking Balls for the remainder of the game while on
regular offense.
Any team that uses an illegal football or alters a ball during a game will be subject
to a fine or suspension by the Commissioner.
SECTION 3 – POSSESSION
Possession means having the ball firmly held in hand or hands, arm or arms, leg
or legs, or under the body.
When players of the opposite teams have possession of the ball, it shall belong to
the player who first gained possession and who has not lost possession.
If players of both teams legally gain possession of the ball simultaneously, it shallbelong to the team that last previously had possession.
A ball not in possession of a player is still in play. A ball is considered to have been
fumbled if the player last in possession has lost control of it.
If a kicked ball other than a kickoff is legally touched by a player of either team,such touching shall be deemed to be possession.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 4 – DEAD BALL
The ball is dead when:• An official blows their whistle• An official has signalled a score• It goes Out of Bounds• A forward pass is declared incomplete• A forward pass hits an official• A kicked ball strikes the opponent’s goal post assembly in flight, without first
touching the ground, a player or an official• The ball carrier is tackled and the forward progress has been halted (tacklingis defined as the act of grasping or encircling a ball carrier with hands and arms)• The ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage is firmly in the grasp and control
of a tackler to the extent that the ball cannot be thrown• The ball carrier is tackled and driven back towards the ball carrier’s own Dead
Ball Line. An official must assume that an attempt was being made to advance theball and that only the contact with an opponent prevented such advance.
Therefore, the most forward point of advance shall be considered the point where
the ball became dead
• The ball carrier is contacted by an opponent and loses balance so that a
portion of their body, other than feet or hands touches the ground. The ball is deadat the point where it was held when touching the ground, or the point where theball was held when contacted, whichever is the furthest point of advance• The quarterback, in possession of the ball, intentionally kneels on the ground
during the last 3 minutes of a half
• The quarterback or punter or kicker, in possession of the ball, gives themself
up by sliding in any manner or diving. The ball is dead at the point it was held whenanother part of their body, other than feet or hands, touch the ground• When the quarterback or punter or kicker fakes a slide. The ball is dead at the
point it was held when the fake slide originated• When a player, having possession of the ball in their own Goal Area,
intentionally kneels on or goes to the ground• The ball carrier is on the ground and, in the judgment of the official, is not
attempting to advance the ball, the official shall immediately declare the ball dead
• The ball carrier's helmet comes off.
NOTE: A ball lying on the ground and not in possession of a player is not dead. A
ball striking an official is not dead except on a forward pass.
SECTION 5 – TEAMSFor reference, the team that puts the ball in play shall be identified as Team A andthe other team shall be named Team B. The game is played by teams of 12
players.
SECTION 6 – TEAM CAPTAINSAt all times, each team must have on the field a player designated as Captain, andso identified to the Referee.
The Captain shall be the sole communicator between the team and the officials(through the Referee) and may appeal to the Referee only on questions ofinterpretation and application of rules. Such consultations should be held apartfrom other players on the field.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESA Captain is entitled to an explanation of any Referee’s decision but no prolonged
argument is to be allowed. When the yardsticks are called in from the Sidelines todetermine whether a first down has been gained, the on-field Captain for eachteam shall be the only players permitted in the vicinity of the measurement.
In case of a foul, the Captain or Head Coach of the non-offending team is given
the choice of the penalty or the option provided.
SECTION 7 – STARTING & TIMING
Article 1 – Starting
The game shall start promptly at the time prescribed by the Commissioner. If theteam is late appearing on the field at the start of the first or third periods, they will
be penalized.
PENALTY: L10
At the start of the game, the captains of both teams shall meet the Referee at
centre field. The Referee shall toss a coin with the visiting team captain making
the call. The captain of the team winning the coin toss shall declare whether tohave first choice at the start of the first or second half.
The captain of the team having first choice at the start of the first half shall choose
between:(a) kicking off or receiving the kickoff or,(b) which end of the field to defend.
The captain of the other team shall have first choice at the start of the second half,when both captains shall again meet the Referee at centre field to make theirchoices.
Article 2 – Playing & Rest Periods
The length of game is 60 minutes of actual playing time, divided into four quartersof 15 minutes each. The scoreboard clock is the official time for the game and shallbe operated under the direction and control of the Timekeeper. (See Rule 2,
Section 2, Article 10).
Goals shall be changed at the end of the first and third periods. At the start of thesecond and fourth periods, the ball is put into play at a point corresponding exactly
to the point at the other end of the field where the ball became dead at the end of
the previous period. It will be put into play in exactly the same manner as if play
had not been interrupted.
The kickoff to start the second half shall take place at exactly 16 minutes after theconclusion of the first half and a team shall be subject to penalty if the players are
not lined up on the field ready to start the second half at that time.
PENALTY: L10
Article 3 – Time Out

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Time starts when the ball is touched following the kickoff at the start of a half, orafter a scoring play, and continues until the ball is ruled dead and an official signals
to the timekeeper that time shall stop for any of the following reasons:• A score has been made• The ball goes Out of Bounds• A forward pass is incomplete• A change of possession has occurred• To apply penalties• For a delay caused by player injury• Time expires at the end of each period• The ball goes dead after the 3-minute warning has been given in any half
• A player or head coach requests a team timeout• A convert attempt during the last 3 minutes of a half
• The Referee deems it necessary to suspend play.
If in any period the ball becomes dead with only a short period of time remaining,
the team in possession has one more complete play even though that play may
extend beyond the normal termination of that period.
If a touchdown is scored on the last play of a period, the period shall be extended
to include the convert attempt.
Article 4 – Time In
When the clock is stopped it starts again on the signal of the Referee in thesesituations:• When the ball is touched on a kickoff• When it is ready to be scrimmaged• When it is snapped immediately after a time count foul
• When it is snapped following a team time out• When it is snapped after Team A commits an offensive foul prior to the snap
inside their own 25-yard line or on any convert attempt• When it is snapped after Team A creates two consecutive fouls prior to theball being put legally into play prior to the 3-minute warning of either half
After the 3-minute warning has been given in each half, the clock starts when theball is snapped on the play immediately following each of these situations:• A kickoff or a kick from scrimmage or an open-field kick
• A play during which possession changed• An incomplete forward pass, an incomplete illegal forward pass
• When the ball is carried Out of Bounds• A score• The application of a penalty however, the non-offending team may decline thepenalty and permit time to resume as though a foul had not occurred• The application of dual penalties
When an infraction is committed before the ball can be snapped after the 3-minutewarning in either half, the non-offending team may:(a) accept the penalty, in which case time shall resume on the snap or,(b) decline the penalty and elect whether time shall resume on the snap or when
the Referee declares the ball in play.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

After a touchdown, time shall stop and shall resume when the Referee declares
the ball in play for a convert attempt, except during the last three minutes of a half,when time shall resume when the ball is touched on the ensuing kickoff.
Article 5 – Team Time Out
Each team is granted two time outs per game and will be permitted to use them atany point during regulation time, subject to the following:(a) the time out may be requested by any player on the field, or the Head Coach,and may be directed to any official on the field,(b) the time out shall be 30 seconds in duration,(c) the game time will resume on the snap,(d) a team shall not be permitted to request or use a second time out in thesame dead ball period in which they have used a time out,(e) a team may use only one time out in the last three minutes of the fourth
quarter,(f) there are no team timeouts in overtime.
Article 6 – Replay Review
A Replay Review must be initiated by the Head Coach by throwing a challenge
flag prior to the next legal snap. It is the responsibility of the coach to get theattention of the nearest official and to throw the challenge flag.
Each team will start with one challenge per game. If that challenge is successful,the team will be granted a second challenge.
If the challenge is unsuccessful, the team will lose a time-out.
A team must have a time-out remaining to challenge a play. In overtime, a teamdoes not need a time-out to challenge.
The Command Centre will automatically review plays in certain game situations.
The team can challenge any challengeable ruling at any time during the game.
See Rule 10, Replay for complete details on this rule.
Article 7 – Ball in PlayThe ball is considered in play until an official stops the game by sounding theirwhistle.
The game shall not be stopped because of player injury until the ball is dead.
The Referee shall not stop the game to impose a penalty until the ball is dead.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 8 – Delay of GameThe game shall not be delayed except by permission of the Referee. Any
unauthorized delay shall be subject to penalty.
(a) If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while a player in the gamehas equipment repairs, that player is required to leave the game for a minimum of
three plays.
(b) If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while an injured player
receives medical attention on the field (an “Injury Timeout”), that player is required
to leave the game for a minimum of three plays. If the reason the game wasstopped is for a TV Timeout or a Team Timeout, a player may receive medical
attention on the field during the TV Timeout or Team Timeout and shall be able toreturn to play immediately after the TV Timeout or Team Timeout provided that thegame is not further delayed due to the injury. If the game is further delayed, an
Injury Timeout shall be called and the player is required to leave the game for aminimum of three plays.
(c) On a kickoff, Team A is required to kick the ball within 20 seconds ofnotification by the Referee that play is to commence.
(d) If a Team B player interferes with the placement of the ball after it has been
declared in play by the Referee, that team shall be penalized.
PENALTY: L10
Article 9 – Time CountThe Referee shall allow Team A 20 seconds in which to put the ball into play. If
the stadium countdown clock is not in operation, the Referee is the sole judge as
to when the time count shall commence, after allowing both teams reasonable timein which to line up after the preceding play.
PENALTY: L5 DR – Yardage penalty may be declined.
NOTE: After the 3-minute warning has been given in a half the penalty is 1D or 2D– LD or L10 DR, 3D – L10 DR.
NOTE: The penalty for a time count violation on a convert attempt is L5 DR at any
time during the game. During overtime the penalty for a time count violation will be
L5 DR.
NOTE: If in the opinion of the Referee, Team A is taking a deliberate third downtime count penalty, the Referee may order Team A to put the ball in play legallywithin 20 seconds or forfeit possession to Team B.
Article 10 – Electronic NoiseIn the event that the home team permits in its stadium the use of either electronicequipment or high-volume loudspeakers when the visiting team is attempting to
put the ball in play, with the result that the game is delayed, the home team shallbe subject to penalty for delay of game.
PENALTY: L10
Article 11 – Ball In Goal
The ball is in goal if it is on or behind the Goal Line, even in the air.
17

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 8 – TIE GAMEIn the event that the score is tied at the end of the second half of a game, eachteam will be given the opportunity to score using the following procedure:• The first team, as determined by coin toss, shall scrimmage the ball at the
opponent’s 35-yard line and may advance by consecutive series of downs until it
makes a score or loses possession.
• The second team will then scrimmage at the same 35-yard line and proceed
as above.
• If the score is a touchdown, the convert attempt must be a 2- point attempt
scrimmaged from the 3-yard line.
• If the score is still tied, the procedure is repeated at the opposite end of thestadium.
• A winner is determined only if both teams have had equal opportunities toscore.
• If a winner is not determined after two attempts the game will be declared atie.
• If the game is a playoff or championship game and a winner must be
determined, the same procedure shall continue until a winner is finally declared.
There are no team timeouts in overtime.
SECTION 9 – OUT OF BOUNDS
Article 1 – Definitions
The ball is Out of Bounds when it touches a Sideline, Sideline in Goal, Dead Lineor the ground or any other object on or beyond these lines. The ball is Out ofBounds when a player in possession of the ball touches a Sideline, Sideline in
Goal, Dead Line or the ground or any other object on or beyond these lines.
NOTE: The ball shall remain in play when it is knocked or batted back into theField of Play by a player who is off the ground and who has not touched the groundor any object Out of Bounds, see Rule 1, Section 9, Article 3.
NOTE: If a player gains possession of the ball while off the ground in bounds andis contacted by an opponent, that player must still get one foot or other body partin bounds to retain possession.
NOTE: A player who gains possession of the ball near the Sideline and touches
the ground in bounds with the first step shall retain possession even if the next
step is Out of Bounds.
Article 2 – Ball Kicked Out Of Bounds
When the ball is kicked Out of Bounds in the Field of Play, it shall belong to the
opposite team, subject to the penalty applicable on a kickoff.
Article 3 – Ball Fumbled Out Of Bounds
When, on any play, the ball is fumbled Out of Bounds, or touches a player in the
Field of Play and then goes Out of Bounds, it shall belong to the team that last
touched the ball in the Field of Play.
A team maintains or gains possession when a player of the team, while off theground, knocks or bats the ball directly Out of Bounds, provided that player lands
in bounds.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

The ball shall next be scrimmaged:(a) at the point where the ball went Out of Bounds or,(b) at the point where the ball was last touched in the Field of Play, whichever
point is closer to the Goal Line of the team entitled to possession.
Article 4 – Ball Going into Opponent’s Goal Area
When a player directs the ball, other than by kicking, from the Field of Play over
the opponent’s Goal Line and hence Out of Bounds in the Goal Area without theball touching an opponent, it is ruled as a fumble Out of Bounds in the Field ofPlay, with the ball declared dead at the point where it was last touched in the Fieldof Play.
Article 5 – Ball Going into Own Goal Area
When a player fumbles or directs the ball from the Field of Play into their own Goal
Area, where the ball goes Out of Bounds without possession being gained by either
team, a Safety Touch score shall be awarded.
Article 6 – Ball Touched in Goal Area
When a player directs the ball other than by kicking, from the Field of Play over the
opponent’s Goal Line where it is recovered by an opponent, or is touched by an
opponent before going Out of Bounds in the Goal Area, there shall be no score
and the ball is awarded to the opponent’s team at its 30-yard line. If in attempting
to run the ball out of the Goal Area, the opponent’s team commits an infraction the
penalty is applied from the 15-yard line.
Article 7 – Ball Fumbled out of Goal Area
When a team in its own Goal Area fumbles or directs the ball, other than by kicking,across the Goal Line and Out of Bounds in the Field of Play without touching an
opponent, the non-offending team may:(a) accept a 2-point score if the offending team had previously directed the ballinto its own Goal Area or,(b) accept a 1-point score if the non-offending team had kicked the ball into theGoal Area or,(c) decline the score and require the team entitled to possession to scrimmageon the closest hash mark to where the ball went Out of Bounds or,(d) if prior to the fumble or offside pass Out of Bounds, the player’s team had
gained possession in its Goal Area by intercepting a forward pass or recovering
an opponent’s fumble from the Field of Play, it is awarded the ball at its 30-yardline without option.
Article 8 – Illegal Participation
It is illegal for a player of either team to go Out of Bounds, without contact with an
opponent, and return to the field and participate in that play.
PENALTY: L10
It is illegal for a receiver to go out of bounds, without contact with an opponent,
and return to the field to touch or catch a forward pass.
PENALTY: L10 or Incomplete Pass
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

It is illegal for a player of either team to go out of bounds, without contact with an
opponent, and to reach back into or re-enter the field of play to touch or recover aloose ball.
PENALTY: LB PF
A player who goes out of bounds after bodily contact with an opponent, or contact
with a teammate that was initiated by an opponent, is allowed to return to the fieldand participate in the play. Before participating the player must re-establish themself in the field of play with at least one foot in bounds and no contact with out ofbounds.
It is illegal for a player who goes out of bounds due to contact to participate in theplay before re-establishing position in bounds.
PENALTY: L10
It is illegal for a player who goes out of bounds due to contact to reach back into
the field before re-establishing position in bounds to touch or recover a loose ball.
PENALTY: LB PF
Note: When the ball hits a player who is out of bounds and not attempting to touchor recover it, the ball is considered out of bounds at that point regardless of how
the player got out of bounds.
It is illegal for a player who loses their helmet to continue to participate in the play.
PENALTY: L10
Article 9 – Ball Kicked out of Bounds in Own Goal Area
When a team in its own Goal Area kicks the ball Out of Bounds in its own Goal
Area, the ball shall be deemed to have become dead in the Goal Area and theopponent shall be awarded:(a) a single point if the ball had been kicked into the Goal Area by the opponentor,(b) a safety touch score if the ball had been kicked, passed or carried into theGoal Area by the team scored against.
If the team in its own Goal Area had gained possession through interception of aforward pass or recovery of an opponent’s fumble, there shall be no score and theteam shall take possession at its 30-yard line.
If, under similar circumstances, a team should kick the ball Out of Bounds in the
opponent’s Goal Area without gaining possession, the play shall be ruled as
though the opponent had kicked the ball out of its own Goal Area.

20

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 10: PLAYING UNIFORMS
Article 1 – Equipment
Equipment or apparel that, in the judgment of the Referee, may endanger or
confuse opponents is illegal.
The use of metal or other hard objects – including casts, guards and braces – toprotect body parts, is permitted provided that such are appropriately covered on
all edges and surfaces by foam rubber or similar material.
PENALTY: L10 PBD. The offending player is required to leave the game for aminimum of three plays and is not permitted to return until the illegal equipment
has been removed. Substitution for the player is allowed.
Article 2 – Helmets
A player is required to wear a helmet when on the Field of Play and shall notvoluntarily remove it while the play is in progress.
PENALTY: L10 PBD
NOTE: If a ball carriers helmet comes off, the play shall be blown dead
immediately.
Any player’s chinstrap must be completely fastened prior to the snap.
PENALTY: L10 PBD. The offending player is required to leave the game for threeplays.
The use of helmets or other objects to deceive opponents as to the whereaboutsof the ball is prohibited.
PENALTY: L5
NOTE: See Rule 7, Section 4.
Article 3 – Numbering of Players
Each player shall be conspicuously numbered on the front and back of the jersey,
and on the upper arms or shoulders. Legal numbers are from 0 to 99 inclusive.
Such number must correspond with that listed with the scorer. A player shall retain
the same number throughout the game except when permission to change is givenby the Referee. Such change shall be reported to the scorer.
In the event that a Team A player is required to wear a different jersey number inorder to play at a different position, the jersey must be changed in the team bencharea. Under no circumstances shall the jersey be changed while the player is on
the playing field.
PENALTY: The offending player is removed from the game until the proper playing
number is determined. Substitution is allowed.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 4 – Illegal SubstanceA player shall not be permitted to wear or apply or have applied on the uniform,
equipment or body:(a) an adhesive substance, a rosin bag or tacky cloth that, in the sole judgmentof the Referee, has made the game ball unsuitable for play as a result of direct orindirect contact with that player, and/or,(b) a greasy substance that, in the sole judgment of the Referee, has thepotential to give that player an unfair advantage.
PENALTY: L10 PBD. The offending player is required to leave the game for aminimum of three plays and shall not be permitted to return until the illegal
substance has been removed. Substitution for the player is allowed.
Article 5 – Blood Hazards From Open Wounds
If a player has an open wound that, in the opinion of the Referee, is bleeding
significantly, then that player will be required to leave the Field of Play to have thewound properly dressed by club medical staff. The player would be permitted to
re-enter the Field of Play after receiving clearance from the Referee.
Article 6 – Hazardous Equipment
A player shall not be permitted to wear unauthorized equipment (ex. baseballcleats, track spikes or golf shoes) or equipment that has been deliberately altered
so that, in the sole judgment of the Referee, it has the potential to cause injury toan opponent.
PENALTY: L15 The offending player shall be disqualified from the game.
NOTE: If the infraction is detected during or following a play in which that player
participated, the Referee may apply the penalty at the point of origin of that play,
or PBD.
Article 7 – Dress CodeA team is required to dress in a professional manner and shall be subject to penalty
if a player fails to comply with the following requirements:(a) The team jersey shall be tucked inside the top of the pants and shall remain
tucked in throughout the game. If the jersey is pulled out during the game, theplayer shall be required to tuck it in during a break in the play.
(b) Uniform stockings shall be worn in such manner that no part of the player’s
knee or leg is exposed.
(c) Protective gear shall be worn underneath the team jersey, pants andstockings. When a short-sleeved jersey is worn, the color of protective gear on theelbow or lower arm shall be the same as one of the basic colors of the team.
(d) The team uniform shall not be cut away or altered in any manner whatsoever.
(e) White tape may be used on wrists and hands, but tape used on stockings or
any part of the uniform shall be the same color as the uniform or equipment it
covers.
(f) Shoes of a standard football design, with appropriate football cleating, thathave not been altered, deliberately or otherwise, in any manner and judged
suitable by the Referee for the playing surface, may be used. Sneaker type shoes
with no cleating may also be used.

22

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESPENALTY: L10 PBD The offending player is required to leave the game for aminimum of three plays and shall not be permitted to return until the dress code
violation has been remedied. Substitution for the player is allowed.
SECTION 11 – TEAM PERSONNEL
Article 1 – Bench Area
The team bench area is a rectangular area situated not closer to the Sideline than
6 feet and extending for a distance of 30 yards parallel to the Sideline. During agame, the area may be occupied only by substitute players in uniform and otheraccredited persons including coaches, doctors, trainers, equipment assistants andwater carriers. All such personnel are required to remain within the rectangulararea with the exception of the coaches, who may take positions between the bencharea and the Sideline. The coaches shall not be permitted on the playing field at
any time during the game, except with the permission of the Referee.
PENALTY: L10
Article 2 – Official Time Out
When the Referee has called an official time out, not more than one player of eachteam may proceed to the Sideline to talk with the coach.
PENALTY: L10
Article 3 – Trainers & Injured Players
During a stoppage in play for injury or other reason, not more than two
representatives of each team, other than medical personnel, shall be allowed toenter the field.
The Referee need not permit the attendants of both teams to enter the field in caseof injury to a player of one team only and shall indicate such permission to theattendants of one or both teams.
When time out has been called for player injury or equipment repair, that player isrequired to leave the game for a minimum of three plays.
PENALTY: L10 PLS DR or L10 PBD or option.
Article 4 – Substitution Procedure
A substitute may enter the Field of Play at any time the ball is dead and only atthat time.
A substitute who enters the game and communicates with a team mate on the fieldmust remain in the game for at least one play.
A player leaving the game shall proceed directly to the Sideline on which the teambench is located and, thence, outside the Field of Play to the team bench.
A team shall not be permitted to use player substitution as a means of deceiving
the opponents.
If Team A substitutes players, the Referee shall give Team B the opportunity toalso substitute players prior to starting the Play Clock. When Team A breaks their
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

huddle the DJ and LJ shall turn away from the Sidelines and raise their arms toshoulder level (raise the “gates”). If Team A does not huddle, once the Referee
signals the Umpire to leave the football, the “gates” will go up. Further substitution
by Team A shall not be permitted once the “gates” are raised. Team B is permitted
in all situations including after the “gates” have gone up, to substitute up to thesnap of the ball.
When, on a kicking play, Team A has 11 or fewer players on the field and the“gates” have gone up, ONE player may enter the field and participate in the playwithout being penalized for Illegal Substitution, if that player is able to enter the“Close Line Play Area” prior to the snap.
PENALTY: L10
Article 5 – Too Many Players in the Formation
It is illegal for Team A to have more than 12 players in its huddle or formation.
When this occurs the play is whistled dead before the ball is snapped and Team A
shall be penalized for Illegal Substitution.
PENALTY: L5
Article 6 – Too Many Players
It is illegal for Team B to have more than 12 players on the field during a play.
PENALTY: L10
Article 7 – Sleeper PlayA sleeper play is one in which a team uses substitution procedures to disguise aplayer’s presence on the field and throws a forward pass, lateral pass or kicks theball to that player.
Team A shall not use player substitution as a means of disguising a sleeper play.
If following a substitution, a Team A player does not participate in the team huddle
and takes a position within 11 yards of the Sideline adjacent to the Team A bencharea when the ball is put into play, that player shall not be able to receive the ballin any manner including a forward pass, lateral pass and kicked ball. That player
will be deemed to have committed Illegal Substitution.
PENALTY: L10
Article 8 – Team B Substitution on Kick Plays
It is illegal, after substitution on a kicking play, for a Team B player who has nevertaken position inside the numbers (11 yards from the sideline) and is adjacent to
the Team B bench area to receive a lateral or kicked ball from a teammate.
PENALTY: L10 PBH

24

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 12 – OTHER PERSONNEL
Article 1 – Team Personnel
If a person entitled to be in a team bench area (i.e. a substitute player in uniform
or one of the other accredited persons) interferes with the play in progress, thatteam shall be subject to penalty as follows:(a) If the opponent had possession of the ball, the Referee shall award anautomatic touchdown to the opponent.
(b) If the offending person’s team had possession, it shall be penalized for illegal
interference (L10 PBH or PBD) while the downs shall continue without interruption.
(c) If neither team had possession, the ball shall be awarded to the opponent at
the point of recovery with a penalty of half the distance to the Goal Line and theopponent shall be permitted a series of three downs regardless of the timeremaining in the half.
Furthermore, the offending person shall be disqualified from the game immediately
and subject to disciplinary action by the Commissioner. There shall not be any
additional yardage penalty by reason of the disqualification.
Article 2 – Other Than Team Personnel
If a person other than one described in Article 1 should interfere with the play inprogress, the penalty shall be:(a) If such person interfered to the advantage of the team in possession, thatteam shall be penalized for illegal interference at the point where the ball was held
when the interference occurred.
(b) If such person interfered to the advantage of the team not in possession, theteam in possession shall be awarded:(i) a touchdown score if, in the judgment of the Referee, a touchdown would
have been scored on the play or,(ii) a penalty of half the distance to the Goal Line from:
1.the point where the ball was held when the interference occurred or,
2.the point where the ball became dead or,
3.the point where the ball was put into play or the team gained possession,
whichever is the greater advantage to the team in possession, plus a series ofthree downs regardless of the time remaining in the half.
(c) If such person interferes with the play when the ball is not in possession ofeither team, the Referee shall whistle the play dead immediately. The entire play
shall be repeated at the point the ball was previously put into play, with the down,
yardage, score and time remaining the same.
(d) If such person interferes with a forward pass play in the Goal Area, the ballshall be awarded to:(i) Team A at the 1-yard line if the interference was to the advantage ofTeam B or,(ii) Team B at the 15-yard line if the interference was to the advantage ofTeam A.
NOTE: If the non-offending team is awarded a series of three downs withinsufficient time remaining, it shall be permitted a maximum of three plays from
scrimmage. If that team should score or lose possession, the game will beterminated at the conclusion of that play.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULE 2 - OFFICIALSSECTION 1 – DESIGNATION OF OFFICIALS
Article 1 – Field Officials
Article 2 – Support Officials
1. Referee
Downsbox Operator
2. Umpire
Yardstick Operators
3. Down Judge
Timekeeper
4. Line Judge
Communication Coordinator
5. Side Judge
Countdown Operator
6. Back Judge
Scorer
7. Field Judge
Statistician
SECTION 2 – JURISDICTION & DUTIES OF OFFICIALS
Article 1 – General
All field officials are equally responsible for the conduct of the game and noagreement shall be undertaken that would prevent the calling of any foul, against
either team, by an official.
Each field official shall be equipped with a whistle and a coloured flag to be used
to indicate a foul.
The sounding of the whistle shall stop the game.
The throwing of a flag indicates that a foul has been committed, but play shallcontinue until its termination.
The signal of “time in” shall be a clockwise sweep of the Referee’s arm from theoverhead position and the sounding of the Referee’s whistle.
Article 2 – The Referee
The Referee shall take primary charge of the game and shall:• Guide and direct the efforts of the other officials• Enforce the rules and apply penalties• Adjudicate upon disputes or matters not provided for in the rules• Cover the actions by and against the passers and kickers• In co-operation with the Down Judge keep count of the downs• Notify each team captain when 3 minutes remain in each half
The Referee, if necessary, may:Overrule any other official

Remove and replace any Sideline official
NOTE: The Referee will have sole authority to judge when a measurement isrequired to determine if first down yardage has been gained.
Article 3 – The Umpire
The Umpire shall have jurisdiction over the conduct and actions of players on thescrimmage lines of both teams. The Umpire shall assist the Referee’s coverage ofthe passer should a defensive player break free on route to the Quarterback on
the Umpire’s side of the centre.
Article 4 – The Down JudgeThe Down Judge shall supervise and control the Stick Crew and their actions in
the placement and movement of the yardsticks, under the direction of the Referee.
The Down Judge shall record the number of each down and assist the Referee in
26

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

this respect and shall systematically check the Sideline for player substitutions andensure that only approved substitution procedures are used.
Article 5 – The Line Judge
With the exception of:(a) the supervision and control of the Stick Crew and,(b) the recording of downs,
the jurisdiction and duties of the Line Judge are identical to those of the Down
Judge.
Article 6 – The Side Judge
The Side Judge shall have jurisdiction over the conduct and actions of players ofboth teams on Team B’s side of the line of scrimmage and shall be responsible forSideline violations downfield.
Article 7 – The Back Judge
The duties of the Back Judge are identical to those of the Side Judge.
Article 8 – The Field Judge
The Field Judge shall have jurisdiction over the conduct and actions of players ofboth teams on Team B’s side of the line of scrimmage and shall take a position
downfield between the hash marks.
Article 9 – Downsbox Operator & Yardstick Operators (Stick Crew)
Under the direction of the Down Judge, the Downsbox Operator shall place amarker at the forward point of gain or loss after each play and shall indicate thenumber of each down on the marker provided.
Two Yardstick Operators shall function on one Sideline under the direction of the
Down Judge. They shall remain outside the Field of Play unless called to assist inmeasuring for a possible first down. They shall be equipped with two pickets,connected near the lower ends by a chain. The distance between these pickets
shall measure 10 yards.
A third Yardstick Operator shall be used to hold a single picket on the opposite
Sideline to mark the 10-yard objective line. However, such picket shall not be used
to determine whether a first down has been gained.
Article 10 – Timekeeper & Scorer
Prior to the game, the Scorer shall be provided with a complete list of the eligible
competing players and the starting lineups, and shall keep a record of all scoring
plays in the game.
The Timekeeper shall keep the time according to Rule 1, Sections 7 and 8, andshall notify the Down Judge or Line Judge when 3 minutes remain in each half.
If the scoreboard clock should fail to operate, the Timekeeper shall, prior to the lastminute of play in each quarter, take a position in order to be clearly visible to theReferee and at the commencement of the last minute of play, shall raise a flag andcontinue to hold it in a raised position until time has expired in that quarter.
Should we include the Command Centre personnel and job descriptions?

27

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULE 3 - SCORINGSECTION 1 – TABLE OF SCORES
Touchdown
6 Points
Single Point or Rouge
1 Point
Field Goals
3 Points
Convert1 Point or 2 Points
Safety Touch
2 Points
The team scoring the majority of points shall be the winner.
SECTION 2 – DEFINITIONSArticle 1 – Touchdown
A touchdown is scored when the ball is in possession of a player in the opponent’s
Goal Area, or when the ball in the possession of a player crosses or touches theplane of the opponent’s Goal Line. Should the ball subsequently be fumbled, or
the player in possession forced back into the Field of Play, the touchdown shallscore.
After a touchdown, the team scored against may kickoff from its own 30-yard lineor require the scoring team to kickoff from its (scoring team’s) 30-yard line.
Article 2 – Field Goal
A field goal is scored by a drop kick or place kick (except on a kickoff) when theball, after being kicked and without again touching the ground, goes over the cross
bar and between the goal posts (or goal posts extended) of the opponent’s goal.
The ball shall be dead immediately when it crosses the cross bar.
After a field goal, the team scored against may scrimmage from its 40-yard line or
kickoff from its own 30-yard line or require the scoring team to kickoff from its 30yard line.
A team scoring a field goal on a play that started after the 3-minute warning has
been given in the 4th quarter will kickoff from their own 30-yard line.
AR: Team A attempts a field goal. After the ball is kicked and before crossing theline of scrimmage, it touches or is touched by a player of either team and thenproceeds through the uprights and over the crossbar in flight. RULING– Field
Goal.
AR: Team A attempts a field goal. After the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage,it touches or is touched by a Team B player before it proceeds through the uprights
and above the crossbar in flight. RULING – Field Goal.
Article 3 – Safety Touch
A safety touch is scored when the ball becomes dead in the possession of a teamin its own Goal Area, or touches or crosses the Dead Line or a Sideline in Goal asa result of the ball having been carried, kicked, fumbled or otherwise directed from28

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

the Field of Play into the Goal Area by the team scored against, or as a direct resultof a kick from scrimmage having been blocked in the Field of Play or Goal Area.
After a safety touch, the options to the scoring team are to:(a) Scrimmage at their own 40-yard line,(b) kickoff from their own 30-yard line or,(c) Accept a kickoff from the 20-yard line of the team who conceded the safety
touch.
If while in the act of conceding a safety touch, a team deliberately, in the judgmentof the official, commits a Holding infraction, the score shall count and the penalty
applied at the point where the ball is next put into play.
When a Rough Play or Unnecessary Roughness foul is committed on a play during
which a safety touch is scored by the non-offending team, the score shall beallowed and the penalty assessed from the point where the ball is next put in play.
Article 4 – Single Point or Rouge
If the ball is kicked into the Goal Area by an opponent, a rouge is scored:(1) when the ball becomes dead in possession of a team in its own Goal Areaor,(2) when the ball touches or crosses the Dead Line or a Sideline in Goal, andtouches the ground, a player or some object beyond these lines.
AR: Team A kicks to Team B. B1 attempting to catch the ball on Team B’s 3-yardline, fumbles it and is tackled with the ball in possession in the Team B Goal Area.
RULING – Rouge (ball deemed to have been kicked into Goal Area by Team A).
AR: Team A kicks to Team B. B1 catches the ball in the Field of Play while moving
towards own Goal Line and, in the judgment of the official, the momentum carries
B1 into own Goal Area. RULING – Rouge (possession deemed to have been
gained in the Goal Area).
After a rouge, the team scored against shall next put the ball into play by ascrimmage as first down at any point between the hash marks on its 40-yard line.
If the single point was scored as the result of an unsuccessful field goal attempt,
the team scored against may elect to scrimmage the ball at any point between thehash marks on its own 40-yard line or at the previous line of scrimmage.
NOTE: For the purposes of this Article, a drop kick or place kick shall, without
exception, be deemed to be a field goal attempt.
Article 5 – Convert
A team scoring a touchdown may attempt to add to its score by means of ascrimmage play from any point on or between the hash marks on either the 3 yardline or the-25 yard line, as follows:
1 point – By kicking a field goal on a scrimmage play initially scrimmaged on
the 25-yard line.
2 points – By scoring a touchdown by means of a ball carrying or passing play
initially scrimmaged from either the 3-yard line or the 25-yard line.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Note: The point of scrimmage may be adjusted for yardage penalties applied prior
to the convert or as a result of a penalty that occurs during the convert.
Note: When a convert is re-tried due to a penalty, a team that initially elected toattempt a 2-point convert from the 3-yard line cannot change their election to now
attempt a 1-point convert on the re-try. They must continue to attempt a 2-point
convert. If the convert was initially scrimmaged from the 25-yard line, on the re-try
a team may attempt either to score either 1 or 2 points just as they could have on
the original attempt from the 25-yard line.
The ball shall remain in play until a score is made or the play has been terminated.
If Team B legally gains possession during a convert attempt (i.e. interception of
forward pass, recovery of a loose ball, or recovery of a short or wide field goal
attempt), it may score 2 points by advancing the ball across Team A’s Goal Line.
If the play terminates with Team B in possession in its own Goal Area or in the
Field of Play, there shall be no score.
If the play terminates with Team A legally in possession in Team B’s Goal Area,
Team A shall be awarded 2 points if the ball had been carried or passed acrossthe line of scrimmage, but no points if the ball had been kicked across the line ofscrimmage.
NOTE: There shall be no convert attempt on the winning touchdown scored inovertime or if the scoring team chooses not to attempt a convert after scoring atouchdown on the last play of regulation time.
NOTE: Penalties that occur on convert attempts shall be applied according to Rule8, Section 5.
SECTION 3 – TERMINATING A PLAY IN GOAL
A player of the team in possession of the ball in its own Goal Area may terminate
the play by dropping to the ground on one knee. The official shall immediately
declare the play dead.

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RULE 4 - SCRIMMAGE
NOTE: Where a violation under this Rule occurs before the ball has been snapped,
the officials are empowered to stop the play and apply the penalty. Such penalty
shall apply without option; however, the yardage may be declined. For a violation
during the last three minutes of a half, see Rule 1, Section 7, Article 4.
SECTION 1 – DEFINITIONSArticle 1 – Line of Scrimmage
The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line, extending from Sideline to Sideline,
parallel to the Goal Line, and passing through the point of the ball farthest fromTeam A’s Goal Line.
Article 2 – Line & Backfield
Players of Team A whose facemask is in line with or in advance of the Centre’s
backside, and is on their own side of the line of scrimmage, and are formed in asingle line when the ball is put in play, shall be considered scrimmage line, or ”Line
Players”.
A player of Team A is considered to be in the backfield if such player is clearly not
a Line Player when the ball is put in play. The player occupying the position of
Quarterback shall be considered to be in the backfield and not be a Line Player.
No player of Team A shall be in a position that will create doubt as to being a Line
Player or in the backfield, when the ball is put in play.
PENALTY: L5
Article 3 – Scrimmage Zone
The scrimmage zone is the area extending one yard on each side of the line ofscrimmage and from Sideline to Sideline.
Article 4 – Defensive LineOn a play from scrimmage, players of Team B must line up at least one yard backof, and on their own side of the line of scrimmage until the ball is put in play. This
includes the player giving defensive signals.
PENALTY: L5
SECTION 2 – METHOD OF SCRIMMAGE
Article 1 – The Centre
At the commencement of a scrimmage play, one Team A player (the Centre) shalltake position facing the opponent’s Goal Line with the ball on the playing surface
immediately in front and shall put the ball in play by snapping it back between thelegs in one continuous motion to another Team A player behind the line ofscrimmage. The ball must leave the hands of the Centre, who shall not touch theball again until it has been in the possession of another player. The Centre may
adjust the ball for the purpose of snapping it, but such adjustment is limited to one
time.

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Article 2 – Illegal Movement
Team A shall be subject to penalty for attempting to draw an opponent offside if:(a) the quarterback makes a quick movement towards the centre position
without the ball being snapped immediately or,(b) the quarterback, having assumed a stance with hands under the Centre,
bobs the head, moves the shoulders or flexes the knees in a jerking motion without
the ball being snapped or,(c) the quarterback, having assumed a stance with hands under the centre,
moves away quickly or suddenly without the ball being snapped.
Team A shall be subject to penalty for attempting to draw an opponent offside if:(a) the Centre fakes a snap, without snapping the ball or moves the ball forward.
(b) the Centre, having assumed a stance holding the ball quickly or suddenly
moves the shoulders or flexes the knees without snapping the ball.
PENALTY: L5
Either team shall be subject to penalty for attempting to draw an opponent offside
if a player makes a motion or voices a signal that, in the judgment of the official, isintended to draw an opponent offside. This shall include a “snap down” into a 2 or
3-point stance by an offensive lineman.
PENALTY: L5
Article 3 – Offside At The Snap
Team A players must be completely behind the line of scrimmage, except that thehead, arms and hands of the Centre and Receivers may be in advance of the lineof scrimmage.
If a Team A player clearly crosses the line of scrimmage by more than one yard,
prior to the snap of the ball, the officials shall stop the play immediately and apply
a penalty.
PENALTY: L5
If a Team B player is offside on their own 1-yard line.
PENALTY: Team A shall be awarded a first down or score made.
If a Team B player goes offside and contacts an opponent or breaks the plane of
the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped, the officials shall stop the play
immediately and award the penalty, subject to the right of Team A to decline theyardage penalty and order the same down to be repeated as though a foul had notoccurred. If the Team B player is within one yard of the line of scrimmage when
the ball is snapped, the play shall continue, subject to the penalty against Team B.
If a Team B player enters the neutral zone within one yard of the line of scrimmage
causing a Team A Line Player in the immediate proximity to move before the ballis snapped, Team B shall be subject to a penalty for offside.
If players of both teams are offside on the same play, the same down shall be
repeated without penalty from the point of last scrimmage.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

A player of either team who is offside and contacts an opponent, even though
resuming an onside position prior to the snap, shall be penalized for being offside.
Team A may put the ball into play without waiting for Team B players to return toan onside position from the previous play or substitution, but an offside penalty
cannot be claimed against Team B. Such an offside player shall not interfere withthe play in any manner.
PENALTY: L5
SECTION 3 – INTERFERENCE
Article 1 – General Definition
Interference takes place when a player obstructs, blocks, screens or charges
towards an opponent, with or without direct contact, in such a manner that prevents
the opponent’s approach to the ball carrier, potential ball carrier or the ball.
Blocking is identified as the act of creating interference with contact.
Article 2 – By Team A(a) On a play from scrimmage, a Team A player may interfere with an opponent
from Dead Line to Dead Line commencing from the instant the ball is snapped,
except in the case of:(i) a play during which a forward pass is thrown across the line of scrimmageor,(ii) a play during which the ball is kicked across the line of scrimmage.
(b) For interference on a forward pass play, see Rule 6, Section 4, Article 8.
(c) On a kicking play, a Team A player may interfere with an opponent up to one
yard in advance of the line of scrimmage.
(d) A Team A player may use hands, open or closed, and may thrust themforward to contact an opponent, provided that the hands are kept inside the elbows
and contact is made from the front or side of the opponent within the frame of the
opponent’s body that is presented to the blocker.
(e) Hands may not be thrust forward above the frame to contact the opponent
on the neck, face or head.
PENALTY: L10
Article 3 – By Team B(a) On any play from scrimmage, a Team B player may use hands and arms toreach the ball carrier, but shall not hold or encircle any Team A player, other thanthe ball carrier.
PENALTY: L10(b) For interference on a forward pass play, see Rule 6, Section 4, Article 8(b).
(c) For interference on a kicking play, see Rule 5, Section 4, Article 5.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 4 – Illegal Block
It shall be illegal for a Team A player to block an opponent below the waist.
Except when the block occurs between the tight ends or tight end position,
within 2 yards of the defensive side of the line of scrimmage extending backto the initial position of the quarterback or kicker.
For this block to be legal, the Team A player initiating the block below the
waist must be positioned in this area as an offensive line player (tight end
included) or running back at the snap.
Exception: A Team A backfield player (regardless of position at the snap)
may cross the offensive formation and block a defensive player who is lined
up across from, or outside the offensive tackle at the snap, provided theblock occurs in the legal low block zone described above.
It shall be illegal for a Team B player to block an opponent below the waist
anywhere on the field.
PENALTY: L10
NOTE: If such an illegal low block also meets the criteria for an Unnecessary
Roughness penalty such as but not limited to Clipping, Blocking Below the Waist,
Crackback Blocking, Chop Blocking, Cut Blocking or Peel Back Blocking the player
shall be penalized only for the Unnecessary Roughness penalty.
Article 5 – Hands to the FaceNo player of either team may thrust their hands forward above the frame to contact
the opponent on the neck, face, head or facemask. This does not apply to a ballcarrier using a “stiff arm” or “straight arm” tactic where there is no grasping of theface mask.
PENALTY: L10
SECTION 4 – PLACEMENT OF THE BALL
Article 1 – After a Score
When the ball is placed in play by the Referee after a scoring play, after the ballhas been declared dead in the end zone, or following the application of a penalty
for a foul in goal or a foul on a convert, Team A may elect to scrimmage the ball at
any point between the hash marks.
Article 2 – Outside the Hash Marks
If the ball goes dead outside the hash marks or goes out of bounds, it shall next
be scrimmaged on the hash mark at the yardage point where it becomes dead.
Article 3 – Within 1 Yard of Goal Line
If Team A has possession of the ball within one yard of either Goal Line, it shall be
scrimmaged one yard out from such Goal Line.
Article 4 – Within 15 Yards of Own Goal
When, on third down, Team A scrimmages on or within its own 15-yard line, TeamA may position the ball out from the goal posts to the nearest hash mark.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 5 – Within 10 Yards of Own Goal
If Team A is scrimmaging within 10 yards of its own Goal Line, it shall be permitted
to have the ball moved out to the nearest hash mark.
SECTION 5 – PLAYER RESTRICTIONSArticle 1 – Seven Players on LineAt the instant the ball is put in play, at least seven players of Team A must be Line
Players (as defined in Rule 4, Section 1, Article 2). Conversely, Team A can never
have more than five players in backfield positions.
PENALTY: L5
Article 2 – Identification & Positions
On all scrimmage plays at least five Line Players, including the Centre, shall beidentified as ineligible pass receivers and must be positioned in a continuous,
unbroken line.
PENALTY: L5
Any other Team A player is an eligible pass receiver if identified by playing number
and, at the snap of the ball, is not a Line Player and is clearly occupying a backfieldposition.
Team A Players shall be identified by numbering as follows:Eligible receivers will wear numbers 0-49 and 70-99.
Ineligible receivers will wear numbers 50-69.
Article 3 – Exceptions to the Numbering Requirements
When the Team A Long Snapper is on the field, the Long Snapper and the twoplayers immediately on each side of the Long Snapper and/or the ball can wear
any number.
These players are ineligible receivers for that play regardless of which number theywear.
Prior to the game each team will provide the number of their Long Snapper to theReferee. Should a team wish to use a different Long Snapper during the gamethey must first inform the Referee of the number of the new Long Snapper.
A maximum of two players wearing an ineligible number (50 – 69) will be allowed
to line up in an eligible position as an end or in the backfield after reporting to theReferee prior to a scrimmage play. The player must report to the Referee before
EACH play that that player wishes to play in an eligible position. The Referee will
inform the opposing team and all officials of the player number and position theplayer will be playing. If either of the listed players enter or remain in the gamewithout reporting they must take a position on the line of scrimmage and are
ineligible to catch a pass.
PENALTY: L5

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 4 – Line Players Stance and Motion
Team A Line Players after having assumed a 3-point or 4-point stance may notbreak their stance by lifting a hand, however they may point, signal, shift or moveslightly in a manner that does not draw the defense offside. All Team A Line
Players, including the Centre, must become stationary and remain motionless forat least one second immediately prior to the snap of the ball.
The Centre is allowed to bob their head any number of times prior to the snap of
the ball provided that the Centre pauses for one second between each head bob
and remains completely motionless for at least one second immediately prior to
the ball being snapped.
No Team A Line Player, shall be moving towards the opponent’s Goal Line when
the ball is put in play.
PENALTY: L5
EXCEPTIONS: Rule 6, Section 4, Article 4, Note 4
Article 5 – Designated Quarterback
Prior to the game, each team is required to designate two or three DesignatedQuarterbacks. These players can substitute freely for each other during the gameat the Quarterback position. A maximum of two of these players may be in thegame at the same time. No Designated Quarterback can enter the game as amember of Team B.
PENALTY: L25 PLS DR or L25 PBD or option
NOTE: For the purposes of this Article 4, the duties of the Quarterback position
may include punting, place kicking and kicking off.
NOTE: A team is required to have one designated quarterback or kicker on thefield for each of its offensive plays.
Article 6 – Designated American
When a Member Club dresses its full quota of American Players, one (1) shall bea designated American and designated as a special team player who may enter
the game at another position only upon the understanding that another American
player is required to leave the game for that play. When a Member Club dresses
eighteen (18) American players, zero (0) shall be considered designatedAmericans.
If a designated American participates in the game illegally:
PENALTY: L25 PLS DR or L25 PBD or option.

36

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 6 – SERIES OF DOWNSArticle 1 – 10 Yards on Three Downs
Team A shall have three downs in which to gain 10 yards. A down may be repeatedfollowing the application of a penalty against either team. If in a series of threedowns, Team A does not gain the required 10 yards, the ball shall be awarded toTeam B as first down at the point where the ball becomes dead. If the required 10
yards are gained, a new series of downs begins.
Article 2 – Consecutive Downs“Consecutive” shall mean possession in a continuous series of downs in which theball is in possession of the one team.
Article 3 – Continuity of Downs
The continuity of downs is interrupted when:(a) The ball, having been kicked, other than dribbled, crosses the line ofscrimmage.
(b) On a scrimmage play, the ball is dribbled by Team B.
(c) The ball definitely passes into possession of Team B. Touching the ball by
opponents is not possession.
(d) The required distance is gained.
(e) The ball is kicked Out of Bounds.
Article 4 – Position of Ball in Measuring
In measuring for downs, the forward point of the ball, and not its centre, shall be
the determining point and the ball, before measuring, shall be rotated so that its
long axis is parallel to the Sidelines. A touchdown cannot be awarded as a resultof such rotation.
NOTE: When Team A has failed to gain the distance required for a first down andthe ball is awarded to Team B, the official shall reverse the ball in order to havethe forward point facing in the opposite direction.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULE 5 - KICKINGSECTION 1 – DEFINITIONSArticle 1 – Kicked Ball
A kicked ball is one (Purposely) struck by a player’s foot or leg below the knee.
NOTE: If the ball accidentally strikes a player’s leg or foot, it shall not be ruled asa kicked ball.
Article 2 – Drop Kick
A drop kick is made by dropping the ball from the hands and kicking it with the footjust as it rises from the ground.
Article 3 – Place Kick
A place kick is made by kicking the ball after it has been placed on the ground andheld by a Team A player, who shall be considered offside with reference to theposition of the ball.
On a kickoff, the ball may be held, placed on the ground or placed on a tee,provided that the lowest part of the ball shall be raised not more than three inches
above the playing surface.
On a field goal or convert attempt, a kicking tee may be used provided that the ballshall be raised not more than one inch above the playing surface.
Article 4 – Punt
A punt is made by letting the ball fall from the hands and kicking it with the footbefore it touches the ground.
Article 5 – Dribbled Ball
A dribbled ball occurs when the ball is kicked while not in possession or control ofa player, i.e. a loose ball following a fumble, a blocked kick, a kickoff or a kick from
scrimmage. Such a dribbled ball may be touched by the kicker or an onside player
without penalty.
If touched by an offside player:
PENALTY: Ball awarded to opponent at point ball touched, or option.
If touched by an offside player in the opponent’s Goal Area:
PENALTY: Ball awarded to opponent at its 30-yard line, or option.
If touched by an offside player in own Goal Area:
PENALTY: Ball awarded to opponent at 5-yard line, or option.
NOTE: If the touching by an offside player occurs on the last play of a half, theopponent may elect to extend the period for an additional play.
NOTE: A ball dribbled by Team A across the line of scrimmage does not interrupt
the continuity of downs.
NOTE: A dribbled ball that strikes a goal post shall remain in play.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESNOTE: When a ball is dribbled and recovered by Team A, they may not block
below the waist.
Article 6 – Onside & Offside
An onside player is a member of the kicker’s team who is behind the ball at the
instant it is kicked towards the opponent’s Dead Line.
An offside player is a member of the kicker’s team who is not onside.
An offside player becomes an onside player when the ball, after being kicked
towards the opponent’s Dead Line, touches or is touched by an opponent, thekicker or another onside player.
EXCEPTION: On a kick from scrimmage, if a Team B player touches the ballbefore it crosses the line of scrimmage, such touching does not put an offsideplayer of Team A onside.
Article 7 – Application of Penalties
Under this Rule 5, the penalty for any minor foul that occurs after the ball has been
kicked and before possession has been gained by the receiving team shall beapplied as follows:(a) Foul by kicking team (Other than Illegal Interference, Illegally Downfield on
Kick, Illegal Kick Out of Bounds (Punt or Kickoff), No Yards, or failure to kickoff 10
yards): at point of last scrimmage (PLS), or point of kickoff, or point of actual kickon an open-field kick, as the case may be. If the open-field kick originates in theGoal Area, the penalty shall be applied at the 15-yard line.
(b) Foul by receiving team (Other than Contacting the Kicker, Roughing the
Kicker, or Illegal Interference on the kicker or an onside player): at the point
receiving team gains possession (PPG) or is entitled to possession. If thepossession was gained in the Goal Area, the penalty shall be applied from thereceiving team’s 15-yard line.
SECTION 2 – KICKOFF
Article 1 – Points of Kickoff
The ball shall be kicked off by a place kick from any point between the hash marks:(a) At the start of the game or half – 30-yard line.
(b) After a touchdown, the team scored against has the option – receive akickoff from the opponent’s 30-yard line or kickoff from own 30-yard line.
(c) After a field goal, the team scored against has the option – receive a kickofffrom the opponent’s 30-yard line or kickoff from own 30-yard line or
scrimmage from their own 40-yard line. If the field goal occurs after the 3minute warning in 4th quarter, there is no option the scoring team must
kickoff from its 30-yard line.
(d) After a safety touch, the scoring team has the option – receive kickoff fromthe opponent’s 20-yard line or kickoff from own 30-yard line or scrimmage
from their own 40-yard line.
Article 2 – Legal Kickoff(a) The ball, unless touched by an opponent, must be kicked more than 10 yards
towards the opponent’s Goal Line before it may be legally touched by a memberof Team A.
PENALTY: L5 kickoff repeated or Team B may take possession at the point theball was first touched by Team A or option.
39

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(b) The ball, unless touched, shall not go Out of Bounds in the Field of Play.
PENALTY: Team B will take possession either 30 yards in advance of where theball was kicked or at the point where the ball went out of bounds.
(c) Should the kicked ball strike the goal post assembly in flight, it shall bedeclared dead immediately and awarded to the receiving team at its 30-yard line.
(d) If the kicked ball is simultaneously recovered by players of both teams or issimultaneously touched by players of both teams before going Out of Bounds, thekickoff shall be repeated.
Article 3 – Offside on Kickoff - Team A
At the instant the ball is kicked off, no player of the kicking team shall be in advanceof the ball except the player who may be holding the ball for such kickoff. The
player holding the ball is deemed to be onside and is eligible to recover the kickoffin the same manner as any other Team A player.
PENALTY: L5 – kickoff repeated, or option.
Article 4 – Offside on Kickoff - Team B
Players of the receiving team must stand at least 10 yards on their own side of theline of kickoff when the ball is kicked.
PENALTY: L5 – kickoff repeated, or option.
Article 5 – Interference By Team B
On a kickoff, a player of the receiving team may interfere with an opponent
anywhere within bounds, commencing from the moment the ball is kicked,
provided that contact is made only above the waist of the opponent.
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PPG or PBD
Article 6 – Wedge Blocking
It shall be illegal for 3 or more players to align shoulder to shoulder within 2 yardsof each other and move forward together in an attempt to block for a ball carrier.
PENALTY: L10 PBH or PPG
Article 7 – Illegal Interference By Team A(a) Before gaining possession: A player of the kicking team shall not be
permitted to interfere with an opponent who is attempting to play or recover theball until that team has gained possession.
PENALTY: L10 – kickoff repeated(b) After gaining possession: If a player of the kicking team recovers the ball on
the kickoff, that team may then interfere with opponents anywhere within bounds,
provided that contact is made only above the waist of the opponent.
PENALTY: L15 – PBH or PBD
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 8 – Gaining Possession on a Kickoff
On a kickoff, a player who catches the ball must come down in bounds to gain
possession. If the player was the last to touch the ball, either the player or the ballmust come down in bounds for possession to be awarded.
SECTION 3 – BLOCKED KICK
Article 1 – Definition
A blocked kick is a kick from scrimmage in which, after being kicked, the ball isprevented from crossing the line of scrimmage because of contact with an
opponent or a player of the kicking team who is offside.
It is a deflected kick not a blocked kick if, on a kick from scrimmage, the ball istouched by or touches an opponent or a player of the kicking team who is offside
and then crosses the line of scrimmage. Such touching of the ball shall be
disregarded, and the Kicking team players must allow 5 yards to an opponent
attempting to gain possession.
If the kicked ball, after being touched prior to crossing the line of scrimmage, should
strike any part of the receiving team’s goal post assembly in flight without touching
the ground, an official or a player, it shall be declared dead immediately andawarded to the receiving team on its 30-yard line.
Article 2 – Recovery of Blocked Kick
If the ball is blocked, without going Out of Bounds, it may legally be recovered bya player of either team. If, however, the ball is recovered by a player of the kicking
team, the continuing play shall be considered as any other play from scrimmage.
Article 3 – Blocked Out of Bounds
Where a kick is blocked and the ball goes Out of Bounds:(a) On first and second down, it shall belong to the team last touching it in the
Field of Play, on the nearest hash mark:(1) at the point where the ball left the Field of Play or,(2) at the point where the ball was last touched in the Field of Play, whichever
point is closer to the Goal Line of the team entitled to possession.
(b) On third down, it shall belong to the non-kicking team at either of the points
set out in (a) above.
Article 4 – Blocked into Goal Area
When a kick is blocked in the Field of Play or Goal Area, and is declared dead in
the Goal Area in possession of the kicking team, or goes Out of Bounds in the Goal
Area without either team taking possession, a safety touch score shall be awarded
to the non-kicking team. No Option.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 4 – KICK FROM SCRIMMAGE & OPEN-FIELD KICK
Article 1 – Formation on Punt PlaysOn plays in which Team A punts the ball, the offensive line must be balanced. Thatis, there must be two ineligible line players on each side of the Centre (aka theLong Snapper) and one eligible receiver at each end.
PENALTY: L5 PLS
Article 2 – Exceptions to the Numbering Requirements
When the Team A Long Snapper is on the field, the Long Snapper and the twoplayers immediately on each side of the Long Snapper and/or the ball can wear
any number.
These players are ineligible receivers for that play regardless of which number theywear.
Prior to the game each team will provide the number of their Long Snapper to theReferee. Should a team wish to use a different Long Snapper during the gamethey must first inform the Referee of the number of the new Long Snapper.
Article 3 – Defensive Line Up Restrictions
It is illegal to line up directly over the Long Snapper. A defensive player within 2
yards of the line of scrimmage must have their entire body outside the shoulder
pads of the Long Snapper when the ball is snapped.
It is illegal to have more than 6 players within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage oneither side of the long snapper on field goals and kicked converts when the ball issnapped. This restriction does not apply if Team A shifts players after the initial
field goal formation is set or sets up with an unbalanced line.
PENALTY: L5 PLS
Article 4 – Contacting the Kicker
Contacting the kicker when in the act of kicking from scrimmage, subject to thefollowing conditions:(a) If prior to kicking the ball, the kicker had recovered a loose ball on the groundor made a motion to pass the ball or run with the ball, there shall be no protection
under this Article.
(b) An opponent who blocks or touches the ball shall not be penalized forcontacting the kicker.
(c) An opponent shall not be penalized when a blocker of the kicker’s teamcauses contact with the kicker.
(d) If, in the Referee’s opinion, a defensive player attempting to block the kickmakes slight and incidental contact which does not affect the play, there shall beno penalty.
(e) This section does not apply to a quick kick or to an open-field kick.
(f) The act of kicking shall begin when the kicker’s kicking foot leaves the groundand shall terminate when the foot returns to the ground after kicking, or attempting
to kick, the ball.
PENALTY: L10 PLS
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 5 – Pyramiding
Using the body of another player or the goal post assembly in any way to gain or
maintain elevation or jump over the line in an attempt to block a field goal or aconvert attempt.
PENALTY: L10
Article 6 – Interference on Kick From Scrimmage(a) A player of the receiving team may interfere with any player of the kicking
team who has crossed the line of scrimmage, provided that contact is made only
above the waist. Such interference shall be permitted from the instant the ball issnapped.
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PPG or PBD(b) The kicker or an onside player may not be contacted until reaching the lineof scrimmage or until the receiving team has touched the ball.
PENALTY: L10 PLS
Article 7 – Interference on Open-Field Kick
A player of the team receiving an open-field kick may interfere with an opponent
the instant the ball is kicked, provided that such contact is made only above thewaist of the opponent.
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PPG or PBD
Article 8 – Illegal Interference By Kicking TeamOn a play from scrimmage in which the ball is kicked across the line of scrimmage,a player of the kicking team may interfere with an opponent up to one yard inadvance of the line of scrimmage. After the ball is kicked, the player may use
hands and arms to ward off a blocker interfering with the approach to the ballcarrier.
PENALTY: L10 PLS or PPG
Article 9 – Illegally Downfield on Kick
When Team A punts the ball a player who is one of the interior block of fiveineligible line players may not advance beyond the Scrimmage Zone (1 yard inadvance of the Line of Scrimmage) until the ball is kicked.
PENALTY: L10 PLS or PPG
Article 10 – No Yards(This article does not apply to a “dribbled ball”.)
When on a kick from scrimmage (punt, field goal or kicked convert when ballcrosses the line of scrimmage), or on an open-field kick, a player who is offside in
relation to the kicker must allow 5 yards to an opponent attempting to gain
possession of the kicked ball. The 5-yard zone is determined by a circle with a 5yard radius with the centre point being the ball at the instant it is first touch.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(a) if an offside kicking team player is within 5 yards of an opponent attempting
to gain possession of the kicked ball, regardless if the ball is caught in the
air or touches the ground first, or,(b) if an offside kicking team player interferes with an opponent attempting togain possession of the kicked ball, with or without contact:
PENALTY - in field of play - L 15 from PBT- in goal area - L 15, applied at 15-yard line(c) if an offside kicking team player is inadvertently hit first by the ball, whether
in the air or after it has hit the ground, and has made no attempt to “play” the ballin any way or,(d) if the ball is deflected and an offside kicking team player is within 5 yards but
does not interfere with an opponent attempting to gain possession of the kickedball:
PENALTY - in field of play
- in goal area

- L 5 from PBT or PBD- L 5, applied at 15-yard line or PBD(e) if a kicking team player invades the 5-yard zone, and contacts in an
unnecessarily rough manner a receiving team player who is attempting to play theball, the kicking team player will be subject to 15 yard No Yards penalty and an
additional 15-yard UR or 25-yard RP Disqualification penalty, regardless ofwhether the ball had struck the ground.
Article 11 – Onside Player(a) The kicker or an onside player may enter the restraining zone and legally
recover the kicked ball, but shall not interfere with an opponent attempting torecover the ball.
PENALTY: Ball awarded to receiving team at point of foul or at its 30-yard line, if
the foul occurred in the receiving team’s Goal Area. If the kicker or onside player
and a Team B player simultaneously recover the ball, possession shall be awarded
to the receiving team at the point the ball was touched.
NOTES:(a) If the kicked ball has not yet been touched and a player of the receiving teamfakes an attempt to recover the ball, that player may be tackled without penalty. If
an offside player touches the ball, there shall be no penalty and the ball shall beawarded to the receiving team.
(b) If the kicked ball has not yet been touched and, in the judgment of the official,no effort is being made by either team to recover the ball, the ball may be declared
dead and possession awarded to the receiving team.

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Article 12 – Kick from Scrimmage Going Out-of-Bounds in Flight
It shall be illegal for a kick from scrimmage to go directly out of bounds in flightfrom the 15-yard line to 15-yard line. This does not apply if the kick is deflected by
the receiving team and then goes out of bounds in flight.
PENALTY: L10 PLS or PBD
Article 13 – Kicked Ball Striking Goal Post Assembly(a) If the ball, after being kicked, should strike the opposing team’s goal post
assembly in flight, the ball shall be declared dead immediately and awarded to thereceiving team as first down at its 30-yard line.
(b) A kicked ball striking the goal post assembly after having touched an official,
the ground or a player, shall remain in play.
(c) A kicked ball striking the kicking team’s goal post assembly shall remain inplay.
(d) If the kicked ball on a field goal or convert attempt should strike the goal post
assembly in flight, and then proceed through the uprights above the crossbar, thescore shall count.
Article 14 – Recovery of Own Kick
The kicker or an onside player may recover the kick across the line of scrimmage,in which case the ensuing down shall be first down whether or not the original
yardage has been gained.
Following such recovery by the kicker or an onside player, a player of the kicking
team may interfere with an opponent provided that contact is made only above thewaist of the opponent.
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PBD
Article 15 – Kick That Fails to Cross Line of Scrimmage
When a ball kicked from scrimmage fails to cross the line of scrimmage and isrecovered by an onside player of the kicking team, the series of downs shall not
be interrupted unless after recovery, the yardage required for a first down isgained.
If touched by offside player:
PENALTY: Ball awarded to opponent at point ball touched, or option.
If touched by offside player in own Goal Area:
PENALTY: Ball awarded to opponent at 5-yard line, or option.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULE 6 - PASSINGSECTION 1 – LATERAL OR ONSIDE PASS
A lateral or onside pass is one thrown, handed, knocked, batted or fumbled by aplayer parallel to or in the direction of own Dead Line.
The point at which the ball is caught, strikes another player, an official or the
ground, or goes Out of Bounds, is the factor that determines whether it is a lateralor an offside pass, regardless of the direction in which it goes afterwards.
A lateral pass striking the ground is not dead and may be recovered by either teamwithout penalty.
When a lateral pass goes Out of Bounds in the Field of Play, the ball shall be put
in play by scrimmage on the nearest hash mark from the point where the ball went
Out of Bounds.
SECTION 2 – HANDOFF PASS
A handoff pass is made on a scrimmage play when the ball is handed, but not
thrown, by one Team A player to another behind the line of scrimmage. There is
no restriction on the number of handoff passes on any one play.
The player receiving the handoff pass must not be occupying the position of aninterior lineman at the instant of receiving the ball.
PENALTY: L5 PLS DRSECTION 3 – OFFSIDE PASS
Article 1 – Definition
An offside pass is made when the ball is directed towards the opponent’s DeadLine in any manner other than by being kicked.
A team making an offside pass shall not be permitted to advance the ball or retain
possession beyond the point of origin of the pass.
RULING: Next scrimmage at point of origin of pass, or option.
EXCEPTIONS: Handoff Pass (Rule 6, Section 2)
Forward Pass (Rule 6, Section 4)
Article 2 – Offside Pass in Field of PlayAn offside pass shall be ruled as having occurred in the following situations:(a) On a scrimmage play, a Team A player makes an offside pass after crossing
the line of scrimmage.
(b) On a play, other than from scrimmage (e.g. kick return, kickoff return,interception return, fumble return, recovery of onside kick or kickoff), a player
makes an offside pass.
(c) In attempting to catch a forward pass, a Team A eligible receiver tips,
deflects, knocks or bats the ball in an offside direction, where it is caught by another
Team A player, who is not eligible as a receiver.
RULING: Ball to team making offside pass, at point of origin of pass (downs
continue unless yards gained at that point, or option).

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 3 – Not an Offside Pass
An offside pass shall be ruled not to have occurred in the following situations:(a) On a scrimmage play, before the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, a TeamA player in possession of the ball makes an offside pass – rule as a forward pass.
(b) On a forward pass play, an eligible Team A receiver, in attempting to catchthe ball, tips, deflects, knocks or bats the ball in an offside direction, where it iscaught by another eligible Team A receiver.
(c) In attempting to intercept or knock down a forward pass, a Team B player
directs the ball in an offside direction, where it is caught by another Team B playe(d) On any play where the ball carrier or a player attempting to catch a kickedball, unintentionally drops or fumbles the ball forward and it is recovered by a playerof the same team.
Article 4 – Offside Pass in Goal Area(a) If Team A makes an offside pass in its own Goal Area and retains possessionof the ball, Team B shall be awarded 2 points or option.
(b) If Team B makes an offside pass in its own Goal Area after gaining
possession from a Team A kick, Team A shall be awarded 1 point, or option.
(c) If Team B makes an offside pass in its own Goal Area after gaining
possession by interception of a Team A forward pass, or by recovery of a Team A
fumble, it will scrimmage at its own 30-yard line, or option.
(d) If a player deliberately throws the ball out of own Goal Area and it is touched
or goes Out of Bounds in the Field of Play, the play shall be ruled as an offsidepass in the Goal Area and the opponent shall have the option to accept a 1-pointor 2-point score, as applicable, or to accept the play as it terminated.
NOTE: An Offside Pass is not considered to be a foul when applying the above
rulings. There is no additional play after making an Offside Pass ruling.
NOTE: This article applies to a ball fumbled from the Goal Area, into the Field ofPlay and Out of Bounds without touching an opponent.
SECTION 4 – FORWARD PASS
Article 1 – Definition & Possession
A legal forward pass is thrown by any Team A player from a point behind thescrimmage line, towards the opponent’s Dead Line, to any eligible receiver or
receivers. The ball shall not touch the ground, any part of the goal post assembly,
an official or any other object. The ball is considered to be in the possession ofTeam A until the pass is ruled completed or incomplete. The passing motion
begins when the passer’s hand, with the ball in possession, begins moving
forward.
A screen pass is a forward pass thrown to a receiver at a point behind the line ofscrimmage. Should the ball be touched by an eligible receiver in the offensive
backfield then proceed across the line of scrimmage, it shall continue to beconsidered a screen pass. Unless otherwise stated, rules governing forward
passes shall apply to screen passes.
Article 2 – One Forward Pass on any Down
Only one forward pass shall be thrown on any down. If a second pass is thrown:
PENALTY: L10 DR

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 3 – Eligibility of Passer
A pass may be thrown by any Team A player who was behind the scrimmage line
when passing the ball. The passer needs at least one foot on or behind the line ofscrimmage when the ball is released to be considered behind the line ofscrimmage. The passer need not be the first player to receive the ball from thecentre.
If the pass is thrown from a point across the line of scrimmage:
PENALTY: L10 DR
Article 4 – Eligibility of Receiver
The following players are eligible receivers:(a) any Team A player who is wearing an eligible receiver number and who, atthe snap of the ball, is occupying a position at the end of the line of scrimmage oris in the backfield at least one yard back of the line of scrimmage or is in forward
motion from a backfield position and within one yard of the line of scrimmage.
(b) any player of Team B, whether or not the pass is legally thrown.
Team A players shall be identified by numbering as follows:
Eligible receivers will wear numbers from 0-49 and 70-99.
Ineligible receivers will wear numbers from 50-69.
If the ball is touched by a Team B player, all players of both teams become eligible
receivers.
A maximum of 2 previously identified players wearing ineligible numbers (50 – 69)
are allowed to line up in an eligible position as an end or in the backfield after
reporting to the referee prior to a scrimmage play. The Referee will inform thedefense and all officials of the player number(s) playing eligible positions.
When an ineligible receiver is the first player of Team A to catch or deliberately
touch the ball:
PENALTY: L10
Article 5 – Complete Forward Pass
A pass is completed under the following conditions:(a) when caught by a Team A eligible receiver or by two or more such receivers
simultaneously,(b) when caught by a player or simultaneously by players of Team B or whensuch a pass is touched by, or touches B1 and then is caught by B2,(c) when caught simultaneously by players of both teams who maintainpossession until the play is terminated, the ball shall be awarded to Team A,(d) an eligible receiver of either team, who catches a pass near the Sideline andtouches the ground in bounds with the first step, shall retain possession even if thenext step is Out of Bounds.
(e) When a receiver of either team, who is in the air and has complete controlof the ball, has their feet or another part of their body hit the ground, the player
must retain possession for the pass to be ruled complete, with or without contact
by an opponent.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 6 – Incomplete Forward Pass
A forward pass shall be declared incomplete and the ball next put in play at the
point of last scrimmage with downs continuing:(a) when the ball strikes the ground, goal post assembly, an official or any object
on or back of the Dead Line or Out of Bounds, even if previously touched by aplayer,(b) when the ball goes Out of Bounds, even though touched by a player in the
Field of Play,(c) when the ball is caught by an eligible player of either team while off theground who, on landing, touches a Sideline, a Sideline in Goal, a Dead Line or any
object or ground beyond such lines,(d) when the passer has commenced with a forward passing motion with theball moving forward and, as a result of contact with an opponent, the ball leaves
the passer’s hand and strikes the ground,
Article 7 – Intentional Grounding
If a Team A passer deliberately, and in the official’s opinion for the purpose of
avoiding a loss of yardage, throws the ball behind the line of scrimmage whether
to the ground or out of bounds or to an area in which there is not an eligible TeamA receiver, the team shall be penalized.
PENALTY: LD at point from which pass was thrown. If the pass was thrown fromthe Goal Area, a safety touch score shall be awarded to Team B, subject to theright of Team B to decline the score and accept the play as it terminated.
NOTE: Team A shall not be penalized if the passer throws the ball across the lineof scrimmage or throws the ball out of bounds as long as it crosses the line ofscrimmage in bounds.
Article 8 – Interference Before a Pass is Thrown
Prior to a forward pass being thrown behind the line of scrimmage, a Team A player
may carry out an otherwise legal block on a Team B player at any point on thefield, effective the instant the ball is snapped.
Prior to a pass being thrown incidental contact by both Team A and Team B players
may occur anywhere on the field; this includes hand-fighting. Such contact is nota foul unless it materially affects the opponent creating a distinct advantage.
Article 9 – Illegal Interference – Blocking Downfield
Prior to a pass being thrown across the line of scrimmage, it is illegal for a TeamA player to initiate a block with a Team B player more than 1 yard across the lineof scrimmage before the pass is deemed complete.
PENALTY: L10 PLS
Article 10 – Illegal Contact on a Receiver
Prior to a forward pass being thrown, a Team B player may:(a) In the zone behind or up to five yards in advance of the line of scrimmage,contact a Team A eligible receiver provided the receiver is face up and in front of
the defender. Such contact may be maintained until the receiver moves beyond
either (i) a position even with the defender or (ii) the end of the 5-yard zone. Allother contact by Team B is deemed illegal and shall be penalized.
49

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(b) Beyond the five yard zone from the line of scrimmage, use their hands toshed contact initiated by the Team A receiver.
Prior to a forward pass being thrown, a Team B player may not:(a) Beyond the 5-yard zone, create or initiate contact that redirects, restricts, or
impedes the Team A receiver in any way. Such contact is “Illegal Contact On A
Receiver”.
PENALTY: L10 PLS
Note: Illegal Contact only applies when a Designated Quarterback, in a normal
position behind the centre, gets and maintains possession of the ball directly fromthe centre and does not either lose possession or give it to another player including
another quarterback. Illegal Contact does not apply when Team A lines up in ascrimmage kick formation or kicks the ball across the line of scrimmage.
Article 11 – Forward Pass Interference(a) Should the attempt to catch the pass take place in the offensive backfield,
the following shall apply:(i) Interference by Team A is legal.
(ii) Interference by Team B against an eligible Team A receiver who isattempting to catch the ball is a foul.
PENALTY: 1D to Team A, 10 yards in advance PLS(b) Should the forward pass be thrown across the line of scrimmage, thefollowing shall apply:(i) Eligible receivers of both teams have an equal right to the ball and areentitled to the positions they occupy.
(ii) If a player commits pass interference when a forward pass is deemed
uncatchable, no penalty for pass interference shall be applied.
(iii) Pass interference shall not be called if it occurs after the ball has been
touched by an eligible receiver of either team.
(iv) Inadvertent tripping by a player with equal position shall not be ruled asinterference.
(v) Tripping an opponent from behind shall be considered accidental passinterference.
(vi) Screening (face guarding) of an opponent during an attempt to catch theball is pass interference.
(vii) It is pass interference by either team when a player physically contacts
an opponent creating separation, redirects, restricts or impedes the opponent in amanner that is visually evident and materially affects the opponent’s opportunity toplay the ball. A player who has gained position shall not be considered to have
impeded or restricted the opponent in a prohibited manner if all such actions are abona fide effort to go to and play the ball.
(viii) If opposing players are looking for the ball or if neither player is looking
for the ball and there is incidental contact in moving to the ball that does notmaterially affect the route of an eligible player, there is no interference.
(ix) Any eligible receiver who makes contact, however severe, with one ormore eligible opponents while looking for and making a genuine attempt to catchor bat a reachable ball will not be called for interference. It shall be ruled pass50

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

interference if a player “goes through” an opponent during an attempt to play theball.
PENALTY: If Team A commits the Pass Interference foul, L10 PLS
If Team B Commits the Pass Interference Foul:(i) If interference is ruled accidental – L10 PLS and AFD for Team A.
(ii) If interference is ruled deliberate – AFD awarded to Team A at PF or 10
yards in advance of PLS (whichever is closer to Team B Goal Line). If the infraction
occurs in the Team B Goal Area — AFD to Team A at Team B’s 1-yard line.
(iii) If interference is on a convert attempt – attempt repeated by Team A at
PF, or L10 PLS, or 1-yard line if the foul is in Team B’s goal area.
Article 12 – Interference After a Pass has been Completed
After a forward pass has been completed across the line of scrimmage, a Team A
player may block an opponent anywhere within bounds, provided that the contact
is made only above the waist of the opponent.
PENALTY: Team A L10 PLS or PBH
Article 13 – Interference Following an Interception
When a forward pass has been intercepted, any player of Team B may interfere
anywhere, within the bounds, provided that contact is made only above the waistof the opponent.
PENALTY: Team B L15 PBH or PBD
Article 14 – Interception By Team B in Its Own Goal Area
If Team B intercepts and then fumbles while attempting to run the ball out of theGoal Area, the ball may be legally recovered by Team A.
When the ball is dead in the Goal Area without score, Team B shall scrimmage at
its 30-yard line, first down.
If Team B, while in possession in its Goal Area following an interception in goal,commits any infraction in the Goal Area or in the Field of Play, the penalty shall beapplied from the 30-yard line, or option.
If Team B intercepts a pass in its Goal Area and the play is ruled dead in B’s Goal
Area and Team A is called for Rough Play or Unnecessary Roughness in the Fieldof Play or in the Goal Area, the penalty shall be applied from Team B’s 30-yard
line.
NOTE: If a Team B player intercepts a pass in the Field of Play while moving
toward the Team B Goal Line and momentum carries that player into the Goal
Area, the play shall be ruled as an interception in goal.
NOTE: The only score that can result from a Team B interception in its Goal Area,
while the ball remains in the Goal Area, is a touchdown by Team A following
recovery of a Team B fumble.

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RULE 7 – FOULS & PENALTIESSECTION 1 – ILLEGAL TACTICS
Article 1 – Holding
Using the hands and/or arms to grasp or encircle an opponent. It is illegal at all
times, except when a player tackles the ball carrier. Holding hands and locking
arms during a scrimmage is prohibited.
PENALTY: L10 PLS PBH PPG
If Team A commits a holding foul in its Goal Area while in possession of the ball in
its Goal Area
PENALTY: Safety Touch, L10 applied from PLS. The 10yrd penalty is not appliedin addition to the safety
Article 2 – Illegal Blocking
A player of the team in possession contacting an opponent from behind in amanner that interferes with the opponent’s approach to the ball carrier.
PENALTY: L10
Article 3 – Tripping
A player using the portion of their leg below the knee to physically hinder the
progress of an opponent with contact.
PENALTY: L10 PLS, PBH or PPG
Article 4 – Tandem Blocking
Assisting the forward progress of a ball carrier by providing impetus from behindor in front of the ball carrier.
PENALTY: L10 PLS or PBH
SECTION 2 – MAJOR FOULSNOTE: The Rules Committee has declared its total abhorrence of Rough Play and
Unnecessary Roughness. Officials are instructed that no tolerance whatsoever is
to be given to infractions under this Section.
Article 1 – General Application(a) The penalty for a major foul shall be applied in addition to:(i) any other penalty for any other foul and,(ii) the advantage of any distance gained or score made.
(b) If the foul occurs during a scrimmage play prior to a first down being gained,
the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied:(i) from the point of the last scrimmage with the same down repeatedor,(ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play with the downs
continuing.
(c) If the foul occurs during a scrimmage play after a first down has been gained,
the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied:(i) from the point where the ball was held when the foul occurred or,(ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play.
(d) If the foul occurs after a change in possession, the non-offending team mayelect to have the penalty applied:
52

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(i) from the point where the ball was held when the foul occurred or,(ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play.
(e) If the foul occurs when neither team is in possession, the non-offending team
may elect to have the penalty applied:(i) from the point where possession was gained or deemed to have been
gained or,(ii) from the point where the ball became dead on the play.
(f) If the foul occurs after the play has been terminated, the penalty shall beapplied from the point where the ball became dead on the play.
(g) If the foul occurs after a scoring play, the score shall count and the penalty
shall be applied from the point where the ball would normally next be put into play.
If the scoring play was a touchdown, the penalty shall be applied on the convert orsubsequent kickoff, at the option of the non-offending team. If the foul occurs after
a convert attempt, the penalty shall be applied on the subsequent kickoff.
(h) If the foul occurs after the last play in the first or third quarter, the penalty
shall be applied from the point where the ball is next put in play in the ensuingquarter.
(i) If the foul occurs after the last play of a half, the penalty shall be applied on
the kickoff to start the next half or Overtime.
(j) If the foul occurs after the last play of the game, there shall be no penalty
applied but the Referee shall submit a complete report on the matter to theCommissioner.
Article 2 – Rough PlayA player shall be penalized and subject to disqualification for any act of rough playagainst an opponent, including but not limited to:(a) striking an opponent with the fist, hand, knee, elbow or helmet in anexcessively rough manner,(b) kicking an opponent or,(c) any other act of excessive roughness considered by the Referee to warrant
disqualification.
PENALTY: L25 and disqualification of offending player
If Team B is the offending team on a play from scrimmage, Team A shall beawarded a first down in addition to the yardage penalty.
When a player has been disqualified, the Referee shall inform the coaches of bothteams and the official scorer.
In the event of dual fouls under this Article 2, the offending players shall bedisqualified and penalties balanced at the point of application. If the fouls occur
on a scrimmage play, Team A shall not be awarded a first down by virtue of thepenalty against Team B.
Article 3 – Grade 2 Unnecessary Roughness
Roughing the Passer
Delivering a direct blow to the passer’s head or neck area with the helmet when
the offender has a clear view to the passer and there are no mitigating
circumstances.
Spearing
Delivering a spear to an opponent’s head or neck area when the offender has aclear view to the opponent and there are no mitigating circumstances.
53

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESPENALTY: Team A – L25
Team B – L25 and AFD
Any player called for two Grade 2 Unnecessary Roughness fouls in the same game
will be disqualified from that game.
Article 4 – Unnecessary Roughness
A player shall be penalized for any act of unnecessary roughness against an
opponent, including but not limited to:(a) Piling by a player who, in an unnecessarily rough manner, falls upon the ballcarrier after the play has been terminated. Any player in possession of the ball,
who is on the ground without contact and is not attempting to advance the ball,
may only be touched down and may not be contacted in any other manner,(b) Contacting an opponent Out of Bounds in an unnecessarily rough manner,(c) Contacting the passer in an unnecessarily rough manner (see Rule 7,
Section 2, Article 5),(d) Unnecessary roughness against the punter, kicker or the ball holder on aplace kick,(e) Grasping an opponent’s face mask,(f) Using the helmet to butt, ram, spear, or deliver a blow to an opponent who
is in a vulnerable position, including but not limited to, a passer, a receiver in theact of catching a pass, a ball carrier in the grasp of another tackler or a ball carrieron the playing surface not attempting to advance,
NOTE: The expanded definitions of butt, ram and spear are:Butt: When a player suddenly and quickly moves their head to strike an
opponent with their helmet or facemask.
Ram: When a player who is in motion and on their feet uses their helmet as
the primary point of contact to deliver a blow to an opponent. If the facemask is theinitial point of contact on the opponent, it shall not be a penalty under this rule.
Spear: When a player uses the top of their helmet as the primary point ofcontact to deliver a blow to an opponent.
(g) Delivering a blow to an opponent in the neck or head,(h) Delivering an unnecessary blow to the long snapper while they are in avulnerable position and unable to protect them self,(i) It shall be illegal to tackle around the head in the open field or use a straightarm tackle above the shoulders,(j) Contacting the ball carrier lying motionless on the ground in an unnecessarilyrough manner,(k) Tackling an opponent by grabbing the inside collar of the side or back of theshoulder pads, or jersey.
(l) Clipping (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 6),(m) Crackback Blocking (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 7),(o) Chop Blocking (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 8),(p) Cut Blocking (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 9),(q) Peel Back Blocking (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 10),(r) Push Blocking (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 11),(s) Blocking Below the Waist (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 12),(t) Blindside Blocking (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 13),(u) Leg Whips (see Rule 7, Section 2, Article 14),54

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(v) Unnecessary physical contact, including but not limited to, running into,
diving into, cut blocking or throwing the body on a player who is:(i) out of the play, or(ii) should not have reasonably anticipated such contact by an opponent,
before or after the ball is dead, or(iii) throwing a ball carrier to the ground after the ball is dead,(w) Any other act of roughness or unfair play, provided it is not considered
excessive enough to warrant disqualification.
PENALTY:

Team A - L15
Team B - L15 and 1D to Team A

If both teams offend, the penalties shall be applied against each other but Team A
is not awarded an automatic first down by virtue of the penalty to Team B.
Article 5 – Roughing the Passer
Because the act of passing puts the passer in a particularly vulnerable position to
injury, special rules against roughing the passer apply. Once the ball is released,
defensive players must avoid all unnecessary contact with the passer. A player
shall be penalized for any act of Unnecessary Roughness to the passer, including
but not limited to:(a) Delivering a late blow to the passer after the ball is released,(b) Contacting the passer in an unnecessary manner including stuffing them tothe ground, violently throwing them to the ground and landing on them with mostof the defender’s weight,(c) Delivering a blow to the neck or head of the passer,(d) Delivering a blow at or below the knees of the passer, regardless if the
defender’s path to the passer was unrestricted or if they are coming off a blocker,(e) Attacking the passer who, after releasing the ball, is either standing still orfading backwards and is obviously out of the play and remains out of the play,(f) Contacting the quarterback unnecessarily after the quarterback slides to givethem self up. The quarterback must slide in a timely manner to allow the defenders
to avoid such contact.
(g) Contacting the passer when either the initial or primary source of contact isthe defender’s helmet.
Article 6 – Clipping
Blocking an opponent, other than the ball carrier, from the rear in such a mannerthat the player charges into the opponent’s back or falls across the back of the
legs.
Where it is legal to block an opponent below the waist, the block must be delivered
to the front plane of the body of the opponent for it to be legal. When a block isdelivered below the waist, the front and back planes of the body shall be definedby a line that passes through the centre of the body.
The application of this penalty is determined by the initial contact, which must be
observed by the official and shall not be called if in the judgment of the official:(a) The initial contact is made on the side of the opponent if the block is above
the waist or,(b) The opponent could see the blocker approaching and deliberately turned the
body in order to be contacted from behind.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Article 7 – Crackback Blocking
A Team A player moving from a position more than 3 yards outside the offensive
tackle at any angle towards the ball snap position delivering a forcible block or
blocking an opponent below the waist in an area up to 5 yards in advance of theline of scrimmage from sideline to sideline.
Article 8 – Chop Blocking
Contacting an opponent at or below the knees at the time that opponent is alreadybeing engaged by another player, with or without actual physical contact.
Article 9 – Cut Blocking
Contacting an opponent at or below the knees when that opponent is:(a) in a backfield position blocking for the passer or kicker, or,(b) blocking for the ball carrier on a kick return play or,(c) a potential pass receiver on the line of scrimmage.
Article 10 – Peel Back Blocking
A Team A player moving towards their own dead ball line delivering a block below
the waist to an opponent who they are not currently engaged with (with or without
contact) anywhere on the field.
Article 11 – Push Blocking
A Team B player pushing a teammate towards the other team’s dead ball line on
any play where the offense lines up in a place kick formation including kickedconverts and field goals.
Article 12 – Blocking Below the Waist
Blocking an opponent below the waist in the following circumstances:(a) On a kick off commencing the moment the ball is kicked,(b) By the receiving team, on a punt, field goal and kicked convert, on any
kicking team player who has crossed the line of scrimmage,(c) By the kicking team on a punt, field goal or kicked convert after the ball has
been kicked across the line of scrimmage,(d) On an open field kick after the ball is kicked,(e) By the kicking team, after recovering a kick across the line of scrimmage,(f) After an interception or fumble recovery.
Article 13 – Blindside Blocking
Delivering a forcible block to an opponent while moving back towards their own
dead ball line anywhere on the field.
Article 14 – Leg Whips
Using a whipping motion to deliver a blow to an opponent with the leg or foot while
executing a roll block or while on the ground or on the way to the ground.

56

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 3 – DISQUALIFICATION
A player shall be disqualified from the game, and substitution permitted, for any
act of serious misconduct, including but not limited to:(a) Rough Play against an opponent,(b) two Grade 2 Unnecessary Roughness fouls,(c) physical abuse of an official,(d) two Player Misconduct fouls,(d) excessive objectionable conduct against an opponent or an official,(e) wearing of hazardous equipment.
(f) spitting
A player who has been disqualified from the game shall be required to leave thebench area and not permitted to return.
SECTION 4 – OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCT
A player shall be penalized for any act of objectionable conduct, including but notlimited to:(a) verbal abuse or objectionable gesture directed at an opponent, official or
spectator,(b) throwing the ball at an opponent, official or occupant of a team bench area,(c) kicking or throwing an official’s flag,(d) baiting or taunting an opponent by act or word,(e) embellishing contact by an opponent in an attempt to draw a penalty,(f) a quarterback or punter or kicker faking giving themself up by faking a slide,(g) voluntarily removing their helmet after a play while on the field, except during
a timeout, or throwing it to the ground, or using it in an intimidating manner against
an opponent, official or spectator,(h) avoidable physical contact with an official,(i) being in possession of a foreign or extraneous object that is not part of theuniform or equipment, during a game, either on the field or on the Sideline. If theobject is deemed a safety hazard by the Referee, the player will also be
disqualified.
PENALTY: L10
If a team continues with objectionable conduct after a penalty has been applied, afurther penalty may be assessed.
PENALTY: L10
For physical abuse of an official in any manner whatsoever:
PENALTY: L25 plus disqualification of the offending player.
NOTE: An official must see the entire action for the player to be disqualified.
Spitting at an opponent, official or occupant of the team bench area:
PENALTY: L25 plus disqualification of the offending player.
NOTE: If a person authorized to occupy a team bench area during a game shouldcommit any infraction pursuant to Section 4 above, the team shall be subject topenalty as though the offending person was a player.
57

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 5 – PLAYER MISCONDUCT FOULS
A player shall be penalized for a player misconduct foul if they commit a nonfootball action post-play Unnecessary Roughness or Objectionable Conduct foul.
This does not include football actions that occur just as or after the play has ended.
Should a player receive two Player Misconduct fouls in one game, they will bedisqualified from the remainder of that game.
PENALTY: The normal L10 or L15 for the foul with no additional yardage applied
for the disqualification.
NOTE: A penalty under Section 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall be applied in addition to:(1) any other penalty for any other foul and,(2) any yards lost or gained and,(3) any score made, in which event the penalty will be applied on the subsequent
play.

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RULE 8 – APPLICATION OF PENALTIESSECTION 1 – DEFINITIONSArticle 1 – Loss Of A Down
In any penalty, “loss of a down” means that the down upon which the foul occurred
has used up one of the permissible series of consecutive downs.
Article 2 – Loss of Yards
In any penalty where there is a loss of yardage, there shall be no loss of down.
EXCEPTION: Major Foul (See Rule 7, Section 2)
Article 3 – Option Provided
When a foul has been committed on any play, the non-offending team shall beentitled to the penalty or the option of declining the penalty to take any advantage
of position, score, down, time, etc. The non-offending team may decline a score
to take advantage of a penalty or may decline a penalty to permit a score by theoffending team to stand.
In certain cases, where so stated, a penalty shall be applied without option.
SECTION 2 – FOULS AFTER LEGAL GAINSArticle 1 – Foul After First Down Yardage Gained
Should any foul be committed on a play from scrimmage after the yardage
necessary for a first down has been gained, the penalty shall be applied from thepoint where the ball was held when the foul occurred.
Article 2 – Foul Before First Down Yardage Gained
Should any foul be committed on a play from scrimmage during which the yardage
necessary for a first down was gained, but the foul occurred prior to the necessary
yardage being gained, the penalty shall be applied from the point of last
scrimmage.
Article 3 – Foul After Change of Possession
Should any foul be committed after a team has gained possession by a passinterception, a fumble recovery or a kick, the penalty shall be applied from the point
where the ball was held when the foul occurred.
SECTION 3 – DOUBLE & DUAL FOULS
Article 1 – Double Fouls
Double fouls occur when the same team commits two or more fouls on the sameplay. The non-offending team shall have the option of accepting either penalty or
may decline the penalties to take advantage of the play as it is terminated. If oneof the fouls is a major foul, that penalty shall be applied whether or not the nonoffending team accepts the penalty for the other foul.

59

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Article 2 – Dual Fouls
Dual fouls occur when each team commits one or more fouls on the same play.
If the penalties are of unequal value, the yardage shall be balanced. A penalty
with no yardage value (AFD, LB, LD) shall be deemed to be 10 yards for balancing
purposes.
An automatic first down shall not be awarded to Team A unless the Team B penalty
is a major foul. If both teams commit major fouls, a first down shall not be
automatically awarded.
Article 3 – Dual Fouls – Offsetting Penalties
Offsetting Penalties occur in the following situations:(a) When each team commits only one minor foul with the same penalty yardage
on a scrimmage play and both fouls are committed prior to yards being gained.
The down will be replayed from the last point of scrimmage. No option.
(b) When each team commits one major foul after the play has ended. The next
down will occur at the next point of scrimmage. No option.
(c) When the only fouls on a play are Team B Offside and Team A Holding theoffside Team B player. The down will be replayed from the last point of scrimmage
with no net penalty yardage difference. No option.
(d) When the only fouls on a play are Team B Offside and Team A Intentional
Grounding. The down will be replayed from the last point of scrimmage with no net
penalty yardage difference. No option.
Article 4 – Dual Fouls – No Change in Possession
When, on a play from scrimmage not involving a change in possession, dual fouls
are committed, the following rules shall apply:(a) If both fouls are committed prior to yards being gained and they are not
Offsetting Penalties, the Referee shall apply the penalties for both fouls balancing
one penalty against the other from the point of last scrimmage. No option.
(b) If both fouls are committed after yards have been gained, the penalties shallbe applied at the point the ball was held at the time of the first foul. However, thenon-offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline the penalty
against the opponent and accept the play as it was completed, subject to thepenalty against itself for the second foul at the normal point of application.
(c) If the first foul is committed before yards have been gained and the second
foul after yards have been gained, the penalties shall be balanced and applied
from the point of last scrimmage. However, the non-offending team on the first
foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept theplay as it was completed, subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul atthat normal point of application.
Article 5 – Dual Fouls – Change in Possession
When, on a play from scrimmage involving a change in possession (i.e. a kicking
play or a forward pass interception or a play in which a fumble is lost), dual fouls
are committed, the following rules shall apply. For the purposes of this Article 4,possession shall be deemed not to have changed until the second team has
gained possession. A No Yards or Loose Ball Interference infraction shall bedeemed to have occurred after the change in possession.
(a) If both fouls are committed before the change in possession and they are
not Offsetting Penalties, the penalties shall be applied as provided in Article 4.

60

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(b) If both fouls are committed after the change in possession, the penalties
shall be applied and balanced at the point the ball was held at the time of the first
infraction. The non-offending team on the first foul shall have the right to decline
the penalty against the opponent and accept the play, subject to the penalty
against itself for the second foul at that normal point of application.
(c) If the first foul is committed before the change in possession and the second
foul after the change in possession, the penalties shall be applied and balanced at
the point of application for the first foul. The non-offending team on the first foulshall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept the play
as it was completed, subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at thenormal point of application.
(d) If both fouls are committed in goal after the second team has gained
possession in its own Goal Area, the penalties shall be applied and balanced fromthe second team’s 15-yard line or the 30-yard line, if possession had been gainedby an interception or a fumble. No option.
(e) If the first foul is committed in the Goal Area after the change in possession
and the second foul in the Field of Play, the penalties shall be applied and balanced
from the 15-yard line or the 30-yard line, if possession had been gained by aninterception or fumble recovery in the Goal Area. The non-offending team on thefirst foul shall have the right to decline the penalty against the opponent and accept
the play as it progressed, subject to the penalty against itself at the normal pointof application.
Article 6 – Dual Fouls - Kickoff
When on a kickoff play dual fouls are committed, the following rules shall apply:(a) If both fouls are committed before possession has been gained, the penalties
shall be applied and balanced at the point of kickoff with the kickoff repeated. No
option.
(b) If both fouls are committed after possession has been gained, the penalties
shall be applied and balanced at the point of application for the first foul. The nonoffending team on the first foul may decline the penalty against the opponent andaccept the play, subject to the penalty against itself for the second foul at thenormal point of application.
(c) If the first foul is committed before possession has been gained and thesecond foul after possession has been gained, the penalties shall be applied andbalanced at the point of kickoff with the kickoff repeated. The non-offending teamon the first foul may decline the penalty against the opponent, subject to penalty
against itself for the second foul at that normal point of application.
SECTION 4 – RESTRICTIONS NEAR A GOAL LINE
Article 1 – Within 30 Yards of Goal LineIf a distance penalty is applied within 30 yards of the offending team’s Goal Line,it shall not exceed one half the distance between the point from where the penalty
is applied and that Goal Line. In no case shall the ball be scrimmaged within the
1-yard line.
Article 2 – Outside 30 Yards
If a 25-yard penalty is applied from a point outside the offending team’s 30-yardline, the ball will never be placed closer to the Goal Line than the offending team’s
15-yard line.
Article 3 – Yards Gained or Goal Line Reached61

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Where an unrestricted penalty would have resulted in yards gained or Goal Linereached by Team A, a first down shall be awarded.
Article 4 – Double Fouls
If double fouls are called against the same team, one of which is for a major foul,
the penalties shall be applied consecutively. The normal penalty shall be applied
first, followed by the penalty for the major foul. Each penalty shall be subject tothe limitation of half the distance to the Goal Line, although the aggregate of thetwo penalties may be greater than half the distance to the Goal Line from the pointof application of the first penalty.
SECTION 5 – FOULS ON CONVERT
Article 1
If a foul is committed during a convert attempt prior to the ball being snapped or
during Team A’s initial attempt to score a convert, the following shall apply:(a) If either team commits a foul (except a Major Foul, Defensive Offside or
Pyramiding) the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty applied from
PLS and repeat the convert attempt, or accept the play as it terminated,(b) If the foul is a Major Foul, Defensive Offside or Pyramiding, the nonoffending team may elect to have the penalties applied (i) from PLS and repeat theconvert attempt, (ii) accept the play as it terminated and apply the penalties on thesubsequent kickoff, or (iii) repeat the convert from PLS and apply the penalties on
the subsequent kickoff if the penalties occurred prior to the snap of the ball. If botha Major Foul and either Defensive Offside or Pyramiding are committed by TeamB, the penalties may not be split between a re-try of the convert and thesubsequent kickoff. They must both be applied from the same point of application,(c) If the time has expired in the period, the kickoff will take place at the start of
the following period. If game time has expired, no further play shall be permitted.
(d) If Team A had initially attempted a 2-point convert from the 3-yard line andthe convert attempt is repeated as the result of a penalty to either team, they must
continue to attempt a 2-point convert on the subsequent convert. They cannot now
try a 1-point kicked convert,(e) If Team A had initially attempted a 1-point convert from the 25-yard line, on
any subsequent convert re-tries, they may continue to attempt either a 1 or 2-point
convert,(f) If a non-yardage foul results in a repeated convert, the ball will be
scrimmaged at the PLS or PF and the convert retried.
Article 2
If the ball continues in play after an unsuccessful convert attempt (defined as Team
A’s Field Goal attempt crossing the line of scrimmage and being short or wide, orTeam B intercepting a forward pass, or Team B recovering a fumble) and a fouloccurs, the following shall apply:(a) If the team in possession creates a foul, it shall forfeit the right to score,(b) If the team not in possession creates a foul, the penalty shall be applied on
the ensuing kickoff,(c) If either team creates a Major Foul, the penalty shall be applied on theensuing kickoff.

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Article 3
If either team creates a Major Foul after the convert attempt is terminated, thepenalty shall be applied on the ensuing kickoff.
SECTION 6 – FOULS IN GOAL
Article 1 – Foul in Own Goal(a) If Team A commits a foul while in possession of the ball in its Goal Area,
the penalty is applied from PLS or option.
(b) If Team A commits a holding foul in its Goal Area while in possession of
the ball in its Goal Area
PENALTY: Safety Touch, L10 applied from PLS.
EXCEPTIONS:
Intentional Grounding – Rule 6, Section 4, Article 7
Offside Pass – Rule 6, Section 3, Article 4(c) If Team B commits a foul in its Goal Area while in possession of the ball in
its Goal Area, Team A may elect to:(i) accept the 1- or 2-point score, if applicable, or,(ii) decline the penalty and accept the play as it terminated or,(iii) decline the score and require the penalty to be applied against Team B
from its 15-yard line.
If the foul is committed outside the Goal Area while Team B is in possession of theball in its Goal Area, the penalty shall be applied from Team B’s 15-yard line or
option.
EXCEPTIONS:Interception in Goal Area – Rule 6, Section 4, Article 12,
Recovery of opponent’s fumble in Goal Area – Rule 1, Section 9, Article 7.
Article 2 – Foul in Opponent’s Goal
If a team commits a foul in the opponent’s Goal Area, the penalty shall be applied
as though the foul had occurred in the Field of Play. However, where a yardage
penalty would otherwise be applicable in the Goal Area, it shall be applied asfollows:(a) If the foul occurs before a score is made, the score shall be disallowed andthe penalty shall be applied from the 15-yard line.
(b) If the foul occurs after a score is made, the score shall count and the penalty
shall be applied from the point where the ball is next put into play. If the scoring
play was a touchdown, the non-offending team may elect to have the penalty
applied on the convert or subsequent kickoff.
(c) If foul occurs after interception in Goal Area, see Rule 6, Section 4, Article
12.
(d) If Team A makes an offside pass in Team B’s Goal Area in the act ofcompleting a forward pass (i.e. the ball is touched by an eligible Team A receiverin Team B’s Goal Area and deflected in an offside direction, where it is caught byanother Team A player who is not eligible as a receiver), the pass shall be ruledas caught by the second Team A player at the point where it was touched by the
first Team A player. This is a confusing ruling to fans and coaches.

63

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 7 - FOULS WHICH OCCUR ON THE LAST PLAY OF A QUARTER
If in the 1st or 3rd quarter, time expires during a play in which a foul occurs, thequarter will end and the penalties will be applied on the first play of the next quarter.
There are two exceptions to this:(a) if the foul occurs prior to the snap of the ball and the play is whistled dead.
The penalty will be automatically applied in the same quarter,(b) on a scrimmage kick if there is only a foul or fouls by one team and the pointof application is the previous line of scrimmage (PLS), the non-offending team will
have the option of applying the penalty in the same quarter or ending the quarterand applying the penalty in the following quarter. If the result of the penalty is a
first down for the offense, the quarter will end with the penalty applied in thefollowing quarter.
NOTE: For the purpose of this rule, an Offside Pass shall not be considered to bea foul.
SECTION 8 – MANIPULATING THE CLOCK
If in the sole judgment of the Referee a team is intentionally taking multiple fouls
to run down the clock, the time will be added back to the clock in addition to thepenalty yardage applied for the foul.
SECTION 9 – FOULS IN OVERTIME
Article 1 – Team A in Possession
Apply penalties as they are applied during normal time.
Article 2 – Team B in Possession
When Team B legally gains possession, the Team A series is over.
(a) If the team in possession commits the foul, they forfeit the right to score. In
addition, the opponent may accept a score where that option exits.
(b) Under no circumstances will the down be replayed.
(c) Team A may get one additional play in the following circumstances:(i)
The penalty for the Team B foul awards Team A possession(ii)Team B commits a foul with Team A in possession after Team A
has legally regained possession(iii)
Team B commits a foul which would normally be applied at the
point where Team A legally regains possession(iv)
Team A would normally be entitled to possession at the point theball is dead and Team B has committed Unnecessary
Roughness or Rough Play during the play
Article 3 – Penalties Applied after Team A Series is Over
Once the Team A series is finished the only penalty yardage that may be appliedin the next series are Unnecessary Roughness, Rough Play and Objectionable
Conduct.

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RULE 9 - INTERFERENCESECTION 1 – DEFINITION
Interference takes place when a player obstructs, blocks, screens or charges
towards an opponent, with or without direct contact, in such a manner that prevents
the opponent’s approach to the ball carrier, potential ball carrier or the ball.
Blocking is identified as the act of creating interference with contact.
SECTION 2 – INTERFERENCE ON SCRIMMAGE PLAYS
Article 1 – By Team A(a) On any play from scrimmage, except one in which a forward pass is thrownacross the line of scrimmage or the ball is kicked across the line of scrimmage, aplayer of Team A may interfere with an opponent from Dead Line to Dead Line,commencing from the instant the ball is snapped. (See Rule 6, Section 4 Articles
8,9,10 and 11 for further clarification on Illegal Contact and Pass Interference)(b) On a play from scrimmage in which the ball is kicked across the line ofscrimmage, a player of Team A may only interfere with an opponent up to one yard
in advance of the line of scrimmage until they legally recover the ball across theline of scrimmage and then Team A may interfere with an opponent but only above
the waist..
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PBD
Article 2 – By Team B(a) On any play from scrimmage, a Team B player may use their hands andarms to reach the ball carrier, but shall not hold or encircle any Team A player,
other than the ball carrier.
PENALTY: L10(b) After the pass is thrown, a Team B player shall not be permitted to interferewith a Team A receiver in an attempt to catch the ball.
PENALTY: AFD at PF, or AFD 10 yards in advance of PLS, see Rule 6, Section
4, Article 10.
(c) On a play from scrimmage in which the ball is kicked across the line ofscrimmage, a Team B player shall be permitted to interfere with any Team A player
at the snap of the ball, provided that contact is made only above the waist of theTeam A player.
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PPG or PBD(d) The kicker or an onside player of Team A may not be contacted until
reaching the line of scrimmage or until the ball has been touched by Team B.
PENALTY: L10 PLS

65

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 3 – INTERFERENCE AFTER GAINING POSSESSION WITHOUTSCRIMMAGE
On any play where a change of possession occurs (Kickoff, kick from scrimmage,interception, fumble recovery) neither team shall create interference below the
waist. The team in possession may not block below the waist, and the team not inpossession may not “break up” interference by contacting an opponent below the
waist. This shall also apply to a ball dribbled and recovered by Team A.
PENALTY: L15 PBH or PBD
SECTION 4 – INTERFERENCE ON LOOSE BALL
Article 1
A player shall not deliberately interfere with an opponent attempting to recover aloose ball following a blocked kick, dribbled ball, fumble, wild snap from the centre,
an offside pass, an onside pass or an attempted kick that does not cross the lineof scrimmage.
PENALTY: LB at PF
If foul occurs in the Goal Area, the ball shall be awarded to the non-offending team:(a) at the 5-yard line, if the foul occurred in the offending team’s Goal Area or,(b) at the 30-yard line, if the foul occurred in the non-offending team’s Goal Area.
Note: this would apply even if the fouled player is not legally eligible to touch theball.
Article 2
If in attempting to recover a loose ball, two or more players come into contact, theplay shall not be ruled as illegal interference.
Article 3
A team having fumbled shall not be penalized if its blockers continue to carry out
the normal assignments that they would have been entitled to carry out if the ball
had not been fumbled.

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RULE 10 - REPLAYSECTION 1 – REPLAY PROCESSThe objective of the replay rule and the command centre is to support the on-field
staff increase the overall performance of the officiating and protect the integrity of
the game without causing significant delays to the flow of the game.
Article 1 – Length of reviews
There are different scenarios whereby the command centre can support the
integrity of the game by correcting incorrect decisions made on the field. Eachscenario outlined below has the approximate delay permitted for any decision. The
replay staff are directed to work within the framework of their authority, while
limiting negative stoppages to the game and supporting game flow. This means
during natural stoppages such as TV timeouts; more time is permitted to work
towards the correct decision. Decisions that are only permitted to be made in the
moment must be made with an insignificant delay to the game as outlined.
Article 2 – Philosophy of decisions
The direction provided to the replay staff is to subject each decision to thedeveloped clear and obvious decision-making process, in an effort to get it rightbased on their informed understanding of the rules and penalty standards.
Article 3 – What does Clear and Obvious mean
Clear and obvious is defined as having a clear unobstructed view of the action inquestion, and the correct outcome is obvious when compared to an establishedstandard that has been created by the rules committee and the officiating
department of the Canadian Football League. If the outcome is not obvious, theruling taken by the on-field officials will be supported. Camara angles are notcalibrated with field landmarks, as such cannot be used to rule in situations where
inches dictate a ruling be overturned, however in certain situations replay canprovide sufficient information to make an informed decision over and above what
is possible on the field at game speed.
Article 4 – The whistle
The whistle is an audible mechanism for an official to communicate a play is over.
In all circumstances, the precise ruling for a ball going dead occurs when specificactions take place, (such as a ball carrier stepping on the sideline) the whistle
occurs after the action. With regards to replay certain aspects cannot not be
adjusted if the play has been killed by whistle and players have stopped playing,such as a ruling on a clear recovery after a fumble, or forward advancement of aball after an incorrect down with contact ruling. As such officials have been
instructed to only sound a whistle when they are certain a play has concluded.
SECTION 2 – THE COMMAND CENTRE AREAS OF COVERAGE
Article 1 – Automatic review triggers
Situations that will automatically trigger a review by the command centre. The
replay staff will review the play in real-time, should there exist an element inquestion, the replay staff will pause the game, review angles, and make any clear
and obvious adjustments to the list of standard reviewable aspects. The large
majority of auto-review situations will occur without the requirement to pause the
game.
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Article 2 – Automatic review triggers (Potential for game to be paused)
When the game is paused for an auto-review, the list of standard reviewable
aspects will be reviewed in relation to the below scenarios and additions.

A play where any score has been ruled on the field.

A play where a potential score occurred but was not ruled, e.g. A ballcarrier ruled out of bounds near the goal-line, or an incomplete pass rulingat the back of the endzone.

A turnover (Fumble lost or Interception) has been ruled on the field.
NOTE: Delay – Less then a minute for the decision, plus time for broadcast
synchronization and communication.
Article 3 - Automatic review game administration triggers (game not paused)
These scenarios do not initiate a review of all standard reviewable aspects.
The spotting of the ball,Issues with the game clock or 20-second clock,
Penalty applications
When an offside/procedural penalty is called on the field to determine if
the penalty should be applied to the offense, defence, or both.

For spot changes, the replay staff can adjust the spot of the ball, provided thechange can be made instantaneously while reviewing live video. A spot will only
be adjusted if it is clearly off by 2 yards or more, or a line to gain has clearly been
met or not. Spots can also be challenged by a coach and are an example of agame aspect where the onfield officials can request assistance with as per article
6 below. The replay official will also automatically provide a spot to the officials
when a passer gives themselves up by sliding or is sacked behind the line ofscrimmage.
NOTE: Delay – Decisions should be made immediately with a negligible delay
should a ruling be changed. If a spot is changed after the sticks have been moved
or the play has been whistled in the officials will stop the clock and notify bothteams and permit substitutions.
NOTE: Clock issue – In a stoppage where the play had been whistled in both thegame clock and the play clock should be reset to the time the play was whistled in
if no correction was required.
Article 4 - Automatic review called penalty triggers (game not paused)
These scenarios do not initiate a review of all standard reviewable aspects.
The replay staff automatically review called penalties, (with the exception of certain
coach challengeable penalties (DPI, OPI, BLDF, IBR) to ensure the proper
judgment has been made on the field. The focus of this section for the replay staff
will be on penalty types that have specific landmarks that can be reviewed andevaluated without significant delay to the game and do not require insight from field
officials. These penalty types are:68

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES









OffsidesFace Mask
Horse Collar Tackle
Low Blocks
Late hits at the sideline (whether contact was initiated in bounds)
No Yards
Illegal Contact (Whether the QB still had the ball when the penalty
occurred)

Article 5 – The last three minutes of the gameThe last-three minutes of the game have a special focus for the command centre.
During this period, every play is viewed as an auto-review situation, whereby if
the replay staff see an issue with a standard reviewable aspect, they will pause
the game and review the play. The objective for the replay staff is to ensure clear
errors with standard reviewable aspects are fixed, while at the same time limiting
delays reviewing decisions which are either initially correct on the field or unclear
based on available video angles.
As all automatically reviewed aspects in the last three minutes are coachchallengeable, the onus is on the coach to understand, should they have an issue
with a ruling, and the subsequent play has been whistled in, it is incumbent onthem to challenge the play as the whistle is the mechanism used to communicate
the game is moving on.
NOTE: Delay – If the game needs to be paused, less then a minute for the decision,plus time for broadcast synchronization and communication. Many simple rulings
can be reviewed and communicated to the officials without stopping the game.
Article 6 – Officials Assistance
Officials are permitted to ask for assistance when a ruling is in question, or when
two officials have differing rulings on a play. The replay officials will assist where
possible in the moment with the angles provided. Examples are:
Whether a player is in the legal low block zone
Whether a catch is made

Whether a formation is legal
Whether an action occurs after a play ends
Whether a player is pushed or held into the no yards zone
Whether or not a roughing the passer or roughing the kicker penalty has
occurred
Whether or not an official was hit with avoidable contact by a player orauthorized member of the team bench area.

Whether or not a QB was tripped behind the line of scrimmage
NOTE: Delay – In time decisions. (Assistance can speed up and eliminate onfield conferences). Time may be required for broadcast synchronization,communication and required announcements.
Article 6 – Integrity of the game step-in
The replay official is permitted to step in and correct an egregiously wrong
judgment made by the on-field officials. This occurs when a key aspect of a play69

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

was missed by the on-field staff and replay is not triggered through anothermechanism. A step in can occur when:An out of bounds player or spot was incorrectly ruled
Whether or not a forward pass touched the ground
Whether a team had an illegal formation
This trigger cannot be used to call penalties, (other than Illegal
Formation) unless described in the list of standard reviewable aspects.
NOTE: Delay – Immediate decision – Time may be required for broadcast
synchronization, communication and required announcements. The game is notpaused in these scenarios.
Article 7 – Player conduct
The league has made objectionable conduct a priority to discourage with increased
focus and management through flagging actions. Should the on-field officials flagan action under the player conduct rules, the flag will trigger the command centre
to review the situation and apply any penalties that are obvious on review. That
can include picking up a flag, penalizing additional players, modifying theapplication of a penalty, and recommending ejections.
NOTE: Delay – Depends on the specifics of the situation – For small situations
involving 1 or 2 players the delay will be negligible, however there may be arequirement to pause the game to review more serious situations and offenses.
During these larger situations, the replay staff may not be able to review every
action in detail and will make best efforts to penalize the key offenders with thevideo angles available.
Article 8 – Injury spotter review
Should the injury spotter make the decision a player is required to leave the field
for an assessment, the replay staff has the authority to review the play and enforce
a missed major foul that contributed to the situation.
SECTION 3 – COACH CHALLENGES
Article 1 – Coach challenges – process
Coaches are permitted to challenge certain rulings by throwing their challenge flag.
Each team has 1 challenge, should their challenge be successful theyretain their challenge to use later in the game.
o A challenge is deemed successful if any ruling made on the field
is deemed incorrect and changed with favourable results to theteam that challenged.
If the challenge is unsuccessful, it costs the team a timeout as such inregulation time a team requires a timeout remaining to challenge. There
are no team timeouts in overtime, as such if a team has a challenge they
can use it without a time out.
The replay official will review the play in question and make their rulingon the challenged aspect based on video angles provided, making thebest decision within their purview based on an informed understanding of
the rules and standards.

70

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

The play will be reviewed in its entirety and is subject to all reviewable
aspects other than coach challengeable penalties unless specificallychallenged (DPI, OPI, BLDF, IBR)

NOTE: Delay – Less then a minute for the decision, plus time for broadcast
synchronization, communication and required announcements.
Article 2 – List of coach challengeable aspects









The full list of standard reviewable aspects (see section 4)
Whether or not a No-Yards infraction took place
Whether or not an OPI or DPI infraction took place
Whether or not a penalty for Blocking Downfield by an eligible receiver
took place
Whether a called illegal block on a kick play took place
Whether or not an infraction for roughing the passer or roughing the kicker
took placeo For the purposes of replay, roughing the passer will include any
act of UR committed on a designated QB behind the line ofscrimmage.
Whether or not the QB was tripped behind the line of scrimmage.

SECTION 4 – THE LIST OF STANDARD REVIEWABLE ASPECTS
The standard reviewable situations include:









Whether a score was made or not
Possession of the ball (fumbles and catches)
Touching of the ballBall spots and down with contact
Administrative rulings such as the clock
Whether players are onside with respect to a kicked ball
Whether a pass travels forward or backward
Whether a pass was touched or completed behind the line of scrimmage

In addition, reviewable aspects that may lead to the enforcement of a penalty:








Major Foul which directly caused a turnover
Illegal Interference on a Kickoff
Illegal Forward Pass when the passer passes the ball from across the lineof scrimmage or two forward passes occur on the same play.
Illegal Participation when a player goes out of bounds on their own andreturns and participates in the play in a direct fashion.
Illegal Substitution when a player substitutes illegally (sleeper play)
Punt Out of Bounds in Flight if a kick from scrimmage goes directly out ofbounds between the 15-yard lines.
No Yards in relation to a review of first touching or onside or offsideplayers. (not a judgment of whether a player was inside or outside thefive-yard halo)

71

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 5 – LIMITS OF REPLAY
There are certain aspects of the game of football that cannot currently beadequately ruled on through replay.


If a ruling of down with contact is made on the field and the play killed
by whistle, if replays show the play should have been ruled a fumble,
the ball will only be awarded to the other team should there be a clear
recovery.



If a play is killed by whistle, for forward progress stopped, out of bounds,or down with contact incorrectly, further advancement will not beawarded by replay above an immediate action where a whistle did not
impact player participation.

Outside of coach challengeable penalties when challenged, player
conduct fouls after the play, fouls considered after an injury spotter
removal, and penalties that result from changes to standard reviewableactions, replay staff cannot call fouls that were not called on the field.



Camera angles are not calibrated with field markings, as such decisions
based on inches cannot accurately be made using video and as suchthe clear and obvious decision-making process will be used in thosesituations.

SECTION 6 – MISCELLANEOUS
A coach is permitted to strategically use their timeout to provide
the command centre additional time to review angles in respect toany automatically reviewable triggers.
Forward progress stopped is a judgement that can best be made on thefield in real time and will only be adjusted in extreme scenarios.



The command centre will not review unreviewable scenarios orprovide information to a coach if unrelated to a challenge.

Should a coach challenge outside of the parameters of replay:o If a coach challenges when not having a challenge and the gameis stopped as a result a delay of game penalty will be assessed.
o If a coach challenges when not having a timeout and the gameis stopped as a result a delay of game penalty will be assessed.
o If a coach challenges as aspect that is not challengeable, thecoach will be provided one opportunity to challenge something
within the rules, noncompliance results in a delay of gamepenalty.

SECTION 7 – THE CLOCKThe Command Centre will use the following guideline to address the clock if aruling is adjusted.
Once the proper outcome of the play is determined the Command Centre will
adjust the clock if it should have stopped if properly ruled on the field. If the ruling72

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

on the field leaves the ball live, and the command centre determines the playshould have ended with the clock stopped at an earlier time the clock will be
adjusted.
Prior to three-minute timing, If the command centre adjusts a ruling whereby theclock would have been running at the conclusion of the play had the play been
ruled correctly on the field, no adjustment to the clock will be made by thecommand centre.
Example 1: A Team B interception was ruled on the field, and the player wasallowed to advance the ball. After review, the replay official determines the player
was in fact down with contact prior to advancing the ball. The clock would be resetto the time when the player was down with contact.
Example 2: The on-field officials rule a fumble and recovery by Team B and stop
the clock for the turnover at 5:00. After review, the replay official rules the team A
ball carrier was down with contact in the field of play with 5:10 on the clock prior to
fumbling. If the play had been ruled properly on the field, the clock would haveremained running in that scenario, as such the clock would not be changed from5:00 by the Command Centre.
Note: If the play has been corrected by the Command Centre, and a team requests
a timeout, which would have been taken when the play would have been properly
ruled, the time will be adjusted as it would have no longer been running.
Example 3: Ruling on the field of a TD scored at 4:55 on the clock. Review shows
the ball carrier stepped OB with 4:59 on the clock. The ball would be spotted at the
point the ball carrier was OB with the clock reset to 4:59.
Example 4: Ruling on the field of a completed catch (which occurs with 5:00 on
the clock) followed by a long gain (ending with 4:45 on the clock and running).
After review, the replay official rules the play an incomplete pass, the clock would
be re-set to 5:00 by the command centre.

73

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 8 – APPROVED RULINGSKICKOFFS
I.R.A.R. 1 Touching a short kickoff
On a kickoff to start the game, Team A tries a short kickoff. A1 has their feet at theA39 (9-yard mark) when the player picks up the ball that is on the ground at theA41. Officials rule illegal touching.
RULING Reviewable play. A's ball 1st and 10 where ball dead.
I.R.A.R. 2 Touched before going out of bounds
On a Team A kickoff that travels 11 yards the Official rule the ball was last touchedby A, before going out of bounds. A's ball first down. Replay shows B last touched
the ball after A before going out of bounds.
RULING Reviewable play. B's ball where it went OB.
RUNNING PLAYS
I.R.A.R. 3 Runner down by contact
First and 10 on A20. A2 takes a handoff and runs to the A25 where they arecontacted by B22. A2 stumbles but does not appear to have gone down andofficials allow the play to continue. Replay shows A2’s left knee hit the ground at
the A 25.
RULING Reviewable play. A's ball second and 5 at the A25.
I.R.A.R. 4 Fumble before runner down by contact
Team A ball carrier fumbles the ball with Team B recovering. Officials rule down
by contact at A's 30-yard line. Replay shows that the ball was loose before therunner was down.
RULING Reviewable play. B’s ball at point of recovery with no advance if they
Clearly recovered the ball.
I.R.A.R. 5 Runner stepping out of bounds
First and 10 on A30. A2 takes a handoff and runs from their own 30 to the B24yard line where the ball carrier is pushed out of bounds. Replays show that A2
stepped on the sideline at the B42 yard line.
RULING Reviewable play. A's ball first and 10 at the B42.
I.R.A.R. 6 Recovery of loose ball in relation to the goal line
First and 10 on A4. A2 fumbles and B1 recovers at the goal line. Officials give ballto B at the A1-yard line. Replays show that B1 recovered ball in end zone.
RULING Reviewable play. The Replay Official will automatically review the playfor the change of possession ruling. A touchdown would be awarded to B.
I.R.A.R. 7 Forward progress on a third down play related to gaining a first
downTeam A on 3rd down are running the ball and need to get to the Team B 24 yardline for a first down and the runner gets close to the first down marker. Officials
mark the ball at the Team B 25. Replay shows the ball should have been marked
at 23 and 1/2 yard line.
RULING Reviewable play. Team A 1st down at the 23 and 1/2 yard line.
74

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

I.R.A.R. 8 Fumble recovery in field of play
First and 10 on B 50. A2 takes a handoff and runs up the middle to the B47 andfumbles. Officials rule that A3 recovered.
RULING Reviewable play. Involves recovery of loose ball in the field of play, player
was not ruled down by contact.
I.R.A.R. 9 Forward progress on first or second down related to first down
Team A on 2nd down is running the ball and need to get to Team B 36 yard line fora first down. Officials mark the ball at the 38-yard line, making the situation 3 rddown and 2 to go.
RULING Reviewable play. A review will place the ball at the proper spot.
I.R.A.R. 10 Fumble forward out of bounds
First and 10 on A20. A2 takes a handoff and runs and fumbles at the A25. Theball, untouched, rolls out of bounds at the A35 where the officials award the ball toTeam A as first down.
RULING Reviewable play. A's ball at the A25.
PASSING PLAYS
I.R.A.R. 11 QB pass or fumble, Referee rules fumble
Second and 10 on A25. QB is hit while attempting to throw a forward pass. Theball hits the ground at the A20 and B recovers. The Referee rules fumble and that
it is B’s ball.
RULING Reviewable play. The Replay Official will automatically review the playfor the change of possession ruling. Team A retains possession, downs continuing
at point of last scrimmage.
I.R.A.R. 12 QB pass or fumble, Referee rules incomplete pass
Second and 10 on A25. QB is hit while attempting to throw a forward pass. Theball hits the ground at the A20 and B clearly recovers. The referee rules
incomplete pass. Team B challenges and replay discovers that it was a fumble.
RULING Reviewable Play. Team B awarded the ball at the point of recovery.
I.R.A.R. 13 Lateral pass going forward or backward
First and ten on A20. QB throws a lateral pass from the A10 yard line that is ruled
onside, and Team B recovers the loose ball. Replays show the pass was forward,
hitting the ground at the A11 yard line.
RULING Reviewable play. The Replay Official will automatically review the playfor the change of possession ruling. Pass is incomplete. A’s ball downs
continuing. If the pass was in fact onside but was whistled as incomplete, andTeam B clearly recovers the ball, Team B would be awarded possession but notallowed to advance. If not clearly recovered by Team B, Team A would lose
yardage but retain possession of the ball at the point from where the pass wasthrown with downs continuing.
I.R.A.R. 14 Passer beyond the line of scrimmage
First and ten on A20. Passer scrambles and throws a pass that is completed for a
TD. The LJ calls the Passer for being over the line of scrimmage when the ball was
thrown.
75

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULING Reviewable play. Team A subject to 10-yard penalty at PLS, with down
repeated.
I.R.A.R. 15 Offside pass during a play
First and ten on A20. B1 intercepts a forward pass at the 50 and returns it to theA20-yard line where the player throws the ball forward to B2 at the A18 yard line
while being tackled. B2 runs for a touchdown.
RULING Reviewable play. The Replay Official will automatically review the playfor the change of possession ruling. Offside pass. B's ball first and 10 at A20-yard
line.
I.R.A.R. 16 Low pass ruled incomplete
Second and 5 on A30. Low pass is ruled incomplete. Replay shows that receiver
or defender had their hands under the ball and it never hit the ground.
RULING Reviewable play. Pass is complete, or intercepted if by defender.
I.R.A.R. 17 Pass ruled incomplete
Team A first and ten at their 38-yard line throw a forward pass to A77, who catches
the ball, is hit immediately and fumbles the ball, which is recovered by Team B.
Officials rule the pass incomplete.
RULING Reviewable play. However, if the pass is ruled complete followed by a
fumble, Team B can be awarded possession provided the ball is clearlyrecovered. After recovery Team B is not allowed to advance its position.
I.R.A.R. 18 Pass touched by an ineligible receiverFirst and ten on A20. QBA1 completes a forward pass to A2 at the A35-yard line.
Replays show the ball first glancing off the shoulder of Guard A1 before A2's
catch.
RULING Reviewable play. No deliberate attempt to catch or touch ball, therefore
play stands.
I.R.A.R. 19 Receiver makes catch and lands out of bounds
First and ten on A20. Wide receiver A1 leaps and catches a legal forward pass at
the 50. Replays show A1's first foot came down on the sideline.
RULING Reviewable play. Incomplete pass. Second and ten on A20.
NOT REVIEWABLE ON PASSING PLAYS
I.R.A.R. 20 Intentional grounding
First and ten on B20. QBA1 is under pressure and throws an incomplete pass. The
Referee calls intentional grounding.
RULING Intentional Grounding is not a coach challengeable penalty, as such theVideo Official can pick up a flag if it is called on the field and clearly incorrect.
KICKING PLAYS
I.R.A.R. 21 Touching of a kick
Team A punts the ball where it is recovered by offside A1, who is penalized for noyards. Team A challenges that the ball was touched by B1, prior to A1 being theonly player in 5-yard zone.

76CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

RULING Reviewable play. Touching of ball on kicking play is reviewable. A's ball
1D where ball dead, if ball touched by B.
I.R.A.R. 22 Touching of a kick by an onside player
Team A receiver after catching a pass, punts the ball downfield, where A2 recovers
and runs for a TD, with a flag thrown for no yards.
RULING Reviewable play. To determine if A2 is onside. If onside, TD counts.
I.R.A.R. 23 Touching of a kick prior to contacting the kicker
Third and 11 on B45. B1 is called for contacting the kicker. Replays show that B1
touched the ball before running into the punter.
RULING Reviewable play. If the ball is touched there is no foul for contacting the
kicker.
I.R.A.R. 24 Field Goal Ruled Wide
Team A attempts a Field Goal that is ruled wide by the officials on the field. TeamB runs the ball out of the end zone and the ball goes dead at Team B's 15-yardline. No points have been scored on the play.
RULING Reviewable Play. The Replay Official will automatically review the Field
Goal attempt to determine if it was successful. If it is determined to be successful
upon review, Team A will score 3 points.
I.R.A.R. 25 Possession after fumble on kick in the field of playThird and five on A20. B1 fumbles a punted ball in the middle of the field at the 50.
A1 and B1 gain simultaneous possession at the B45, but the Officials award
possession to A1.
RULING Reviewable play. The Replay Official will automatically review the playfor the change of possession ruling. Ball awarded to Team B as they were lastteam in possession prior to the simultaneous recovery.
MISCELLANEOUS
I.R.A.R. 27 Incorrect penalty enforcement
The Umpire marks off 10 yards for offside.
RULING Reviewable play. The penalty application will be corrected automaticallyby the video official.
I.R.A.R. 28 Aspect of play changed other than what was challenged.
Third and ten on A35. A1 punts to B1 at the B25-yard line. B1 returns the punt to
the B32 yard line is hit and fumbles. A2 recovers the ball at the B34-yard line.
Team B challenges that A2's left foot was touching the sideline during therecovery. Replay shows that B1's knee touched down before the fumble.
RULING B's ball first and ten on B32 yard line. B retains their challenge and is not
charged a time out.
I.R.A.R. 29 Replay Review - Next legal snap
First and ten on a 20. A82 catches a pass at the A45. Before the next snap, Tackle
A65 moves, and the play is blown dead by the officials.
RULING Reviewable play. Play can be challenged until the next legal snap. If
replay review shows incomplete pass, A's ball second and 10 on A20, penalty for77

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

procedure is ignored. If replay review shows completed pass, then A65 subject topenalty for Procedure.
I.R.A.R. 30 Replay Review - Equipment malfunction
RULING If there is an equipment malfunction in the Command Centre, the instadium Supervisor takes primary responsibility for making any replay related
decisions.
I.R.A.R. 31 Challenge that ball carrier stepped OB on the last play of a half
Team A ball carrier runs for a touchdown on the last play of a half, but Team B
challenges the play because they feel the ball carrier stepped out of bounds on the
4 yd line. Replay review shows that the ball carrier did step out of bounds on the 4
yd line
RULING Touchdown is nullified and the clock will be adjusted to the time left when
the ball carrier stepped out of bounds. If there is no time left then the half is over.
I.R.A.R. 32 Challenge of incomplete pass on the last play of a half
Team A throws a pass which is ruled incomplete and time expired on theplay. Team A challenges the ruling and Replay review shows the pass wascomplete.
RULING Pass is ruled complete, but the half is over.

78

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESREFEREE’S SIGNALS

CLIPPING
striking back of knees

COIN TOSS WINNER
pointing with both arms towards the teamthat won the toss

CONTACTING THE KICKER
touch raised leg below knee

CUT OR CHOP BLOCK
horizontal chopping motion

DELAY OF GAME
both hands behind back

DISQUALIFICATION
chopping action on wrist

FACEMASK
clenched fist at face level

FIRST DOWN AWARDED
arm pointed forward

79

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESFORWARD PASS BEHIND
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
raise arm above head

HOLDINGgrasping wrist at chest level

ILLEGAL BLOCK
arm extended & grasp wrist

ILLEGAL CONTACT ON A
RECIEVER
one arm extended with open hand

ILLEGAL CRACKBACK
striking thigh with open hand

ILLEGALLY DOWNFIELD ON A
KICKboth hands on top of shoulders

ILLEGAL INTERFERENCE
pushing arms forward fromshoulders

ILLEGAL KICKOFF
hands rolling in forward motion
followed by swinging leg

80

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESILLEGAL PASS
horizontal arc of arm

ILLEGAL PROCEDURE
hands rotating in forward motion

ILLEGAL SUBSTITUTION
one hand on top of head

INELIGIBLE RECEIVER
both arms extended sideways

INTENTIONAL GROUNDING
passing motion & pointing at ground

NO FLAG ON PLAY
drop flag on ground & swing arms at
hip level

NO YARDS
arms folded at chest

OBJECTIONABLE CONDUCTOne hand behind back81

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESOFFSIDE
hands on hips

ONSIDE OR LATERAL PASS
pointing in the direction the ball
was thrown

PENALTY DECLINED
swinging arms at hip level

PILING ON
vertical chopping motion withboth hands

RESETTING THE 20 - SECOND CLOCKa stroking motion of the forearm

ROUGHING THE KICKER
kicking motion

SAFETY TOUCH
palms together above head

ROUGHING THE PASSER
passing motion

82

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSINGLE POINT
one arm extended above head
& indicating 1 point

SPEARING
chopping motion above head

TIME COUNT VIOLATION
arm extended moving incircular motion

TIME IN
downward rotation of arm

TIME OUT
hands crossed above head

TOO MANY PLAYERS
both hands on top of head

TOUCHDOWN OR FIELD GOAL
both arms raised
towards sky

TRIPPING
chopping action on
both knees

83

UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS
pumping motion ofarms sideways

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

STATISTICAL SCORING RULESNOTE - For reference hereinafter, the team that puts the ball in play shall beidentified as Team A and the other team shall be named Team B.

SECTION 1 – FIRST DOWNS(a) A first down shall be recorded whenever:- The yardsticks are ordered forward by the officials on a sequence of downs,- A touchdown is scored on an offensive play from scrimmage- A gain from scrimmage is made on the last play of a half that would haveresulted in a first down had time not run out.
- A team retains possession of the ball via an onside kick and a new series ofdowns results.
(b) A first down shall NOT be awarded whenever:- A team first gains possession as a result of a kick or turnover.
- A team gains sufficient yards but loses the ball via a turnover.
(c) First downs gained are subdivided to show the type of play responsible for thegain, as follows:(i) By Rushing – means that the play that resulted in a new first down being
awarded was an initial rushing attempt or onside kick.
(ii) By Passing – means that the play that resulted in a new first down being
awarded was a passing play.
(iii) By Penalty – means that the yardsticks were ordered forward as a result of
the application of a penalty.

SECTION 2 – YARDAGE & NET OFFENCE(a) For statistical purposes, the line of scrimmage (LOS) is deemed to be:- The yard line closest to the front of the ball. Examples: i) the nose (front) of
the ball is located within two inches of the 40-yard line. The LOS in this situation
is deemed to be the 40, ii) the nose (front) of the ball is located 14 inches past
the 35-yard line. The LOS in this case is deemed to the be the 35.
(b) TOTAL offence represents the aggregate of all net gains from scrimmage andincludes the following:(1) RUSHING: Net yards gained on rushing plays. Note: ‘Net’ yards cover gains
and losses on rushing attempts.
(2) PASSING: Net yards gained on passing plays. Note: ‘Net’ yards cover gains
and losses on pass completions.
(c) NET offence represents the aggregate of RUSHING & PASSING yardage(Total Offence) less the effect of:(3) TEAM LOSSES: Yardage lost on QB Sacks, Safety Touches, and thoseplays when an individual is tackled for a loss other than on regular rushing or
passing plays i.e. fumbled snaps, QB or kicker taking a knee, blocked kicks
where the ball is recovered in the backfield by either team etc. See Section 5.
Team Losses include net gains on forced fumbles/QB sacks when the ballcrosses the line of scrimmage, EXCEPT if the result of the play is a first down.
84

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(d) Total plays from scrimmage consists of all plays where a team puts the ball intoplay by a scrimmage, including those nullified by penalty and including convert
attempts. Offensive plays from scrimmage includes only rushing, passing andteam loss attempts. Definitions: Individual Yards from Scrimmage includes
rushing and receiving yardage. Combined Yards equals Yards from Scrimmage
plus Total Kick Return Yards.
SECTION 3 – RUSHING PLAYSa) Every play from scrimmage is to be ruled as a rushing play, including those
attempted on two-point converts, except:(1) A passing play as described in Section 4, or(2) A Team Loss play as described in Section 5 or,(3) A kicking play as described in Section 8.
b) Rushing yardage is measured from the line of scrimmage (LOS) to the point
where the ball is declared dead or is recovered by the opponents in the case of a
fumble. For example, if a player fumbles the ball forward the gain will be calculated
from the line of scrimmage to the point of recovery.
(c) The rushing total is a net figure net of yards gained and lost on rushing attempts.
Such losses will also be taken into account in determining the rushing records ofindividual players.
(d) The player credited with a carry (rushing attempt) will be the player who carries
the ball across the line of scrimmage, or the player in possession when the play is
stopped behind the line of scrimmage. Any offensive teammate that recovers afumble and further advances the ball will be credited with zero carries and yardage
from the point of recovery to where the ball is declared dead.
(e) All gains on laterals that originated or grew out of a rushing play are included
in rushing yardage, See Section 7.
(f) Rushing attempts will be subdivided, separating quarterback attempts deemed
to occur after an initial pass dropback (at the discretion of the statistician) from allother attempts (i.e. designed runs or sneaks). These are defined as Quarterback
Escape Runs (QBR). Rushing attempts will also be reported for gains of 10+ and20+ yards.
SECTION 4 – FORWARD PASS PLAYS(a) Forward passing gains or losses are measured from the LOS to the point where
the ball is declared dead or is recovered by opponents in the case of a fumble.
Both the length of the pass and the running advance after completion are includedin the total gain. All yards gained or lost on a completed pass play are credited toboth the passer and receiver.
(b) The passer is charged with an attempt for all forward passes thrown whether
complete, incomplete or intercepted, except those negated by penalty. Thosepasses ruled as intentionally grounded will be recorded under penalties, including
the yardage lost and will NOT be counted as pass attempts.
(c) The receiver is credited with 1. Targets (passes for which the player is deemed
to be the intended receiver and not including those deemed by the statistician tobe thrown away by the quarterback), 2. Receptions (passes caught), 3. Receiving
85

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

yards, 4. Touchdowns, 5. Second Down Conversion Receptions, 6. Receptions of
30+ Yards.
(d) All pass attempts will be noted as to the yard line at which the receiver islocated/nearest to the back foot (whether completed or not) in order to record
Depth Yardage (Note: depth yardage is calculated only from the LOS forward. All
passes in the backfield are deemed to have 0 Depth Yards). Receiving yards will
be subdivided indicating the total along with the portion referred to as ‘Yards After
Catch’ (YAC) by recording the yard line at the point of reception. YAC is calculated
from the LOS to the point where the ball is declared dead.
(e) Laterals: A ball thrown forward is to be scored as a completed pass andincludes those behind the line of scrimmage. Passes thrown in a backward
direction, and often this is indicated by the officials as a lateral pass, are to bescored as rushing attempts.
SECTION 5 – TEAM LOSSES
DEFINITION - This category covers yardage losses suffered by a team that are
not chargeable against the ordinary rushing and passing gains or losses by a teamand individual players. Such losses are, however, included in determining a team’s
NET OFFENCE (See Section 2).
The following are examples of Team Losses:(1) When the QB is sacked attempting to pass (See Section 15) and yardage
is lost or the QB is forced to fumble behind the LOS (even if the point at which
the ball is declared dead is across the LOS, EXCEPT if a First Down isachieved.
(2) When a Quarterback takes a knee conceding yards (example: concedes to
end a half).
(3) When a kick is blocked and recovered by either team behind the line ofscrimmage. In this case, the kicker is charged with a fumble and a Team Losscalculated from the LOS back to the point of recovery.
(4) When a bad snap occurs resulting in a loose ball recovered by either team.
Team Loss calculated from the LOS back to the point of recovery. Treatment:
Score a Team Loss to the Centre.
(5) When a Punter or Field Goal holder either takes a knee (conceding), or istackled behind the LOS. Example: Safety.
(6) When a player in the backfield interferes with a snap to the QB in Shotgun
Formation i.e. gets hit by the ball between the Centre and the QB. Score aTeam Loss to the player hit by the ball.
SECTION 6 – INTERCEPTION RETURNS(a) Runbacks on an interception of a forward pass shall be measured from the yardline at which the Interception was made at the furthest point downfield at thediscretion of the statistician (regardless of whether that is ahead of or behind theline of scrimmage), to the point where the ball is declared dead or is recovered by
an opponent in case of a fumble. These yards will be accumulated for both team86

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

and individual players as ‘Interception Return Yards’. For laterals after aninterception, the player receiving the lateral will be credited with zero interceptions,and the resulting return yards i.e. 0 for 8 yards.
(b) When a pass is intercepted in the Goal Area and the interceptor is not
successful in running out of the Goal Area, that player will still be credited with theyards returned to the point where the ball is declared dead. For example, a playerintercepts the ball 19 yards deep in the end zone and returns the ball to 11 yards
deep, credit will be recorded for an 8-yard interception return.
SECTION 7 – LATERAL PASSES
A lateral pass is always a component part of the play and is an extension of theoriginal play type. The only laterals that are recorded are those that occur:(a) After a rushing attempt or forward pass has been completed where the ballis advanced across the LOS,
Note: Pitchouts, handoffs and other laterals behind the line of scrimmage
are not recorded as laterals.
(b) Laterals on returns of punts, kickoffs, missed field goals/converts, passinterceptions or fumbles.
(c) Primary examples for a lateral:i) Player A1 catches a forward pass for a gain of 10 yards then laterals to
A2 who goes for 12 more yards. A1 is credited with a pass caught and 10
yards gained. A2 is not credited with a catch but is credited with 12 yards
gained. The passer is credited with a completed pass and 22 yards gained.
ii) A1 takes a lateral from the quarterback and crosses the line ofscrimmage for a gain of 10 yards, then laterals to A2 who gains another 25
yards. Player A1 is charged with a carry and credited with 10 yards gainedrushing. A2 is not charged with a carry but is credited with 25 rushing yards.
NOTE: The gain made by A2 starts only when reaching the line where A1
made the pass. If in Example 2 above, A1 made 10 yards then passed
backward to A2 who was only able to advance within one yard of where A1
lateraled the ball from, the net gain would be 9 yards all of which should be
credited to A1. A2 will NOT be charged with a one-yard loss.
(d) Lateral passes that result in a loose ball are scored as fumbles and yards
lost are charged against the player who, in the statistician’s opinion, wasresponsible for the failure of the pass. This includes a player who laterals aball Out of Bounds.
(e) Intercepted lateral passes are scored as fumbles and the player is charged
with a fumble lost.
SECTION 8 – PUNTS & FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS
This section is subdivided into kicks that either a) cross the line of scrimmage or,b) are prevented from doing so.
(a) For those kicks that cross the line of scrimmage (LOS):(1) Punts are measured from the LOS to the point where possession is deemed
to be obtained by a player, goes out of bounds or is otherwise declared dead.
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(2) In those cases where the ball touches a potential kick returner and isdeemed to be inadvertent and the ball continues downfield, the point ofrecovery shall be the yard line to which the kick is measured and the return
commenced.
(3) If the ball is punted over the Goal Line, the distance into the Goal Area will
be included in the length of the punt. A punt that strikes any part of the
goalposts is calculated only to the goal line.
(4) If the receiver should kick the ball back to the opponents, this will count asa punt and will be measured from the point of kick. This does not apply to
dribbled balls which are dealt with in Section 11 on fumbles and Section 16.
(5) If the punter should recover their own kick, or another onside player of thatteam should do so, the kick will count as a punt and the yardage measured tothe point of recovery. Yards gained after the recovery will be recorded
separately as an Own Team Punt Recovery with yardage scored as an‘Advance’.
(6) Yardage for all Field Goal attempts will be recorded in the play-by-play fromthe point of the kick to the Goal Line. The point of the kick is defined as thenearest yard line. Example: A kick from 35 yards and 18 inches as measured
from the goal line will be recorded as a 36-yard field goal attempt, from 35
yards and 6 inches will be deemed a 35-yard attempt.
(7) A Missed Field Goal becomes the equivalent of a punt and is treated asabove in 8 (a) (1). The yardage for Missed Field Goals will be recorded
separately and calculated from the LOS to the point of recovery.
(8) Field Goal attempts that are partially blocked ("deflected") i.e. that cross theline of scrimmage, are still treated as a blocked kick charged against the kicking
team and credited to the defence. Any Punt attempt that in the opinion of thestatistician is sufficiently disrupted by the defending player and limited to nofurther than 20 yards downfield is credited as a blocked punt. Any player who
deflects a convert kick attempt and it is unsuccessful will receive credit for a
blocked kick no matter where the ball goes afterwards.
(9) Place kicks, that in the opinion of the CFL’s Head Statistician, that are
directed away the goal posts intentionally i.e. ostensibly for either field positionor ‘onside kicks’ with an attempt to recover and advance the ball, are notcounted as Field Goal attempts.
Examples:a) Kicks from placement from a point in a team’s own end of the field into astrong wind to avoid a punt blowing back over the line of scrimmage.
B) Kicks from placement directed towards a sideline in an attempt to recover
the ball and gain a first down.

88CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(b) Kicks that do NOT cross scrimmage line:(1) A punt is only recorded if the kick crosses the LOS. If a kicker shouldattempt a punt and the ball fails to cross the line of scrimmage, a loose ball iscreated. This will not count as a punt and the eventual outcome of the play will
determine the way it should be recorded. A fumble will be charged to the kicker,
and the play may evolve into either a rushing or passing play, or a team loss if
tackled behind the LOS. If the opposition recovers the ball, the kicker will becharged with a Fumble Lost.
(2) If a placekicker attempts a Field Goal or Convert Kick and it is touched bya defender in any way that is noticeably deflected at the discretion of thestatistician with the attempt rendered subsequently unsuccessful, the following
statistical treatment will apply:i) The defender will be credited with a blocked kick, regardless of where theball goes afterwards.
ii) The placekicker will be charged with a Missed Field Goal attempt AND a
fumble if the ball is recovered behind the LOS, or a Missed Field Goal
attempt only if the ball crosses the LOS. If recovered by the defending side,
the kicker will be charged with a fumble lost and the yards lost from the lineof scrimmage to the point of recovery will be charged as a Team Loss. If a
blocked kick is recovered by the kicking team, the kicker will be charged witha fumble. The events after recovery will determine whether the play shallbe recorded as a rushing play, passing play or Team Loss play.
SECTION 9 – KICKOFFS(a) Kickoffs are measured from the kickoff yard line to the point of recovery wherefull possession is obtained by either the return team or the kicking team, or goesout of bounds. If kicked over the deadline or out of bounds in the Goal Area, theyardage will be recorded in the same manner as a punt into the end zone.
(b) If the ball is kicked out of bounds in the field of play, the yard line will berecorded in the play-by-play and the kickoff yardage shall be recorded to that point.
If an Illegal Kickoff penalty is called the kickoff will be recorded to the point where
the ball went out of bounds. Penalty yardage will be recorded as 10 yards.
SECTION 10 – KICK RETURNS(a) Kick returns are recorded in four separate categories.
(1) Returns of punts,(2) Returns of missed field goal attempts,(3) Returns of kickoffs.
(4) Returns of missed one-point convert attempts,(b) Kick returns are generally measured from the point where the receiver gains
possession of the ball to the point where the ball is declared dead or is lost by
fumble or is kicked back. As a guide, the point at which the return is deemed tocommence shall be the furthest downfield possible, for example using thereturner’s back foot as that point. If the receiver loses yards on a kick return aftergaining possession, such losses will be charged against the kick return yardage.

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Note: For punt returns where the returner fumbles at the point of theattempted catch, possession is deemed to be at that point. This will be theyard-line to which the length of the kick is determined. Credit the returner witha punt return and a fumble if it is considered flagrant and the coverage teamhas an opportunity to recover the ball. Otherwise, no fumble is charged if the
returner simply picks up the ball right away.
(c) When a penalty is called on a kick return for a foul such as holding or an illegal
block, the return will be measured only to the point at which the penalty is applied.
(d) A returner will not be charged with a kick return for conceding a single point
without attempting to advance the ball or if a penalty is applied from the point ofgaining possession of the ball, such as a No Yards penalty.
(e) Returns of Missed Field Goal attempts are to be treated in the same manneras Punt Returns and recorded separately. No Missed Field Goal Return will berecorded unless the returner makes a legitimate attempt to advance the ballforward.
SECTION 11 – FUMBLES(a) A fumble is defined as either loss of possession of the ball or failure to gain
possession on a kick return where the ball is touched. A player generally should
not be charged with a fumble if that player recovers their own fumble immediately
and the defence is deemed to have had no chance for a recovery. However, if it isa flagrant fumble and opposing players have an opportunity to recover it, a fumble
should be charged.
The act of merely touching the ball is not necessarily considered to be possession.
On the greased-pig type of scrambling for a fumbled ball, charge the original player
for the fumble and credit the eventual recovery to the player who winds up with theball. Ignore all momentary touching in between.
(b) On a play where a fumble is charged, yards gained/lost to the point of recovery
are credited to the player who fumbled. Offensive players advancing an own team
fumble recovery will be credited with those yards.
EXAMPLES:(1) Player A carries the ball for five yards, is tackled and then fumbles. Theball goes forward for another three yards and is recovered by the opposition.
Player A is credited with an 8-yard gain and charged with a fumble lost.
Same play but ball goes backward three yards and is recovered by a playerof A’s team. Player A is credited with a two-yard gain and charged with afumble, their teammate is credited with an Own Team Fumble Recovery.
(2) Team A running back carries the ball for 10 yards, fumbles and it isrecovered by a Team A lineman, who then advances the ball for 12 more yards
before the play is stopped. This is scored as a 22-yard rushing play. The
running back is credited with one carry for 10 yards and a fumble, the lineman
with zero carries and 12 yards rushing and an Own Team Fumble Recovery.
(3) Team A has the ball on Team B’s 30-yard line. Team A quarterback throws
a pass to the Team A receiver, who carries the ball to the Team B 5-yard line
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and fumbles. The ball continues on into the Team B End Zone where it is fallen
on by a Team A player. Team A quarterback is credited with a completed TD
pass for 30 yards. The receiver is credited with a catch for 30 yards but no TD.
The Team A player who recovered the ball is credited with a TD receiving but
with no catch or yards.
(4) A player who fumbles a ball out of bounds without it being touched byanother player is to be charged with a fumble and an own team fumble
recovery. A player who fumbles the ball out of bounds that is last touched by adefender is charged with a fumble lost. The defender is credited with a fumble
return for 0 yards.
(5) Yards gained by a player subsequent to recovery of a teammate’s fumble
will remain as part of the play giving rise to the fumble and will be regarded in
the nature of a gain after a lateral pass.
SECTION 12 – FUMBLE RETURNS(a) A fumble return is recorded for defensive players only who recover opposition
fumbles on plays from scrimmage or returns, and is calculated from the point ofrecovery to where the ball is declared dead or possession is lost on a subsequent
fumble. This statistical category also covers the following situations:(1) Yards gained following recovery of a blocked punt or field goal attempt, and(2) Yards gained following interception of a lateral pass (treated as a fumble)(b) A player who rather than picks up a fumbled ball by the opponent and elects
instead to kick/advance it along the ground, will be credited with a fumble return.
This act is referred to specifically as a DRIBBLE (See Section 16).
SECTION 13 – PENALTIESa) Information is recorded with regard to Penalties for both team and individual
player as follows:(1) Number of Penalties (Declined calls noted separately)(2) Penalty yardage(3) The Type of Penalty i.e. Holding, No Yards, Illegal punt etc.
(4) Penalties by Situation: Offence, Defence and Special Teams(5) Penalties by Category: Preventable, Technical & Roughness(6) First Downs Gained by Penalties,(7) Other Penalty-related information including game time, enforcement andplacement spots, and forfeited gains.
(8) Touchdowns negated by Penaltiesb) Refer to Section 1 for treatment of first downs gained by penalties.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESSECTION 14 – SCORING PLAYS
All scoring plays will be recorded with specific information for the Team, type ofscore, the player scoring the points along with associated information such as thename of the passer, the Quarter, Time and Play # of the event.
(a) A touchdown (6 points) will be credited to the scorer. For example, on a
Touchdown pass, the receiver will be credited with the points on this play. For rush
and return plays, the player carrying the ball across the Goal Line will receive thepoints.
(b) A Convert will be credited to the player completing the play and theattempt/yards recorded in team & individual offence:(1) One-point: By kick, in which case the kicker receives credit for the one point
convert with a record of the yardage of the attempt in the play-by-play.
(2) Two-point Pass: By completing a forward pass, in which case the receivergets credit.
(3) Two-point Rush: By carrying the ball across the Goal Line on a rush attempt.
(4) Defensive player: May score a two-point convert by advancing it acrosstheir opponent’s Goal Line after a fumble recovery, interception or missed onepoint convert kick. Yardage gained will be recorded in the appropriate category.
(c) Field Goal (3 points) is credited to the kicker. The yardage as per Section 8. a(6)].
(d) Safety Touch (2 points) is credited as a team score only with no individual credit
assigned.
(e) Single (one point) is credited to the player who kicked the ball across the GoalLine.
SECTION 15 – QUARTERBACK SACKS
Definitions:(a) A Quarterback Sack is awarded to a defender when the Quarterback is inpossession of the ball behind the LOS and is:(1) Tackled for a loss of yards, or(2) Forced out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage to avoid imminentcontact, or(3) Forced to fumble the football irrespective of where the ball goes thereafter.
For example, a defender who creates this “strip sack” and the ball is thenpropelled across the LOS by being batted or kicked, will still receive credit for a
QB Sack.
Note: It is possible for the Quarterback to be sacked for a loss of zero (0) yards.
However, the ball when re-spotted after the play must clearly have been moved
back by at least half the length of the ball as ordinarily observed by the stats crew.
The yards lost by Team A in any of the above situations shall be charged as aTeam Loss.
Notes:
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It is NOT a Quarterback Sack but a Rushing or Team Loss if when behind theLOS:(i) The QB voluntarily steps out of bounds without being threatened by imminentcontact, or(ii) The Team A player attempting to pass is any player other than a quarterback,or(iii) The QB attempts a short yardage sneak play (defined as a QB rushingattempt from behind centre and between the tackles) and fails to gain yards, or(v) The QB voluntarily terminates the play by dropping to the ground on one
knee i.e. QB Kneel, or(vi) The QB is called for intentional grounding. In this case, score a penalty forzero (0) yards and the appropriate yardage lost against Team A as penalty
yardage. Do not score the play as either a Rushing or Team Loss.
As a further Guide for determination of QB Sacks, the following specific scenarios
must be applied:1) Bad or “Early” snap by Centre – QB falls on the ball only with no attempt
to advance.
No Sack awarded. Team Loss only.
2) Bad or “Early” snap by Centre – QB picks up the ball and continues withthe play.
Sack awarded if QB is tackled for a loss
3) QB fumbles a good snap and falls on the ball with no attempt to advanceor pass.
Sack awarded.
4) QB rolls out and runs out of bounds behind LOS.
Sack awarded if QB is forced out of bounds; No sack awarded if QB isnot.
5) Holder on Convert kicks fumbles or does not present the ball.
No sack will be awarded.
SECTION 16 – DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
Definitions:(a) A Tackle is credited to a player whose actions stop a ball carrier’s forward
progress or forces the ball carrier out of bounds thus terminating the play. Credita Defensive Tackle to the player who in the opinion of the statistician is primarily
responsible for making the stop on plays from scrimmage. For kick return plays,
the same applies and the defender is credited with a Special Teams Tackle. A
Defensive Tackle is also credited to a player causing a Sack, including a Sack
Fumble.
(b) A Tackle for Loss is credited if a ball carrier is tackled behind the LOS ona Rushing or Passing play. A Tackle for Loss of 0 yards may be credited if the
LOS is deemed by the statistician to move noticeable backwards after being
spotted by the officials.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES(c) An Interception is credited if an opponent's pass attempt is caught by adefensive player and a change of possession results. The return is credited per
Section 6.
(d) A Fumble Return is credited per Section 12 above.
(e) A Pass Knockdown is credited to a defensive player who makes a passattempt become an incompletion by either contacting the football at or in frontof the targeted receiver or by dislodging the ball by making contact with thetargeted receiver. A Pass Knockdown will be credited to a player who deflects
a pass attempt that leads to an interception by a teammate.
(f) A Forced Fumble is credited to a player who makes contact with an
opposing ball carrier causing an opponent to lose possession of the ball.
(g) A Defensive Takeaway will be recorded for defenders making
interceptions, fumble returns, and forcing an opponent turnover on downs
in any way.
Note: Game statistics will show Defensive & Special Teams Tackles separately
and be combined as Total Tackles on all statistical reports. Total Defensive
Plays will be compiled and consist of the sum of Total Tackles, QB Sacks,
Interceptions, Fumble Recoveries, Forced Fumbles, Blocked Kicks, and Pass
knockdowns. Tackles for Loss are included in Defensive Tackles but shown
separately as a specific item.
SECTION 17 – DRIBBLED BALL
A dribbled ball occurs when the ball is intentionally kicked along the ground while
not in the normal possession or control of a player on any play. Such a dribbled
ball implies possession statistically. The ball may be legally touched or recoveredby the kicker or an onside player. Net yards gained or lost, or points scored will berecorded in the same manner as the play in which the dribbling occurred. Some
examples:(1) Team A attempts a field goal and it is blocked. Team A player then kicks
the ball along the ground (a dribble) across the line of scrimmage downfield.
Credit the Team A player with an own team fumble recovery (as a dribble isconsidered to be possession due to the intentional directing of the ball
downfield), and a rushing gain to the point of recovery by either Team A or
Team B. If Team B recovers the ball, charge the Team A player with asubsequent fumble and credit the Team B player with a fumble recovery andreturn.
(2) Team A player runs the ball across the line of scrimmage and fumbles 10
yards downfield. The player then kicks the ball along the ground (a dribble) andrecovers it 10 yards further downfield and is tackled by Team B. Credit theTeam A player with a 20-yard rush, a fumble and an own team recovery.
(3) Team A starts a rushing play at their own 20-yard line, and their player
fumbles at the 27-yard line. Team B player gets to the ball first at the Team A
35-yard line but rather than pick it up only kicks the ball downfield. The ball isrecovered by a Team B player at the Team A 5-yard line and runs it into theend zone. TREATMENT: Credit Team A player with a 15-yard rush and a94

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

fumble. Credit the Team B player making the dribble with a fumble recovery
and return of 35 yards. If however, another Team B player recovers the dribbled
ball, credit that player with fumble return yardage but no fumble recovery i.e.
shared fumble return yardage with the original dribbler of the ball.

SECTION 18 – RATINGS, LEADERS & CALCULATIONS
1) Annual Leaders for CFL statistical categories are determined by thefollowing guidelines:- Rushing average leaders are based on a minimum of 100 attempts for aseason.
- Pass Reception average leaders are based on a minimum of 40 receptions
for a season.
- Punting Average leaders are based on a minimum of 60 for a season.
Kickoff average leader minimum is 30 per season.
- Completion % and Pass Efficiency leaders based on a minimum of 300
passes for a season.
- Field Goal % leaders are based on a minimum of 30 attempts in a season.
2) For certain statistics they are calculated by the following guidelines:
Time of Possession:
Credited to a Team whenever it is in possession of the football including
kicking plays. After receiving a kick, Team B’s possession starts at the
beginning of the next play from scrimmage (unless there is a fumble lost by
the returner). The total Time of Possession (Team A’s TOP plus Team B’s
TOP) for every CFL game must equal 60 minutes (60:00).
Net punting:Total punt yards - Opponent return yards - 40 yards per punt single
Pass Efficiency Rating:Based on four separate indices as a function (divided by) pass attempts:
Yards, completions, TD passes and Interceptions(((Completions/Pass attempts*100))-30)/20 +(((Passing yards/Pass attempts)-3)*0.25) +((TDs/Pass attempts)*20) +(2.375 - (Interceptions/Pass attempts*25))*100/6
Drives and Other Analytical Information:- All CFL Stats Crews will record Scoring Drives and include this informationin the statistical play-by-play reports at the end of each drive. The drive
information must include the number of plays, the yardage gained, adescription of the scoring play and the total time of the drive; all drive
information will be compiled into a Drive Chart Summary Report.
- A Drive starts at the Line of Scrimmage of Team A’s first play of a series,and ends with either a scoring play or loss of possession. Penalty plays and95

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

kicks are both counted when determining the number of plays in a drive.
However, a Convert attempt is not counted.
- Game statistics will include other analytical information including 2nd Down
Conversions, Red Zone Offence (defined as the results of any drive with atleast one play run from the opponent’s 20-yard line and closer), total numberof plays, scoring by quarter etc. All CFL Stats Crews will also record otherrelevant game-related information including: weather and field conditions,wind and temperature, attendance, Coin Toss results, game duration, a recordof Coaches’ Challenges, and the names of the Officiating Crew. Play-by-playrecords will record other relevant events such as Timeouts and unusual
delays.
Game statistics will include the result of all drives where at least one offensive
play is run from the opponents' 20-yard line and in. This result is known as
Red Zone Offence - and the % success rate is expressed as Touchdowns /Red Zone Opportunities.
SECTION 19 – TURNOVERSA Turnover is generally defined as either a Fumble Lost, Interception thrown or a'Turnover on Downs'. To be recorded as a Turnover however, it must occur oneither an ordinary offensive play from scrimmage or a kick return (fumble).
Turnovers are NOT recorded when there is either a Fumble Lost or Interception
thrown on a Two-point convert attempt. The primary reason for this is that no newseries of downs takes place on the immediate next play despite the defence having
temporary possession of the ball for the purposes of a return. Additionally, the next
play is in most cases a kickoff anyway (for which possession is retained initially by
the team that attempted the Two-point convert).
Turnover Ratio is defined as the difference between Team Turnovers (also known
as Giveaways) and Opponent Turnovers (also known as Takeaways or Turnovers
Forced). CFL Statistics will also measure the effect of Turnovers by counting thesubsequent points scored after a Takeaway i.e. 'Points Off
Turnovers'.
SECTION 20 – CFL STATISTICS PRINCIPLES
CFL statistical data is based on direct observations made in stadium and enhancedwith off-site audit in real time to achieve 100 per cent accuracy. The goals of thestatistical rulebook are to provide relevant information about the game and to credit
players with their actions whenever and wherever possible.
Player Stat Change Requests:
Post-game statistical changes are an inevitable part of the process. CFL headstatisticians therefore review all statistics following the game. TO effect thesechanges, teams may submit a request for a statistical change on behalf of a player.
Through their club, a player may submit a request for a stat change via theirdesignated club lead (either PR or Football Operations staff) no later than 72
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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

hours after a game is concluded. Requests will be reviewed no later than 1 dayprior to the ensuing ‘week’ (defined as the day of the first game) and announced
publicly.
To submit a play for review, the club must include the following data according tothe official post-game stats report issued by the CFL: Game #, Play #, Jersey #,and suggested statistical change.
This process is intended for subjective statistical determinations such as tackles,
sacks, or pass knockdowns. Any potential error pertaining to player identificationor other issues will be reviewed at any time without exception.

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CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESINDEXITEM ......................................................RULE/SEC/ART/NOTE .............. PAGE #5-Yard Penalties ......................................................................... ......................... 9
10-Yard Penalties ....................................................................... ......................... 9
10 Yards on Three Downs .................................................. 4.6.1 ....................... 37
15-Yard Penalties ....................................................................... ......................... 9
25-Yard Penalties ....................................................................... ......................... 9Abbreviations ............................................................................. ......................... 7
Application of Major Fouls .................................................. 7.2.1 ....................... 52
Application of Penalties ............................................................ 8 ....................... 59
Application of Penalties — Kicking Plays ........................... 5.1.7 ....................... 39
Automatic First Down Penalties .................................................. ......................... 9
Back Judge......................................................................... 2.2.7 ....................... 27
Ball ........................................................................................ 1.2 ....................... 11
Ball in Goal ....................................................................... 1.7.11 ....................... 17
Ball in Play.......................................................................... 1.7.7 ....................... 16
Ball Placement
After a Score .................................................................. 4.4.1 ....................... 34
Within 1 Yard of Goal Line ............................................. 4.4.3 ....................... 34
Within 10 Yards of Own Goal ......................................... 4.4.5 ....................... 35
Within 15 Yards of Own Goal ......................................... 4.4.4 ....................... 34
Within 28 Yards of Sideline ............................................ 4.4.2 ....................... 34
Bench Area....................................................................... 1.11.1 ....................... 23
Blindside Blocking ............................................................ 7.2.13 ....................... 56
Blocked Kick .......................................................................... 5.3 ....................... 41
Blocked Into Goal Area .................................................. 5.3.4 ....................... 41
Blocked Out of Bounds .................................................. 5.3.3 ....................... 41
Recovery ........................................................................ 5.3.2 ....................... 41
Blocking Below the Waist ................................................. 7.2.12 ....................... 56
Blocking Downfield ............................................................. 6.4.9 ....................... 49
Blood Hazards .................................................................. 1.10.5 ....................... 22
Captains ................................................................................ 1.6 ....................... 13
Chop Blocking .................................................................... 7.2.8 ....................... 56
Clipping .............................................................................. 7.2.6 ....................... 55
Communication Coordinator ............................................. 2.2.11 ....................... 27
Complete Forward Pass ..................................................... 6.4.5 ....................... 48
Conduct of the Game ............................................................... 1 ....................... 11
Consecutive Downs ............................................................ 4.6.2 ....................... 37
Contacting the Kicker ......................................................... 5.4.4 ....................... 42
Continuity of Downs ........................................................... 4.6.3 ....................... 37
Convert ............................................................................... 3.2.5 ....................... 29
Convert — Foul on Convert ................................................... 8.5 ....................... 63
Crackback Blocking ............................................................ 7.2.7 ....................... 56
Cut Blocking ....................................................................... 7.2.9 ....................... 56
Dead Ball ............................................................................... 1.4 ....................... 13
Defensive Line.................................................................... 4.1.4 ....................... 31
Defensive Line Up Restriction ............................................ 5.4.3 ....................... 42
Delay of Game .................................................................. 1.7.8 ....................... 17
Designated American ......................................................... 4.5.6 ....................... 36
Designated Quarterback..................................................... 4.5.5 ....................... 3698

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Disqualification ...................................................................... 7.3 ....................... 57
Disqualification Penalties............................................................ ......................... 9
Double Fouls ...................................................................... 8.3.1 ....................... 59
Down Judge ....................................................................... 2.2.4 ....................... 26
Downsbox Operator ........................................................... 2.2.9 ....................... 27
Dress Code ...................................................................... 1.10.7 ....................... 22
Dribbled Ball ....................................................................... 5.1.5 ....................... 38
Drop Kick ............................................................................ 5.1.2 ....................... 38
Dual Fouls .......................................................................... 8.3.2 ....................... 60
Duties of Officials .................................................................. 2.2 ....................... 26
Electronic Noise ............................................................... 1.7.10 ....................... 17
Eligibility of Passer ............................................................. 6.4.3 ....................... 48
Eligibility of Receivers......................................................... 6.4.4 ....................... 48
Embellishment .................................................................. 7.4(e) ....................... 57
Equipment ........................................................................ 1.10.1 ....................... 21
Exceptions to the Numbering Requirements ..........4.5.3 & 5.4.2 ............... 35 & 42
Field Dimensions ................................................................ 1.1.1 ....................... 11
Field Goal ........................................................................... 3.2.2 ....................... 28
Field Judge ......................................................................... 2.2.8 ....................... 27
Field Officials ...................................................................... 2.1.1 ....................... 26
Formation on Punt Plays .................................................... 5.4.1 ....................... 42
Forward Pass ........................................................................ 6.4 ....................... 47
Blocking Downfield ......................................................... 6.4.9 ....................... 49
Complete........................................................................ 6.4.5 ....................... 48
Definition ........................................................................ 6.4.1 ....................... 47
Eligibility of Passer ......................................................... 6.4.3 ....................... 48
Eligibility of Receiver ...................................................... 6.4.4 ....................... 48
Forward Pass Interference ........................................... 6.4.11 ....................... 50
Illegal Contact on a Receiver ....................................... 6.4.10 ....................... 49
Incomplete ..................................................................... 6.4.6 ....................... 49
Intentional Grounding ..................................................... 6.4.7 ....................... 49
Interception by Team B in Own Goal Area ................... 6.4.14 ....................... 51
Interference After a Pass has been Completed ........... 6.4.12 ....................... 51
Interference Before a Pass is Thrown ............................ 6.4.8 ....................... 49
Interference Following an Interception ......................... 6.4.13 ....................... 51
One Forward Pass on Any Down ................................... 6.4.2 ....................... 47
Foul In Goal ........................................................................... 8.6 ....................... 63
Foul in Goal — Opponent’s Goal........................................ 8.6.2 ....................... 63
Foul In Goal — Own Goal .................................................. 8.6.1 ....................... 63
Foul On Convert .................................................................... 8.5 ....................... 62
Fouls & Penalties ..................................................................... 7 ....................... 52
Fouls After Legal Gains ......................................................... 8.2 ....................... 59
Grade 2 Unnecessary Roughness ..................................... 7.2.3 ....................... 53
Goal Area
Blocked Kick .................................................................. 5.3.4 ....................... 41
Foul In Goal ...................................................................... 8.6 ....................... 63
Foul In Opponent’s Goal ................................................ 8.6.2 ....................... 63
Foul In Own Goal ........................................................... 8.6.1 ....................... 63
Kicked Ball Striking Goal Post Assembly ..................... 5.4.13 ....................... 45
Offside Pass in Goal Area ............................................. 6.3.4 ....................... 47
Handoff Pass ......................................................................... 6.2 ....................... 46
Hands to the Face .............................................................. 4.3.5 ....................... 34
99

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Hazardous Equipment ...................................................... 1.10.6 ....................... 22
Helmet Removal ............................................................... 7.4(g) ....................... 57
Helmets ............................................................................ 1.10.2 ....................... 21
Holding ............................................................................... 7.1.1 ....................... 52
Identification & Positions .................................................... 4.5.2 ....................... 35
Illegal Blocks ..........................................................4.3.4 & 7.1.2 ............... 34 & 52
Illegal Contact on a Receiver............................................ 6.4.10 ....................... 49
Illegal Interference – Blocking Downfield ............................ 6.4.9 ....................... 49
Illegal Movement ................................................................ 4.2.2 ....................... 32
Illegal Participation ............................................................. 1.9.8 ....................... 19
Illegal Substance .............................................................. 1.10.4 ....................... 22
Illegal Tactics......................................................................... 7.1 ....................... 52
Illegally Downfield on Kick .................................................. 5.4.9 ....................... 43
Incomplete Forward Pass ................................................... 6.4.6 ...................... 49
Injured Players ................................................................. 1.11.3 ....................... 23
Intentional Grounding ......................................................... 6.4.7 ....................... 49
Interception — In Goal Area by Team B ........................... 6.4.14 ....................... 51
Interception — Interference Following .............................. 6.4.13 ....................... 51
Interference .................................................................... 4.3 & 9 ............... 33 & 65
After a Pass Has Been Completed .............................. 6.4.12 ....................... 51
After Gaining Possession Without Scrimmage.................. 9.3 ....................... 66
Before a Pass is Thrown ................................................ 6.4.8 ....................... 49
Blocking Downfield ......................................................... 6.4.9 ....................... 49
By Kicking Team ............................................................ 5.4.8 ....................... 43
Definition ........................................................................... 9.1 ....................... 65
Following an Interception ............................................. 6.4.11 ....................... 50
Kick From Scrimmage .................................................... 5.4.6 ....................... 43
Kickoffs — Team A ........................................................ 5.2.7 ....................... 40
Kickoffs — Team B ........................................................ 5.2.5 ....................... 40
Loose Ball ......................................................................... 9.4 ....................... 66
Open-Field Kick ............................................................. 5.4.7 ....................... 43
Scrimmage Plays .............................................................. 9.2 ....................... 65
Scrimmage — Team A ................................................... 4.3.2 ....................... 33
Scrimmage — Team B ................................................... 4.3.3 ....................... 33
Placement of Officials Flag ........................................... 7.4(c) ....................... 57
Jurisdiction of Officials ........................................................... 2.2 ....................... 26
Kick From Scrimmage ........................................................... 5.4 ....................... 42
Kick From Scrimmage Going Out-of-Bounds in Flight ...... 5.4.12 ....................... 44
Kick From Scrimmage — Interference................................ 5.4.6 ....................... 43
Kick That Fails to Cross Line Of Scrimmage .................... 5.4.15 ....................... 45
Kicked Ball.......................................................................... 5.1.1 ....................... 38
Kicked Ball Striking Goal Post Assembly.......................... 5.4.13 ....................... 45
Kicking ...................................................................................... 5 ....................... 38
Kicking Definitions ................................................................. 5.1 ....................... 38
Kickoff.................................................................................... 5.2 ....................... 29
Kickoff — Gaining Possession ........................................... 5.2.8 ....................... 41
Kickoffs — Interference — Team A .................................... 5.2.7 ....................... 40
Kickoffs — Interference — Team B .................................... 5.2.5 ....................... 40
Kickoffs – Wedge Blocking ................................................. 5.2.6 ....................... 40
Lateral Pass .......................................................................... 6.1 ....................... 46
Legal Kickoff ....................................................................... 5.2.2 ....................... 39
Leg Whips ........................................................................ 7.2.14 ....................... 56
100

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Line & Backfield.................................................................. 4.1.2 ....................... 31
Line Judge .......................................................................... 2.2.5 ....................... 27
Line of Scrimmage ............................................................. 4.1.1 ....................... 31
Line Players Stance and Motion ......................................... 4.5.4 ....................... 36
Loss of a Down................................................................... 8.1.1 ....................... 59
Loss of Down Penalties .............................................................. ......................... 9
Loss of Yards ..................................................................... 8.1.2 ....................... 59
Manipulating the Clock .......................................................... 8.8 ....................... 64
Major Fouls............................................................................ 7.2 ....................... 52
Method of Scrimmage ........................................................... 4.2 ....................... 31
No Yards .......................................................................... 5.4.10 ....................... 43
Not an Offside Pass ........................................................... 6.3.3 ....................... 47
Objectionable Conduct .......................................................... 7.4 ....................... 57
Objectionable Gesture ...................................................... 7.4(a) ....................... 57
Official Time Out ............................................................... 1.11.2 ....................... 23
Officials..................................................................................... 2 ....................... 26
CFL On-Field Officials ............................................................ ......................... 6
Jurisdiction & Duties.......................................................... 2.2 ....................... 26
Offsetting Penalties ............................................................ 8.3.3 ....................... 60
Offside ................................................................................ 4.2.3 ....................... 32
At The Snap ................................................................... 4.2.3 ....................... 32
On Kicking Plays ............................................................ 5.1.6 ....................... 39
On Kickoffs — Team A................................................... 5.2.3 ....................... 40
On Kickoffs — Team B................................................... 5.2.4 ....................... 40
Offside Pass .......................................................................... 6.3 ....................... 46
In Field of Play ............................................................... 6.3.2 ....................... 46
In Goal Area ................................................................... 6.3.4 ....................... 47
Not an Offside Pass ....................................................... 6.3.3 ....................... 47
One Forward Pass on Any Down ....................................... 6.4.2 ....................... 47
One-Point Convert .............................................................. 3.2.5 ....................... 29
Onside On Kicking Plays .................................................... 5.1.6 ....................... 39
Onside Pass .......................................................................... 6.1 ....................... 46
Onside Player — Kick from Scrimmage ........................... 5.4.11 ....................... 44
Onside Player — Open Field Kick .................................... 5.4.11 ....................... 44
Open-Field Kick ..................................................................... 5.4 ....................... 42
Interference On .............................................................. 5.4.7 ....................... 43
Option Provided on Penalties ............................................. 8.1.3 ....................... 59
Other Personnel .................................................................. 1.12 ....................... 25
Out of Bounds ....................................................................... 1.9 ....................... 18
Out of Bounds — Blocked Kick .......................................... 5.3.3 ....................... 41
Overtime ................................................................................ 1.8 ....................... 18
Own Kick Recovery .......................................................... 5.4.14 ....................... 45
Passer Eligibility ................................................................. 6.4.3 ....................... 48
Passing..................................................................................... 6 ....................... 46
Peel Back Blocking ........................................................... 7.2.10 ....................... 56
Penalties
5-Yard .................................................................................... ......................... 9
10-Yard .................................................................................. ......................... 9
15-Yard .................................................................................. ......................... 9
25-Yard .................................................................................. ......................... 9
Application Of....................................................................... 8 ....................... 59
Automatic First Down ............................................................. ......................... 9101

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Disqualification ....................................................................... ......................... 9
Loss Of Down ........................................................................ ......................... 9
Summary Of ........................................................................... ......................... 9
Penalty Restrictions Near a Goal Line ................................... 8.4 ....................... 61
Penalty Signals........................................................................... ....................... 79
Place Kick........................................................................... 5.1.3 ....................... 38
Placement of The Ball ........................................................... 4.4 ....................... 34
Player Numbering ............................................................. 1.10.3 ....................... 21....................................................................................... 4.5.2 ....................... 35....................................................................................... 6.4.4 ....................... 48
Player Misconduct Fouls ....................................................... 7.5 ....................... 58
Player Restrictions ................................................................ 4.5 ....................... 35
Playing & Rest Periods ....................................................... 1.7.2 ....................... 14
Playing Uniforms ................................................................. 1.10 ....................... 21
Points of Kickoff.................................................................. 5.2.1 ....................... 39
Position of Ball in Measuring .............................................. 4.6.4 ....................... 37
Possession ............................................................................ 1.3 ....................... 12
Punt .................................................................................... 5.1.4 ....................... 38
Push Blocking................................................................... 7.2.11 ....................... 56
Pyramiding ......................................................................... 5.4.5 ....................... 43
Quarterback Faking Giving Themselves Up ...................... 7.4(f) ....................... 57
Receiver Eligibility .............................................................. 6.4.4 ....................... 48
Recovery of Blocked Kick ................................................... 5.3.2 ....................... 41
Recovery of Own Kick ...................................................... 5.4.14 ....................... 45
Referee............................................................................... 2.2.2 ....................... 26
Removal of Helmet ........................................................... 7.4(g) ....................... 57
Replay .................................................................................... 10 ....................... 67
Restriction Near a Goal Line — Penalties ............................. 8.4 ....................... 61
Restriction on Onside Player ............................................ 5.4.11 ....................... 44
Rouge ................................................................................. 3.2.4 ....................... 29
Rough Play ......................................................................... 7.2.2 ....................... 53
Roughing the Passer .......................................................... 7.2.5 ....................... 55
Safety Touch ...................................................................... 3.2.3 ....................... 28
Scorer ............................................................................... 2.2.10 ....................... 27
Scoring ..................................................................................... 3 ....................... 28
Scoring — Kickoff Out of Bounds in Goal Area ..................... 3.4 ....................... 30
Scrimmage ............................................................................... 4 ....................... 31
Scrimmage Zone ................................................................ 4.1.3 ....................... 31
Series of Downs .................................................................... 4.6 ....................... 37
Seven Players on Line ....................................................... 4.5.1 ....................... 35
Side Judge ......................................................................... 2.2.6 ....................... 27
Single Point ........................................................................ 3.2.4 ....................... 29
Sleeper Play ..................................................................... 1.11.7 ....................... 24
Spearing ......................................................................... 7.2.4(f) ....................... 54
Starting ............................................................................... 1.7.1 ....................... 14
Statistical Scoring Rules ............................................................. ....................... 84
Substitution Procedure ..................................................... 1.11.4 ....................... 23
Support Officials ................................................................. 2.1.2 ....................... 26
Table of Scores ..................................................................... 3.1 ....................... 28
Tandem Blocking................................................................ 7.1.4 ....................... 52
Taunting ........................................................................... 7.4(d) ....................... 57
Team A .................................................................................. 1.5 ....................... 13
102

CFL OFFICIAL PLAYING RULESTeam B .................................................................................. 1.5 ....................... 13
Team B Substitutions on Kick Plays ................................. 1.11.8 ....................... 24
Team Captains ...................................................................... 1.6 ....................... 14
Team Personnel .................................................................. 1.11 ....................... 23
Team Time Out .................................................................. 1.7.5 ....................... 16
Terminating A Play in Goal .................................................... 3.3 ....................... 30
The Ball ................................................................................. 1.2 ....................... 12
The Centre ......................................................................... 4.2.1 ....................... 31
Tie Game............................................................................... 1.8 ....................... 18
Tie-Breaking Procedure.............................................................. ......................... 7
Time Count ......................................................................... 1.7.9 ....................... 17
Time In ............................................................................... 1.7.4 ....................... 15
Time Out............................................................................. 1.7.3 ....................... 15
Timekeeper ...................................................................... 2.2.10 ....................... 27
Too Many Players ............................................................ 1.11.6 ....................... 24
Too Many Players in the Formation.................................. 1.11.5 ....................... 24
Touchdown ......................................................................... 3.2.1 ....................... 28
Trainers & Injured Players ................................................ 1.11.3 ....................... 23
Tripping .............................................................................. 7.1.3 ....................... 52
Two-Point Convert .............................................................. 3.2.5 ....................... 30
Umpire ................................................................................ 2.2.3 ....................... 26
Uniforms .............................................................................. 1.10 ....................... 21
Unnecessary Roughness ................................................... 7.2.4 ....................... 54
Verbal Abuse .................................................................... 7.4(a) ....................... 57
Wedge Blocking ................................................................. 5.2.6 ....................... 40
Yardstick Operators ............................................................ 2.2.9 ....................... 27103