CFL announces changes to the game - merged topics

[The Zipp]

media advisory has gone out to advise of an announcement tomorrow regarding "change to the game"

what could it be?  rule change mid season?

[Jesse]

What a weird announcement.

What can you reasonable change midseason?

[gobombersgo]

If it's a change for this season I would think it has something to do with player safety.

Maybe expanding the role of the replay centre.

Maybe adding another official to watch hits on the quarterback.

Some people are speculating changes to the playoff structure but I can't see an announcement for that mid-season even if it was to come into effect next season. The CFL rules committee and board of governors would normally look at changes like that in the off season.

Has there been any major controversies this season that need to be addressed?  Other than stuff that Luke Willson makes up.

[VictorRomano]

what could it be?  rule change mid season?

Roster ratio?  4 downs?  Fair catch?  No kickoffs, automatic 1rst at the 30?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Just a guess, but maybe it's changes for next season and beyond. I'm always pulling for ratio changes and a one division system.

[Blue In BC]

Roster ratio?  4 downs?  Fair catch?  No kickoffs, automatic 1rst at the 30?

I can't see them making a ratio change in regard to number of starters. A possible change in the number of DI's as opposed to back up Canadians but even that is a stretch. I've been promoting +2 DI's and 2 less Canadians but I'm an outlier.

If it was affordable ( it's not ) I'd just say add 2 more DI's and keep everything else the same.

Please no fair catch or eliminating changing K/O's to NFL type rules.

I don't like the one division play off idea that has been discussed for a few years.

IMO we may have more safety checks from EITS and more severe penalties if they occur?

Can any of this be done and implemented with 4 games left?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

The exact wording:

"a major announcement regarding significant changes to the game."

I am hopeful!

[Sir Blue and Gold]

TSN deal ends after the 2026 year. Something with that? Seems a bit early.

[gobombersgo]

There won't be an announcement regarding the ratio as the CFLPA would need to be involved to make changes to the CBA.

[gobombersgo]

TSN deal ends after the 2026 year. Something with that? Seems a bit early.

Yeah, maybe it's to announce a new broadcasting deal.

But, they are announcing CHANGES.

Maybe 1 game a week is going to be broadcast on a streaming service -  Crave, Netflix, Prime?

[TBURGESS]

Maybe going to a single division. Crosses fingers and toes knowing it's not gonna happen. 

[Sir Blue and Gold]

There won't be an announcement regarding the ratio as the CFLPA would need to be involved to make changes to the CBA.

You're probably right but I'll still hope. 

If they wanted to be aggressive theres gray area in the language that could be used. If they wanted to expand, they could say there's a critical business need, for example. They could cite the franchises losing money, etc. They have changed how nationals are defined many times to expand the pool. They could go that route too.

All very unlikely. But theoretically possible.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

...what about an NFL partnership, an earlier season schedule starting in spring and ending near the beginning of the NFL season?

[Blue In BC]

...what about an NFL partnership, an earlier season schedule starting in spring and ending near the beginning of the NFL season?

No way that happens IMO. Poor weather would impact game performance and reduce attendance. There would be 2 feet of snow in Winnipeg and out east in April.

[theaardvark]

No way that happens IMO. Poor weather would impact game performance and reduce attendance. There would be 2 feet of snow in Winnipeg and out east in April.

I'd rather play preseason games in the snow than the Grey Cup... advancing the season a few weeks would be awesome.

They can even have the preseason in Florida or Arizona, or both.

Wasn't Johnston brought in for his media savvy?  Renewing TSN for 8 more years, while adding in Prime?