2022 Rule Changes

[Blue In BC]

Which rule states that any player can play QB? Current rules state that one QB or Kicker must be on the field for every offensive play & 2 players are designated as QB's. QB1 goes down. QB2 or a kicker must come in. QB2 goes down and a player designated as the 3rd QB comes in. (I've never been able to find a rule that allows this, but I've seen it done.)

In your example: QB1 goes down. QB2/Rec takes the QB spot, and RB must stay on the field.

It doesn't matter tho. If QB1 and QB2 are both Canadian, they take an NI spot. There is no 'extra' import in either situation so no advantage to calling QB2 a receiver.

Wildcat formation describes a formation for the offense in football in which the ball is snapped not to the quarterback but directly to a player of another position lined up at the quarterback position. (In most systems, this is a running back, but some playbooks have the wide receiver, fullback, or tight end taking the snap.) The Wildcat features an unbalanced offensive line and looks to the defense like a sweep behind zone blocking. A player moves across the formation prior to the snap. However, once this player crosses the position of the running back who will receive the snap, the play develops unlike the sweep.


In my example, you could classify a player expected to be a RB as a QB. The new rule allows 2 QB's on the field at the same time. Further if the # 1 QB goes down the # 2 QB enters to play QB, however the rule doesn't state you HAVE to have 2 QB's on the field at one time. It only states you can have 2 QB's on the field at one time. A RB designated as a QB would still be on the field. He could also take a direct snap and / or throw a pass.

Canadian QB's do NOT TAKE a NI spot. As a starter they count against the 7 starters. Imports are restricted up to and including DI's. QB's are still a separate classification.

A team with 2 Canadian QB's would have 16 starting imports and 4 DI's = 20. A team with 2 import QB's would have 17 starting imports, 1 back up QB and 4 DI's = 22 Now if the # 2 Canadian QB is actually designated as a receiver, he could /  would in fact just be counted in the total count of NI's. That said you can roster more than the minimum requirement.

That's the loophole. The exclusion of QB's in the total context of the roster but counted in the ratio if they are starters. I spelt it out as clearly as I could.

[Zach Schnitzer]

Hashmark rules on paper will make offences better. But a team insider told me receivers are cautious to say that as the hashes are the main reference point for route running Eg when you hit the hash you slant etc.  also, I guarantee Richie and his staff are already finding ways to counter it and or plan for it.

[TecnoGenius]

Hashmark rules on paper will make offences better. But a team insider told me receivers are cautious to say that as the hashes are the main reference point for route running Eg when you hit the hash you slant etc.  also, I guarantee Richie and his staff are already finding ways to counter it and or plan for it.

At the very least 2022 kickers don't have the "muh hash marks made me miss" excuse anymore!!   

[TecnoGenius]

I like all the rules except starting at the 40 yard line after a field goal. The 35 already seemed generous enough. It might even be significant enough that teams go for six at 10-15 and inside. It might be better off to safeguard that field position than to score 3 and let them go right out to the 40. It really, really punishes kickers for missing too. Miss a field goal and you get 1 point and it's already out near mid-field. Yikes.

Good point.  It has a similar effect as my reduced-FG-points-as-you-get-closer idea: entices more teams to gamble on 3rd.  If your O had an unfavorable strong wind (i.e. like the GC) and you were in the green zone, Making the opponent start on the 10 might be a better choice than going for 3 and they get to start on the 40.  Maybe...

But as a trick to improve O, the new rule makes sense.  They always show those stats that TDs are directly proportional to series starting point.

[TecnoGenius]

15 yard coffin corner: Forgot to discuss this one... this is a big change.  A 15 yard target in the air is going to be much harder to hit.  Even Meddy might have a hard time doing this consistently.  It's going to take some real skill and practice by the punters for teams to have confidence to even try.  I bet many won't.

So, will this really help generate more O / points?  If the kicker misses short (between the 15's) then ya, this helps the O.  Is it a 15 yard penalty or 10?  But kickers will probably err on the side of the EZ, meaning there will be more singles scored.  Doesn't a single on a punt bring it out to the 25??  How is that going to help O's?  So many already hate the single on a punt, and this seems like it'll increase singles.

Now, if teams basically abandon the coffin attempt, then yes, this may improve O if the returners can make hay.  We'll have to see.

[Blue In BC]

I think the intent on a punt single would be the same as a missed FG. Ball will come out to the 40 yard line.

[TBURGESS]

Wildcat formation describes a formation for the offense in football in which the ball is snapped not to the quarterback but directly to a player of another position lined up at the quarterback position. (In most systems, this is a running back, but some playbooks have the wide receiver, fullback, or tight end taking the snap.) The Wildcat features an unbalanced offensive line and looks to the defense like a sweep behind zone blocking. A player moves across the formation prior to the snap. However, once this player crosses the position of the running back who will receive the snap, the play develops unlike the sweep.


In my example, you could classify a player expected to be a RB as a QB. The new rule allows 2 QB's on the field at the same time. Further if the # 1 QB goes down the # 2 QB enters to play QB, however the rule doesn't state you HAVE to have 2 QB's on the field at one time. It only states you can have 2 QB's on the field at one time. A RB designated as a QB would still be on the field. He could also take a direct snap and / or throw a pass.

Canadian QB's do NOT TAKE a NI spot. As a starter they count against the 7 starters. Imports are restricted up to and including DI's. QB's are still a separate classification.

A team with 2 Canadian QB's would have 16 starting imports and 4 DI's = 20. A team with 2 import QB's would have 17 starting imports, 1 back up QB and 4 DI's = 22 Now if the # 2 Canadian QB is actually designated as a receiver, he could /  would in fact just be counted in the total count of NI's. That said you can roster more than the minimum requirement.

That's the loophole. The exclusion of QB's in the total context of the roster but counted in the ratio if they are starters. I spelt it out as clearly as I could.

Of the 46 players named to the roster, each team may dress an active roster of 45 players, broken down as follows:

    Maximum of 2 QBs (no designation)
    Maximum of 20 American players (4 of which must be identified as designated Americans)
    Minimum of 21 National players
    Minimum of 2 Global players
...
Of the 24 starters on a team, a minimum of seven starters will be nationals players. When applied to a starting roster of a team it breaks down as follows (when using the minimum number of national players):

    1 QB
    16 American players
    7 starting national players

Article 5 ? Designated Quarterback

Prior to the game, a team is required to designate two players who shall be permitted to alternate for each other during the game at the Quarterback position exclusively. Not more than one such player may be in the game at any time and neither of them can enter the game as a member of Team B.
PENALTY: L25 PLS DR or L25 PBD or option.

NOTE: For the purposes of this Article 5, 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 the field for each of its offensive plays.

If the starting QB is a NI, then he is one of the 7 starting NI's, which would mean a 17th American starter. To me, that's taking up 1 NI spot.

If both QB's are Canadian, one would be a starter the other just a QB because they are still outside of the ratio rules.

Calling QB2 a RB and a RB QB2 doesn't change the number of starting NI's (7), but I now understand how it creates an extra DI.

If teams do that, then they might as well put QB's in the same ratio as everyone else, like I've been saying all off season.

Lastly, can we bring Streveler back as RB/QB2. He's worth even more since the rule change.

[The Fresh Prince Of Belair, MB]

Uh, I watch every CFL game, always, and I have never seen a QB do this.  Is this a thing??  They sure fake-throw a lot, but I've never seen a fake slide or dive.  Is this open to interpretation?  Potential quagmire.

This guy ruined it for everyone:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bb0n4pNwBw
Banned in the NCAA too.

[Blue In BC]

If the starting QB is a NI, then he is one of the 7 starting NI's, which would mean a 17th American starter. To me, that's taking up 1 NI spot.

If both QB's are Canadian, one would be a starter the other just a QB because they are still outside of the ratio rules.

Calling QB2 a RB and a RB QB2 doesn't change the number of starting NI's (7), but I now understand how it creates an extra DI.

If teams do that, then they might as well put QB's in the same ratio as everyone else, like I've been saying all off season.

Lastly, can we bring Streveler back as RB/QB2. He's worth even more since the rule change.

An import QB is one of the 17 import starters. So having a Canadian QB doesn't change the number of import starters. It only changes where they line up. So no, it doesn't take up a NI spot specifically. The balance is still the same.

Technically I think the " extra " import wouldn't be an extra DI. He'd be a non starting import that could rotate in at any time for another import.

Putting the QB's in the same ratio has been discussed a lot in other strings and I have stood against that idea. At least unless there is further clarification.

My point was that you need to accommodate how that is implemented in the total ratio. Most teams will have 2 import QB's. Does that mean we add 2 imports to the total allowed on the roster?

For a team like the Lions with 2 potential Canadian QB's they'd be allowed to add 2 more imports which would be non starting. However that would be a little like giving them 2 additional DI's.

If you do that, it directly reduces the roster by 2 Canadians since the current ratio has a separate classification for QB's inside the ratio.

Obviously only a few teams are going to have a Canadian QB let alone 2.

[Blue In BC]

Tburgess: You quoted this. I noticed it states minimum 2 global players. In 2021 teams had the option of a 2nd global or a Canadian. We had a mixed bag where some teams used 2 globals most games and others like the Bombers used only 1 most games. Is this NEW? Even the word minimum is suspicious. I see that info copied directly from Google today.

Of the 46 players named to the roster, each team may dress an active roster of 45 players, broken down as follows:

    Maximum of 2 QBs (no designation)
    Maximum of 20 American players (4 of which must be identified as designated Americans)
    Minimum of 21 National players
    Minimum of 2 Global players


I still don't understand why teams can't dress the 46th player. In theory he'd have to be a Canadian to meet the ratio. But he travels with the team to road games and he gets full salary.

Another option is that if the player is an import, he could dress but could only play if another import is removed permanently from that game. That would be necessary to meet the the ratio issue.

Example: In 2021 let's say Hardrick was questionable to start or play an entire game. The 46th player could have been an import OL activated from the PR. If Hardrick goes down, then a choice is made to start that extra import OL and remove Hardrick from participating again in that game.

That seems a bit more of a slippery slope. I'd just prefer making the # 46 player a Canadian and having him actually on the game day roster and playing as needed. That would be a non issue on the ratio and give another Canadian a direct chance to get some playing time.

[TBURGESS]

An import QB is one of the 17 import starters. So having a Canadian QB doesn't change the number of import starters. It only changes where they line up. So no, it doesn't take up a NI spot. The balance is still the same.

Technically I think the " extra " import wouldn't be an extra DI. He'd be a non starting import that could rotate in at any time for another import.

Putting the QB's in the same ratio has been discussed a lot in other strings and I have stood against that idea. At least unless there is further clarification.

My point was that you need to accommodate how that is implemented in the total ratio. Most teams will have 2 import QB's. Does that mean we add 2 imports to the total allowed on the roster?

For a team like the Lions with 2 potential Canadian QB's they'd be allowed to add 2 more imports which would be non starting. However that would be a little like giving them 2 additional DI's.

If you do that, it directly reduces the roster by 2 Canadians since the current ratio has a separate classification for QB's inside the ratio.

Obviously only a few teams are going to have a Canadian QB let alone 2.

Didn't they change the rule a year or two ago to allow a Canadian QB to be designated as a NI? That would make him one of the 7 NI starters.

A DI is an Import who can come in for any starting Import but can't start. That's what you'd be 'creating'.

BC could have two additional DI's. They pay for them with their 2 NI QB's.

Calling a Canuck a Canuck doesn't reduce the number of Canadian's on the roster. It makes all Canadian's the same ratio wise.

I think the 46th player should be on the game day roster and should be a Canadian, but that change wasn't made.

[Blue In BC]

Didn't they change the rule a year or two ago to allow a Canadian QB to be designated as a NI? That would make him one of the 7 NI starters.

A DI is an Import who can come in for any starting Import but can't start. That's what you'd be 'creating'.

BC could have two additional DI's. They pay for them with their 2 NI QB's.

Calling a Canuck a Canuck doesn't reduce the number of Canadian's on the roster. It makes all Canadian's the same ratio wise.

Nope and nope.  The change made was to allow a starting Canadian QB to be included in the starting 7 but not part of the 21 on the roster. Even your quote shows 2 QB's no designation + 21 Canadians.

The minimum number of Canadians is 21. Canadian QB's are not currently part of that count whether he is a starter or not. In the case of the Lions, they will end up with 23 Canadians instead of 21.

I think you're getting lost in the specific interpretation of the QB designation. Technically you're correct that the number of imports would be a constant in your example. It does reduce the number of Canadians in total under the current QB designation which I feel is the current ratio intent.

[TBURGESS]

Nope and nope.  The change made was to allow a starting Canadian QB to be included in the starting 7 but not part of the 21 on the roster. Even your quote shows 2 QB's no designation + 21 Canadians.

The minimum number of Canadians is 21. Canadian QB's are not currently part of that count whether he is a starter or not. In the case of the Lions, they will end up with 23 Canadians instead of 21.

I think you're getting lost in the specific interpretation of the QB designation. Technically you're correct that the number of imports would be a constant in your example. It does reduce the number of Canadians in total under the current QB designation which I feel is the current ratio intent.

As I understand it:

There are a maximum of 20 American players + 2 QB's.

If 2 IMP QB's, then 22 IMP. (Maximized # of IMP)
If 1 NI & 1 IMP QB,  then 21 IMP.
If 2 NI QB, then 20 IMP.
If QB1 = NI, then he is one of the mandatory starting 7 NI's. (Note: This doesn't increase the number of starting IMP's)

Therefore each NI QB increases the number of Canadian's on the team.

Designating an IMP QB as any other IMP spot & visa versa doesn't change anything ratio wise.

Designating a backup NI QB as any other IMP spot & visa versa maximizes the number of IMP's on the roster (22 or 21 depending on if the starting QB is a IMP or NI). It doesn't change the number of starting IMP's, so the spot would be a backup IMP that isn't a DI cuz rules say 4 DI's, but he'd still have to come on for an IMP cuz rules say min 7 starting NI's.

[Blue In BC]

As I understand it:

There are a maximum of 20 American players + 2 QB's.

If 2 IMP QB's, then 22 IMP. (Maximized # of IMP)
If 1 NI & 1 IMP QB,  then 21 IMP.
If 2 NI QB, then 20 IMP.
If QB1 = NI, then he is one of the mandatory starting 7 NI's. (Note: This doesn't increase the number of starting IMP's)

Therefore each NI QB increases the number of Canadian's on the team.

Designating an IMP QB as any other IMP spot & visa versa doesn't change anything ratio wise.

Designating a backup NI QB as any other IMP spot & visa versa maximizes the number of IMP's on the roster (22 or 21 depending on if the starting QB is a IMP or NI). It doesn't change the number of starting IMP's, so the spot would be a backup IMP that isn't a DI cuz rules say 4 DI's, but he'd still have to come on for an IMP cuz rules say min 7 starting NI's.

Sounds right. And yes each NI QB increases the number of Canadians on the roster.

If the maximum changes per your description I'd accept QB's being counted into the overall roster ratio. However we don't know that would be the case. As I said QB's are normally imports. A decision could be made to increase the maximum number of imports to 22 and go from there whether the extra 2 were QB's or otherwise.

Your description still disseminates QB's as either Imports or Canadians.

Can't have it both ways. Either Imports are imports whether they are QB's or other. Or we have this variable variable maximum that still considers whether they are QB's or not. That's what we have now. Bombers will have 22 imports when you consider they have 2 import QB's. Lions will end up with only 20 because they have 2 Canadian QB's.

That's the issue and it's a circular argument.

You didn't mention the 2 global player minimum I asked about?

I wonder what would happen with a Global QB. In theory he can only replace an import. If he's on a team with a starting Canadian QB that becomes an issue.

[TBURGESS]

Sounds right. And yes each NI QB increases the number of Canadians on the roster.

If the maximum changes per your description I'd accept QB's being counted into the overall roster ratio. However we don't know that would be the case. As I said QB's are normally imports. A decision could be made to increase the maximum number of imports to 22 and go from there whether the extra 2 were QB's or otherwise.

Your description still disseminates QB's as either Imports or Canadians.

Can't have it both ways. Either Imports are imports whether they are QB's or other. Or we have this variable variable maximum that still considers whether they are QB's or not. That's what we have now. Bombers will have 22 imports when you consider they have 2 import QB's. Lions will end up with only 20 because they have 2 Canadian QB's.

That's the issue and it's a circular argument.

You didn't mention the 2 global player minimum I asked about?

I wonder what would happen with a Global QB. In theory he can only replace an import. If he's on a team with a starting Canadian QB that becomes an issue.

According to: https://www.cfl.ca/game-rule-ratio/ it's the way the rules are today & the Maximum hasn't been changed.

NI QB's are considered QB's all the time and NI's if they start.  That's not having things both ways or a circular argument. It's just the way it is and a poor rule IMO.

My way would be better and easier to understand:

Max 22 IMP, Min 21 NI, Min 1 Global, no special QB ratio rules.
Starters: Max 17 IMP's, Min 7 NI's

+2 imports because most teams carry 2 import QB's.
+1 starting imports because most teams start an import QB.
+1 DI who isn't really a DI for each roster'd NI QB, which, as you pointed out, is what could happen with the current rules anyway.
No need to designate a QB who isn't a QB to take advantage of an NI QB.

Globals don't matter in the context of this conversation. There are a minimum number of globals (1 or 2 depending on where you look). If we found a global QB, they'd be one of the two QB's & you could designate them as something else to maximize the number of imports the same way that you'd do it for an NI QB.