CFL fans will encounter several changes to the league’s rulebook when the 2015 season kicks off.
On Wednesday, in an effort to improve the pace of the game, the CFL Board of Governors approved the majority of the Rules Committee’s suggestions from earlier this year.
The revised rules will include:
- Single point convert attempts will be kicked from the 32-yard line (previously kicked from the 12-yard line)
- Two-point convert attempts will be placed at the 3-yard line (previously placed at the 5-yard line)
- Enforcement of the no yards penalty on punts: When the team receiving a punt is not allowed five yards of space by the opposing team, and the ball contacts the ground, the receiving team will gain an additional five yards on the end of the return (previous rule required the receiving time to accept the five yard penalty or decline the penalty and accept the yardage gained on the return)
- Tempo offence: The offence may signal to the referee it will not be making substitutions. The next play will start immediately once yardsticks are in place and without the defense substituting players.
- First down measurements: Yardage measurements will be at the discretion of the referee. Coaches are no longer permitted to request a measurement.
- Punts: The five interior linemen on the kicking team must remain on the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked. Violators will receive a 10 yard penalty.
Calgary football fans will have their first opportunity to see the new rules in action when the Stampeders open their preseason schedule with a date against the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 12.
The Stampeders regular season home opener is slated for June 26 with a Grey Cup rematch against the Hamilton Ti-Cats.
