Canadian Football Rules

SECTION 1: THE FIELD

Article 1: Regulation Fields

• The field shall be 110 yards long by 65 yards wide. It shall be distinctly marked as indicated herein.

• The lines marking the sides of the field shall be named Side-Lines.

• The lines marking the ends of the field shall be named Goal-Lines.

• The area bounded by these two sets of lines shall be called the Field-of-Play.

• Twenty yards behind each goal-line, and parallel to it, shall be marked a line named the Dead Line.

• The Side-Lines extended from Goal-Line to Dead-Line shall be named the Side-Lines-in-Goal.

• The area bounded by the Goal-Line, the Dead-Line, and the Side-Lines-in-Goal shall be named the Goal Area.

• The Bounds shall be defined as the "inside" of the side-lines, side-lines-in-goal, and dead-lines.

• The field-of-play shall be marked every 5 yards with lines extending from side-line to side-line and parallel to the goal-lines.

• Twenty-four yards in from each side-line each 5 yard stripe shall be marked by a short cross stripe parallel to the side-lines (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 intersections of deadlines and sidelines-in-goal shall be indicated by flexible markers which must be so placed that they are not touching the surface of the playing field.

• 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 shall extend 40 feet above ground level and shall be joined by a crossbar parallel to the ground at a height of 10 feet. The diameter of each post above the crossbar shall be 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 not further 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 track or any other object, a clear line of demarkation 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 the boundary 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 game is played with a ball made of Horween Red leather in four panels which shall be inflated to a pressure not less than 12 1/2 psi nor greater than 13 1/2 psi. The circumference of the long axis shall be not less than 27 3/4 inches nor greater than 28 1/4 inches. The circumference of the girth or short axis shall be not less than 20 7/8 inches nor greater than 21 1/8 inches. The length of the long axis shall be not less than 11 inches nor greater than 11 1/4 inches. The total weight of the ball shall not be less than 14 ounces nor greater than 15 ounces. The exposed laces 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 short axis.

A minimum of seven balls shall be used in a game and changed at the discretion of the Referee. The balls shall be kept clean and in playable condition.

The official football for a Canadian Football League game shall be the Wilson CFL Official Game Ball, which shall be inscribed with the signature of 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 shall belong to the team which last previously had possession.

A ball not in possession of a player is still in play. A ball shall be considered to have been fumbled if the player last in possession has lost control of it.

SECTION 4: DEAD BALL

The ball is dead:

• Whenever a field official blows the whistle;

• When an official has signalled a score;

• When the ball goes out-of-bounds;

• When a forward pass is declared incomplete;

• When a kicked ball strikes the opponent's goal post assembly in flight, without first touching the ground, a player or an official; When the ball carrier is tackled and the forward progress has been halted; (tackling is defined as the act of grasping or encircling a ball carrier with hands and arms);

• When 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;

• When a ball carrier is tackled and driven back towards the ball carrier's own goal-line an official must assume that an attempt was being made to advance the ball and that only the actual contact with an opponent prevented such advance. Therefore, the most forward point of advance shall be considered the point where the ball became dead;

• When the ball carrier is contacted by an opponent and loses balance so that a portion of the body, other than hands or feet touches the ground, the ball shall be dead at the point where it was held when touching the ground, or the point where the ball was held when contacted, whichever is the furthest point of advance;

• When the quarterback, in possession of the ball, intentionally kneels on the ground during the last three minutes of a half;

• When the quarterback, in possession of the ball dives in a feet first sliding motion the ball shall be declared dead at the point it was held when another part of the quarterback's body, other than hands or feet, touch the ground;

• When a player, having possession of the ball in own goal area, intentionally kneels on the ground;

• When a 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.

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: TEAMS

For reference hereinafter the team which puts the ball in play shall be identified as Team A and the other team shall be named Team B. The game is played by teams of 12 men of each team.

SECTION 6: TEAM CAPTAINS

At all times each team must have on the field a player designated as captain, and so 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 of interpretation and application of rules. Such consultations should be held apart from other players on the field.

The captain may request the referee to call in the yardsticks to determine whether a first down has been made, or how much distance is required. If in the judgment of the referee the position of the ball is within one yard of the first down marker time out shall be signalled and a measure called for, otherwise the request shall be denied and play resumed.

The referee's decision cannot be disputed. A captain is entitled to an explanation of any decision but no prolonged argument is to be allowed. When the yardsticks are called in from the sidelines to determine whether a first down has been gained the on-field captain for each team shall be the only players permitted in the vicinity of the measurement.

In case of a foul, the captain of the non-offending team shall be given the choice of the penalty or the option provided.

SECTION 7: STARTING AND TIMING

Article 1:  Starting and Timing

The game shall start promptly at the time prescribed by the Commissioner. If the team is late appearing on the field at the start of the first or third periods --

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 to have first choice at the start of the first or second half. The captain of team having first choice at the start of the first half shall choose between:

1. Kicking off or receiving the kickoff, or

2. 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 their choices.

Article 2:   Playing and Rest Periods

The length of game shall be 60 minutes of actual playing time, divided into four periods of 15 minutes each. The scoreboard clock shall be the official time for the game, and shall be operated under the direction and control of the Timekeeper. (See Rule 2, Section 2, Article 9).

Goals shall be changed at the end of the first and third periods. At the start of the second and fourth periods the ball shall be 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 shall 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 fourteen minutes after the conclusion 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.

Article 3:  Time Out

Time shall start when the ball is touched following the kickoff at the start of a half, or after a scoring play, and shall continue until the ball is ruled dead and an official signals to the timekeeper that time shall stop for any of the following reason:

• When a score has been made;

• When the ball goes out-of-bounds;

• When a forward pass is incomplete;

• For the application of penalties;

• For player substitution;

• For delay caused by player injury;

• When time expires at the end of each period;

• When the ball becomes dead after the three minute warning has been given in any half.

• When a player requests a team time-out.

• For a convert attempt during the last three minutes of a half or during overtime.

• When 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 shall be entitled to one 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.

If in any period time expires during a play in which a foul occurs, the non-offending team may

1. Accept the penalty in which case the team entitled to possession shall be required to put the ball into play, or

2. Decline the penalty and accept the play as it terminated to end the period, or

3. Elect to have the penalty applied on the first play of the following period, if the foul was a Major Foul.

Note: For the purpose of this rule an Offside Pass shall not be considered to be a foul.

Should the play be terminated by an official's whistle prior to the ball being put into play the penalty shall be applied and the period extended for another play.

Article 4:  Time In

After a "time out'' for any reason, time shall start again on the signal of the referee:

• When the ball is touched following a kick-off; or

• When it is ready to be scrimmaged; or

• When it is snapped immediately after a "time count" foul; or

• When it is snapped on the play immediately following a "time out" due to crowd noise; or

• When it is snapped following a team time out; or

• When it is snapped on the play immediately following a kick-off or a kick from scrimmage or an open field kick during the last three minutes in any half.

• When it is snapped immediately following a play during which possession changed in the last three minutes in any half.

• When it is snapped immediately following an incomplete legal forward pass in the last three minutes in any half.

• When it is snapped immediately following a time out caused by the ball being carried out of bounds during the last three minutes in any half.

• When it is snapped immediately following a score during the last three minutes in any half.

• When it is snapped immediately following the application of a penalty for a foul which occurs after the three minute warning signal has been given in any half--however the non-offending team may decline the penalty and permit time to resume as though a foul had not occurred.

• When it is snapped immediately following the application of dual penalties during the last three minutes of a half.

If, during the last three minutes of a half, an infraction is committed before the ball can be snapped the non-offending team may;

1. Accept the penalty, in which case time shall resume on the snap, or

2. Decline the penalty and elect that time shall resume as though an infraction had not occurred.

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 or during overtime when time shall resume when the ball is touched on the ensuing kickoff.

Article 5:  Team Time-Out

During a half a team shall be permitted to call one time out, subject to the following:

1. The time out may be requested by any player on the field and may be directed to any official on the field.

2. The time out shall be 30 seconds in duration.

3. The game time will resume on the snap.

Article 6:  Ball in Play

• The ball shall be considered in play until an official stops the game by sounding the whistle.

• 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.

Article 7:  Delay of Game

The game shall not be delayed except by permission of the Referee.

Any unauthorized delay shall be subject to penalty.

1. If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while a player in the game has equipment repairs, that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays.

2. If the Referee finds it necessary to suspend play while an injured player receives medical attention on the field that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays, except when the injury had occurred as a direct result of an infraction for which the opponent was penalized, in which event the Referee may waive the requirement for the player to leave the game.

3. On a kickoff Team A shall be required to kick the ball within 20 seconds of notification by the Referee that play is to commence.

4. 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 8:  Crowd Noise

The Team A captain may request the referee to stop the game if excessive crowd noise prevents Team A from putting the ball into play. The referee may permit Team A to return to its huddle. The referee shall allow reasonable time but under no circumstances shall the play be delayed more than three times.

PENALTY: L10

Article 9:  Ball in Goal

The ball is in goal if it is on or behind the goal-line, even in the air.

SECTION 8: TIE GAME

If the score is tied at the end of the second half there shall be a two minute intermission followed by an overtime period consisting of two five minute halves. Prior to the start of the overtime period the captains of both teams shall meet the Referee at centre field to make their choices. 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 to have first choice at the start of the first or second half of the overtime period.

The game timing rules that apply in the last three minutes of a half shall apply during the last minute of each half of the overtime period. There shall be an interval of 90 seconds at the end of the first half of the overtime period.

In the event that the score is tied at the end of the overtime period the game shall be declared over and each team shall be awarded one point in the standings.

If the game is a playoff or championship game and a winner must be determined, the same procedure shall continue in consecutive ten minute overtime periods until a winner is declared. There shall be a ten minute intermission before the start of overtime and between any subsequent overtime periods.

SECTION 9: OUT OF BOUNDS

Article 1:  Definitions

The ball is out of bounds when it touches a side-line, side-line-in-goal, dead-line, or the ground or any other object beyond these lines. The ball is out of bounds when a player in possession of the ball touches a side-line, side-line-in-goal, dead-line, or the ground or any other object beyond these lines.

Note:  The ball shall remain in play when it is knocked or batted back into the field of play by a player who is off the ground and who has not touched the ground or any object out of bounds.

Note: If a player gains possession of the ball while off the ground in bounds and is contacted by an opponent and lands out of bounds in possession of the ball such player shall 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

When the ball is kicked out of bounds it shall belong to the opposite team, subject to the penalty applicable on a kick-off.

Article 3

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 which last touched the ball in the field of play.

The ball shall next be scrimmaged:

1. At the point where the ball went out of bounds, 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.

Article 4

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 the ball touching an opponent, it shall be ruled as a fumble out of bounds in the field of play, with the ball declared dead at the point where it was last touched in the field of play.

Article 5

When a player fumbles or directs the ball from the field of play into 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

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 shall be awarded to the opponent's team at its 25 yard line. If in attempting to run the ball out of the goal area the opponent's team commits an infraction the penalty shall be applied from the 25 yard line.

Article 7

When a player in 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:

1. Accept a two point score if the offending team had previously directed the ball into its own goal area, or

2. Accept a one point score if the non-offending team had kicked the ball into the goal area, or

3. Decline the score and require the team entitled to possession to scrimmage the ball 24 yards in from the point where the ball went out of bounds.

4. 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 shall be awarded the ball at its 25 yard line without option.

Article 8

A player of either team who goes out of bounds, except as a result of bodily contact, must remain out of that play.

PENALTY: L10

Article 9

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 the opponent shall be awarded:

1. A single point if the ball had been kicked into the goal area by the opponent, or

2. A safety touch score if the ball had been kicked, passed or carried into the goal area by the team scored against.

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.

SECTION 10: PLAYING UNIFORMS

Article 1:  Equipment

Equipment or apparel which, 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 to protect body parts, is permitted provided that such are appropriately covered on all edges and surfaces by foam rubber or similar material.

Shoes of standard football design, which have not been altered in any manner, and judged suitable for the playing surface may be used provided that the cleats are not made of material that may chip, fracture, or develop a cutting edge. Conical cleats with concave sides or points which measure less than 3/8 inches in diameter at the tips, or cleats with oblong ends which measure less than 1/4 by 3/4 inches at the tips are prohibited. A nylon cleat with a steel tip is permitted. Sneaker type shoes as used in basketball are also permitted.

PENALTY: L10 The offending player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays, and shall not be permitted to return until the illegal equipment has been removed. Substitution for the player shall be allowed.

Article 2:  Helmets

A player shall be required to wear a helmet when on the field of play and shall not voluntarily remove it while the play is in progress. The use of helmets or other objects to deceive opponents as to the whereabouts of the ball is prohibited.

PENALTY: L5

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. 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 given by the referee.

Such change shall be reported to the scorer.

In the event that a Team A player is required to change playing number in order to play at a different position the jersey must be changed in the team bench area. Under no circumstances shall the jersey be changed while the player is on the playing field.

PENALTY: The offending player shall be removed from the game until the proper playing number is determined. Substitution shall be allowed.

Article 4:  Illegal Substance

A player shall not be permitted to apply or have applied on uniform, equipment or body;

1. An adhesive substance which, in the sole judgment of the referee, has made the game ball unsuitable for play as a result of direct or indirect contact with that player, and/or

2. A greasy substance which, in the sole judgment of the referee, has the potential to give that player an unfair advantage.

PENALTY: L10 The offending player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays, and shall not be permitted to return until the illegal substance has been removed. Substitution for the player shall be allowed.

Article 5:  Hazardous Equipment

A player shall not be permitted to wear equipment which has been deliberately altered so that, in the sole judgment of the Referee, it has the potential to cause injury to an opponent.

PENALTY: L15 The offending player shall be disqualified from the game.

Article 6:  Dress Code

A 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:

1. 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 the player shall be required to tuck it in during a break in the play.

2. Uniform stockings shall be worn in such manner that no part of the player's knee or leg is exposed.

3. Protective gear shall be worn underneath the team jersey, pants and stockings. When a short-sleeved jersey is worn, the colour of protective gear on the elbow or lower arm shall be the same as one of the basic colours of the team.

4. The team uniform shall not be cut away or altered in any manner whatsoever.

5. White tape may be used on wrists and hands but tape used on stockings or any part of the uniform shall be the same colour as the uniform or equipment it covers.

PENALTY: L10

The offending player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays and shall not be permitted to return until the dress code violation has been remedied. Substitution for the player shall be allowed.

SECTION 11: TEAM PERSONNEL

Article 1:  Bench Area

The team bench area shall be a rectangular area situated not closer to the sideline than 6 feet and extending for a distance of 20 yards parallel to the sideline. During a game the area may be occupied only by substitute players in uniform and other accredited persons including coaches, doctors, trainers, equipment assistants and water carriers. All such personnel are required to remain within the rectangular area with the exception of the coaches who may take positions between the bench area 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 each team may proceed to the sideline to talk with the coach.

PENALTY: L10

Article 3:  Trainers and 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 to enter the field.

The referee need not permit the attendants of both teams to enter the field in case of injury to a player of one team only and shall indicate such permission to the attendants of one or both teams.

When time out has been called for player injury or equipment repair that player shall be required to leave the game for a minimum of three plays, except when the injury had occurred as a result of an infraction for which the opponent was penalized.

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 at that time.

A substitute who enters the game and can communicate with a teammate on the field must remain in the game for at least one play.

A player leaving the game shall proceed directly to the side-line on which the team bench 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.

The side official (head linesman or line judge) shall monitor the team bench on that side of the field and, when the ball becomes dead, shall observe the sideline for possible substitutions. When Team A breaks the huddle, or if no huddle, the Referee declares the ball in play, the side official shall turn away from the sideline and raise arms to shoulder level, after which further substitution shall not be permitted.

PENALTY: L10

Article 5:  Sleeper Play

A sleeper play is one in which Team A uses substitution procedures to disguise a player's presence on the field and eligibility as a potential pass receiver, and throws a pass 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 who does not participate in the team huddle and takes a position within eleven yards of the sideline adjacent to the Team A bench area when the ball is put into play shall be deemed ineligible as a pass receiver.

PENALTY: L10

Article 6:  Error in Number of Players

If through error in substitution or otherwise, a team has more than twelve players on the field the offending team shall be penalized.

PENALTY: L10

SECTION 12: OTHER PERSONNEL

Article 1

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, that team shall be subject to penalty as follows:

1. If the opponent had possession of the ball the referee shall award an automatic touchdown to the opponent.

2. 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.

3. 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 the opponent shall be permitted a series of three downs regardless of the time remaining in the half.

4. 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

If a person other than one described in Article 1 should interfere with the play in progress the penalty shall be;

1. If such person interfered to the advantage of the team in possession that team shall be penalized for illegal interference at the point where the ball was held when the interference occurred.

2. If such person interfered to the advantage of the team not in possession the team in possession shall be awarded:

1. A touchdown score if, in the judgment of the referee, a touchdown would have been scored on the play; or

2. 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 of three downs regardless of the time remaining in the half.

3. If such person interferes with the play when the ball is not in possession of either 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.

4. If such person interferes with a forward pass play in the goal area the ball shall be awarded to:

   1. Team A at the one yard line if the interference was to the advantage of Team B; or

   2. Team B at the ten yard line if the interference was to the advantage of Team A.