CFL GOVERNORS RATIFY RULE CHANGES
TORONTO – The CFL’s board of governors voted Thursday to expand video review for the upcoming season.
It’s one of 10 rule changes proposed by the CFL’s rules committee that the league’s board of governors adopted. The board decided further analysis was needed regarding how far downfield offensive linemen could block on a pass play and the recommendation will be reconsidered next year.
The CFL will add a video official in the command centre to address obvious errors not covered by replay challenges. One example would be when both the offence and defence jump into the neutral zone before the snap, the replay official could examine the play and communicate to the referee which team jumped first.
According to the CFL, the video official would be a first in North American pro sports.
Two years after allowing CFL coaches to challenge defensive pass interference, the league has deemed offensive pass interference, illegal contact and illegal interference on pass plays as reviewable offences.
Penalties reviewable by a coach’s challenge will also include no yards, called illegal blocks on kick plays, roughing the passer or kicker and illegal interference at the point of reception on kickoff attempts.
(The Canadian Press)
Coach's being able to challenge and review a "called illegal blocks on kick plays" Let's think about how huge this particular rule change is. We don't have to go back any further to the Grey Cup between Calgary and Hamilton just two years ago where that fantastic punt return by Brandon Banks was ruined by a debatable call. In the CFL, over the past few years, this has become all too common where an exciting punt return, one where the fans are actually excited, is called back by a debatable 50/50 block. Thank goodness for this rule change! Kel in… Read more »
The Banks call was the right call and would not have been over-turned by a review. The rule itself was the issue not the ref's decision to throw the flag for the offense.
To anon#2, yes I am aware with regard your point; but when the game is occurring, all fans want to know if the situation played out correctly, more importantly, if AT THAT TIME, the correct call was made on the field. I say again, thank goodness this rule is coming. If we want the Canadian game to progress, we have to make any improvements available, especially knowing that the CFL will not heavily invest in full time, well paid referees. Obviously the CFL is doubling down on the replay program to make things right. Hey… whatever works… as along as… Read more »