TSN analyst Duane Forde gave his opinion on the new CFL rule changes while appearing as a guest on the 620 CKRM Rider Broadcast Network.
“I’m very positive even if, as I say, I’m not necessarily sure some of the rules will have the desired impact,” Forde said. “But I appreciate the line of thinking.”
CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston announced the changes in late September and the rules are scheduled to be implemented over the next two years. Next year, in 2026, all nine CFL teams are required to have benches on opposite sides of the field. Furthermore, a new 35-second play clock will replace the old 20-second one. When it comes to the rogue, it will be only awarded if the returner does not take it out of the end zone or takes a knee. That amends the old rule where a rogue was awarded for either a missed field goal or a punt that went out of the end zone. In 2027, the goalposts will move to the back of the end zone. Additionally, all CFL fields will be shortened from 110 yards to 100 yards, and the end zone will be shortened from 20 yards to 15 yards.
“The number one thing I like is the thinking outside of the box, an effort to, as I call it, auditing and editing the way that we do things to make them better and to make things make sense. There are some things that don’t make sense that I could take up hours here talking to you. When you think about it, goalposts in the middle of the end zone don’t really make sense. I’m not necessarily sure that changing that will necessarily have the impact that’s anticipated in terms of offence. I like the fact that they’re thinking about it, trying to make things better, trying to make things make sense,” Forde said.
“Shortening the end zones to taking out the 55-yard line, they all go together, making the field a little bit shorter. The offence has the opportunity to still attempt field goals so that it doesn’t become difficult to get into the field goal range. The most important thing is that I think that the elements of the Canadian identity of the CFL, what separates it from the many other leagues in North America that have failed head-to-head with the NFL, is the only one that has succeeded because it’s different. The board of governors and the commissioner are smart enough to recognize that. Those elements that really separate have been kept in place. That’s what’s most important when you talk about the field being 65 yards wide, 12 players on the field, three downs, unlimited motion, defence being a yard off the ball, all of those things. The way the game is actually played remains the same.”