CFL rules committee proposes end to regular-season tie games

By The Canadian Press

Jan 14, 2026 | 11:37 AM

CALGARY — The CFL rules committee is proposing the elimination of tie games during the regular season.

If a CFL regular-season game is tied after regulation time, a maximum of two overtime rounds are held with teams gaining possession at the opponent’s 35-yard line. Should the score remain even after two possessions, the game goes down as a tie in the standings.

Under the rules committee proposal, if the score remains even following overtime, it would be decided by alternating plays from the opposition’s three-yard line until one team scores and the other does not.

CFL playoff games, if tied after regulation, currently go to the two-possession overtime format. If the contest remains even after those possessions, overtime continues until a winner is determined.