Canadian Football League (CFL) fans are being asked to propose rule changes this year, with a particular emphasis on how to improve the game’s overtime format, says CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon.

“We had a tremendous response last year from fans when we asked for the very first time for their ideas on how to improve our rules,” Cohon said. “So this year, we’re inviting their input on possible rules changes across the board, but we’re asking them to particularly focus on our overtime format.”

Under the current rules, if the score is tied at the end of a game, each team gets an opportunity to scrimmage from its opponent’s 35-yard line until it makes a score or loses possession. If the score remains tied, the procedure is repeated at the opposite end of the stadium.

If the score is still tied after each team has had two attempts, the game is declared a tie if it’s a regular season or pre-season game. If the game is a playoff or championship game, the same procedure continues until a winner is finally determined.

Some of the questions fans my want to grapple may include:

• Is the series-of-downs format superior to the old system of extra overtime periods or halves?
• Should teams scrimmage from somewhere other than the 35-yard line?
• Should teams be required to drive for a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal or should teams be required to attempt a two-point convert following a touchdown?
• Does the overtime format really need changes or is it already as good as it can be?

“Some of our most exciting games last season, including one of our playoff games, were decided in overtime, and that prompted some discussion among fans about our format,” Cohon said in a message to fans. “We have tremendous respect for the knowledge of our fans and their dedication to the tradition and future of our league, so we’d like to turn that informal overtime discussion into specific ideas that our league can consider as it looks towards the 2010 season.”

Fans are asked to send their proposals, including their overtime ideas, by visiting CFL.ca or by emailing rules@cfl.ca by Friday, Feb. 19. Those proposals will be shared with the members of the league’s rules committee as it prepares to meet as part of the annual CFL Congress on March 3-5.

“Our goal in consulting the fans, as in all of our rules discussions, is to make the great game of Canadian football even better,” said Tom Higgins, the CFL’s Director of Officiating.
“We are open to tweaks and changes that will improve the product and make the game even more exciting for fans, while respecting the integrity of the game, the history of the league, and the records and accomplishments of our greatest players and teams.”

The rules committee has the power to propose changes to the league’s Board of Governors.

“The framers of the league’s Constitution clearly wanted a fresh perspective each year because it stipulates the rules committee cannot debate the same rule changes two years in a row,” Higgins said. “In that same vein, we are saying to Canadians that we welcome their ideas on any rules topic but this year we are particularly asking for their input on overtime, so we can add their insights and ideas to our own discussions.”

Cohon said last year fans’ suggestions included four proposals that became CFL rule changes:

1. Moving back the kickoff following a safety touch
2. Giving coaches the green light to use so-called “wildcat” formations that would move the quarterback around, instead of requiring him to stand behind or under centre
3. Requiring a team that kicks a successful field goal to then kick off to its opponent
4. Awarding a team a third instant replay challenge if its first two challenges are successful

The fans’ suggestion that garnered the most attention was their push to have teams lose additional field position when they chose to surrender a safety when scrimmaging from deep in their own end, and the rules committee and the Board subsequently agreed to require teams to kick off from the 25-yard line following a safety instead of the 35-yard line.

“They wanted to encourage fewer safeties and so did we. In fact, 2009 saw a 14 per cent decrease in safeties,” Higgins said. “Now, we’re looking for fans’ input when it comes to ensuring our overtime format is fair, exciting and, ideally, consistently produces a deserving winner.”

“We can’t predict the outcome of these deliberations and it’s entirely possible that our fans and our football people will agree overtime doesn’t need an overhaul or even some tweaks. It’s also possible fans will propose other ideas that gain momentum,” Cohon said. “What we now know from experience is that the process is certainly better with input from some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated people in the Canadian Football League: our fans.”