(Toronto) As of this season, the ball will no longer have to be handled in order for a single to be awarded following a kickoff in the Canadian Football League.
The removal of this condition is among many decisions that have been unanimously endorsed by the CFL’s Board of Governors, the league announced Monday. These adjustments were originally proposed by the CFL Rules Committee.
This change to singles on the kickoff is part of the league’s desire to standardize its rules on games involving a kickoff.
The CFL will also limit the number of players (six) who can approach within two yards of the line of scrimmage on either side of the long snapper. This regulation will not apply to asymmetrical offensive lines, or to an attacking player who moves from his initial position.
And this new rule will only apply to attempted placements or conversions. The objective is to prevent the defensive line from being overloaded on one side only of the long snap specialist.
Additionally, if a team is penalized for holding while in possession of the ball in their end zone, then the opposing team will have the opportunity to demand a safety touch.
The CFL has also announced that a player or a team member who is near his bench may be punished if he deliberately comes into contact with a referee during a game. This change could have an impact for players or coaches who are often near the sidelines, and who could come into contact with a referee.
If such contact occurs under these circumstances, then the referee could review the video replay to determine whether the contact was intentional or not. And if he is, then a 10-yard penalty could be imposed on the offending team.
This change reinforces existing regulations regarding contact with referees, which can sometimes lead to expulsions.
Also, any time a kick hits a goal post in mid-air, then the ball will be snapped at the 30 line, not the 25.
And finally, starting this season, CFL teams will no longer be able to allow two of their players to wear numbers ‘0’ and ’00’. Only one player per team may wear the ‘0’ or ’00’.