Field and Game Structure

Traditional CFL Field and Format

• Field traditionally 110 yards long and 65 yards wide, with 20-yard deep end zones.
• Three downs to gain 10 yards for a first down.
• 12 players per side on the field.
• Offence starts each series from the line of scrimmage; teams alternate possessions after scores, punts, or turnovers.

Scoring

• Touchdown: 6 points.
• Convert after touchdown:
  • 1 point for a kicked convert.
  • 2 points for a successful scrimmage play (run or pass) into the end zone.
• Field goal: 3 points.
• Safety touch: 2 points.
• Single (Rouge): 1 point when the receiving team fails to return a kick out of its end zone or concedes.

Kicking and Rouge Rules

Punts and Kickoffs

• On punts and kickoffs, the kicking team must give the returner a 5-yard halo to field the ball.
• If the ball goes out of bounds in flight in certain areas, penalties or re-kicks may apply.

Rouge (Single Point)

• Traditionally, a single point could be scored when a kicked ball (punt, missed field goal, or kickoff) is not returned out of the end zone.
• The rouge encourages returns and field position strategy, especially late in games.

Timing and Game Flow

• Four quarters, typically 15 minutes each.
• Clock stops for incomplete passes, out-of-bounds plays, penalties, timeouts, and certain administrative reasons.
• Three-minute warning near the end of each half, with additional clock stoppages to increase late-game drama.

New Rules Being Implemented

The CFL is introducing a phased package of rule changes aimed at increasing entertainment value and modernizing the game. Some changes take effect earlier, while field-dimension changes follow later.

From 2026 Season

• Restricted Rouge on Kicks: Single points will no longer be awarded when a missed field goal, punt, or kickoff sails through the end zone untouched. The rouge will still apply when the returner fails to bring the ball out of the end zone or takes a knee.
• Automatic 35-Second Play Clock: A fixed 35-second play clock will start when the previous play is whistled dead, standardizing tempo and reducing delays between plays.
• Benches on Opposite Sides: Team benches will be placed on opposite sidelines in all stadiums to streamline substitutions and improve sideline organization.

From 2027 Season

• Shorter Field Length: The field will be reduced from 110 yards to 100 yards in length, eliminating the 55-yard line and aligning midfield at the 50-yard line.
• End Zone Depth Reduced: End zones will shrink from 20 yards deep to 15 yards, tightening red-zone space and altering passing and coverage dynamics near the goal line.
• Goalposts Moved to Back of End Zone: Goalposts will move from the goal line to the back of the reconfigured 15-yard end zones, opening up the middle of the end zone for passing routes and improving sightlines and player safety.

These changes are intended to encourage more touchdown attempts over field goals, adjust late-game strategy around singles, and create a faster, more open style of play while keeping the CFL’s distinct character.

Summary

The CFL maintains its unique three-down, wide-field identity while adopting new rules that reshape scoring, timing, and field dimensions. Together, the traditional rules and the new changes define how Canadian professional football will be played in the coming seasons.