FAQ on cfldb

Frequently Asked Questions

Submit a Question

Didn't find the question/answer you were looking for? Submit a question (and optionally a corresponding answer) below that you would like to see added to the FAQ on this site. Submissions will be reviewed and evaluated for inclusion in our Frequently Asked Questions list. Questions are not published immediately. Please include an email address (will not be published) if you would like notification of updates or for a direct response in case the question is deemed too specific for the FAQ. For specific questions not suitable for the FAQ, please see the contact page.

Answers

Schedules

Where can I get a CFL or team schedule? Is the CFL schedule available in iCal or Google Calendar format?#

Check out the schedules page which provides a number of resources and links for the CFL schedule, including iCal format or printable league and team schedules. Printed schedules are also usually available from team ticket offices by training camp each year.
Which CFL games are televised? Where can I get a television schedule for my team? Are CFL pre-season games televised?#

In Canada, all regular season and playoff games are televised on TSN through the end of the 2012 season. Check the schedules page for complete and team schedules with the knowledge that all games are televised on TSN in Canada subject to local blackouts. For finding the broadcasters of CFL games in the US, please see the CFL's US and International Broadcaster schedule.

In the last 30 years CFL pre-season games have not been televised nationally with two exceptions: a game in Portland, Oregon in 1992 and a game in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2005. There is the opportunity for televised coverage of a team's home games in local and regional markets, as in Hamilton and Saskatchewan in 2010.
What is the blackout policy of the CFL? What CFL games are blacked out? Can I get my team's blackout schedule for the season?#

A report from 2006 (when the new contract was signed) indicates that blackouts are controlled at the league level and requires the league to lift the blackout on a minimum number of games each year. Article VI of the CFL Constitution outlines the television and blackout policy. By its wording, it appears that a base price for lifting blackouts in each market is determined each year by the board along with the total number of home game blackouts to be permitted in a season. A portion of rights fees is then used to compensate teams for lifting blackouts (thus theoretically creating higher television ratings). Reinterpreting this article, the pool allowed teams to blackout two games in 2009, meaning the pool size was 56 games. It is the opinion of Eskimos CEO Rick LeLacheur that this is the last television rights agreement to have blackout stipulations for the CFL.

The Constitution does not hold the whole story it appears, as this mailbag question (see last question) to Drew Edwards from April 2010 (an article that also references these restrictions) indicates that each team can black out 5 games per season except for Toronto and Hamilton which can black out a maximum of 2 games. Yet Terry Jones says in Aug. 2010 the Eskimos can choose to black out one game per season.

Blackouts are not determined prior to the season and published with team schedules. Teams use blackouts as a tool to maintain ticket sales. The CFL is a gate-driven league and their television contract would need to increase by over four times for each team to generate the same amount of revenue from broadcasts as they do from ticket sales.

The policy for the past 20 years at least has been that playoff games are not blacked out. I believe the Grey Cup has not been blacked out since it was first televised.

The previous agreement (2002 through 2007), if I remember correctly, required teams to lift at least two blackouts per season.
When is the CFL schedule released? When does the CFL schedule come out?#

Based on recent history, expect the schedule to be released in February. The schedule has been published earlier each year the past four years (Feb. 28 in 2007, Feb. 21 in 2008, Feb. 3 in 2009 and Feb. 1 in 2010) so a late January release is also possible.
How many games in the CFL season? How many games does a CFL team play in the regular season? When did the amount of CFL regular season games increase? When did full interlocking play begin?#

The CFL currently plays 18 games per team in the regular season, nine games each at home and away. With eight teams this equates to 72 total games per season for the league.

In a nine-team circuit (1986, 1993, 1996, 2002-2005) there was 81 games per season, 108 games in a 12-team loop (1994), and 117 games when there was 13 teams (1995), all with an 18-game schedule.

The CFL increased the amount of regular season games from 16 to 18 in 1986. A 16 game regular season schedule was in place from 1974 to 1985. During this time a four game pre-season schedule was used. The pre-season schedule was reduced to two games per team with the introduction of the expanded 18 game regular season schedule and is in use today.

Prior to 1974 the Eastern Conference played only 14 regular season games while the Western Conference played 16, a practice they began in 1952.

Full interlocking play began in 1981. Partial interlocking play did not begin until 1961. Prior to that, east-west cross-country play occurred only in the pre-season. For example, the BC Lions franchise debut at home occurred against the Montreal Alouettes on August 11, 1954.

Players and Teams

Who is the best player in the CFL? Who is the best player at position x in the CFL? Who is the best DB (Defensive Back) in the CFL?#

That is a good question but requires a subjective answer. cfldb will not rank current or former players. As for positions, the db in cfldb stands for database, not defensive back. Some of the great DB's from the CFL's past include Less Browne, Larry Highbaugh, Terry Irvine, Larry Crawford, Paul Bennett, Harry Skipper and Reggie Pleasant.

CFLapedia has records of most historical CFL players, including stats and records.
Where is [former player x] now? How can I contact [current player y]? How do I contact CFL Alumni?#

cfldb is not affiliated with the CFL or CFLPA and has no contact with or knowledge of current or former players or their agents. cfldb suggests you contact the CFL Head Office, CFLPA or individual clubs for current and alumni player contact information. You may also want to try the recently established CFL Alumni Association.

Compensation

What is the average salary of a CFL player? How much are CFL players paid during training camp? What is the salary of [player x]? What is the salary of a CFL DB?#

The CFL has a $4.25 million salary cap in 2010 and an active roster of 46 players resulting in a mean (average) salary of $92,391. Due to injuries and other factors the average salary is lower. Without detailed player salary information, it is impossible to calculate the salary median (middle) or mode (most frequent) which would provide more meaningful representations of the salary sample. The minimum player salary as dictated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement is $42,000 in 2010 and increases $1,000 per year until 2013. Reports around the 2010 CBA negotiations put the CFLPA salary survey average at about $60,000. Media reports place the highest paid quarterbacks in the league in the $300,000 to $400,000 range.

A player's salary is divided and paid equally over the 18 games of the regular season (the game cheque). Per Article 11 of the CBA, players who qualified as a veteran of one year received $525/week, a veteran of two years $625/week and a veteran of three years or more $725/week for a minimum of three weeks of training camp/pre-season compensation.

Players are also compensated with a per diem when travelling, free and discounted tickets and playoff and Grey Cup compensation. Full obligations to players can be found in the Collective Agreement.

Individual player salaries are not made public though you may be able to find media estimates in reports of player signings.

Player salaries by position are not known. Once again, the db in cfldb represents database, not defensive back.
How large are CFL practice rosters? When do CFL practice rosters expand? How much is a CFL practice roster player paid? What is the salary of a CFL practice roster player? Are CFL active or practice roster players provided a housing allowance or housing by their clubs?#

Canadian Football League teams are allowed to carry a practice roster of seven (7) players. During a 30-day period starting with NFL the cut-down day, teams may expand their practice rosters to 12 players. Practice roster salaries are not included in the SMS but are limited under Article 17 of the CBA.

The CFL Practice Agreement (see Appendix I of the CBA) allows the team and player to agree to a weekly salary. Most media reports state this value is in the $500 per week range (2005, 2007, 2009, 2009), though $600 is also stated. It is unknown how accurate these media estimates are or if they are based on repeating media estimates decades old ($500/week has been quoted since the early 1990's). Stevie Baggs' quote in 2009 can help us calculate using some assumptions: 5 active roster games in 2006 x $2,350 (minimum game salary) = $11,750. $20,000 - $11,750 = $8250 ÷ 15 games on practice roster = $550/week.

Teams must provide reasonable living accommodations for all players who do not reside in the location where training camp is held as noted in Article 6.01.08 of the 2010 CBA. The same article specifies that non-veteran players still on the roster at the end of training camp are entitled to a one-time $300 payment (as a housing allowance, I assume).

Active roster players are not obligated by the CBA to receive any housing allowance after training camp nor is housing provided by the club except what is negotiated in an individual players contract. Practice roster players are also not obligated to receive a housing allowance or housing by the club. Therefore, it is not uncommon for players to share accommodations, either as a group of players sharing an apartment or other residence or boarding with a veteran player, although the practices in each CFL city will vary. In a 2008 interview with Brady Browne, the interviewer states Browne received $600/week plus $500/month for living expenses as a practice roster player. It is likely the specifics of practice roster salaries and other payments vary from team-to-team and city-to-city.
What is the playoff compensation for CFL games? How much are CFL players paid for playoff games?#

For 2010 and 2011, playoff and Grey Cup compensation is as follows:

First Place Standing (Bye) $3,300

Semi-Final Participation $3,300

Division Championship Participation $3,500

Grey Cup Loser $8,000

Grey Cup Winner $16,000

In 2012 and 2013, the First Place Standing, Semi-Final Participation and Division Championship Participation increases by $100 from the 2011 amount.

See Article 12 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for full details.
What is the CFL players daily per diem? What is the travel allowance for a CFL player?#

The travel allowance for CFL players is defined in Article 25 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. In 2010 to 2013 the daily travel allowance is $115 for each day travelling for a pre-season, regular season, playoff or Grey Cup game.

The allowance is reduced by $30 for travelling days where the team provides a meal and $50 on departure or return days where the departure time occurs after or before 12:00 noon respectively. See the CBA for the full details of the exceptions.
What is the salary of a CFL head coach? What is the salary of a CFL assistant coach?#

Coaches salaries are not public. It is estimated that a head coach's salary, depending on experience, is in the low to mid six-figure range.

Assistant coach salaries differ depending on the position. Offensive and defensive coordinators can earn respectable salaries (low six figures) while positional coaches can earn salaries ranging from minimal to high-five figures based on experience and some even volunteer to establish themselves in order to get on a paid staff in the future.

Please understand these estimates are for fan purposes only, educated guesses gleaned from a few media reports. Prospective coaches should query their coaching fraternity, agents or other sources for actual ranges.
What is a CFL referee salary? How much are CFL on-field officials paid? How many games does a CFL official work per year?#

CFL referees and other on-field officials are not full-time employees. In 2006, their compensation ranged from $550 and $850 per game plus travel costs. If a referee officiates 18 games during the regular season (typically they officiate 16 regular season games per season), he will earn just over $15,000 over four months, not enough to make up for the earnings lost from their full time jobs. Although not paid as full time professionals, CFL officials are professional officials who must make judgment calls many times per game. Most of their criticism received is over these judgment calls, which can not be called into question by instant replay or other means.

Game

How long is a CFL game? How many quarters are in a CFL game? How long is a CFL halftime or quarter break?#

A CFL game is 60 minutes of playing time and takes about 3 hours to complete.

There are four (4) quarters in a CFL game of 15 minutes each. Overtime is not timed and can take up to 30-45 minutes of real time to complete the maximum two possessions per team in the Regular Season.

The CFL halftime break is 14 minutes long as designated in Article 2 of Section 7 — Starting & Timing of Rule 1 — Conduct of the Game of the Official Playing Rules of the Canadian Football League. Additional timing specifics are prescribed in Section K (page 17) of the CFL Regulations, which stipulate a 140 second break at the conclusion of the first and third quarters and the lengths of time-outs.
What are the dimensions of the CFL field?#

The CFL field is 65 yards wide by 150 yards long (110 yards between the goal lines plus two 20-yard end zones).
What is the overtime format in the CFL?#

The CFL employs a two-possession overtime (shootout style) where teams alternate possessions from the 35-yard line and attempt to outscore their opponents in a series in order to win the game. Starting in 2010, teams are required to attempt a two-point convert after scoring a touchdown on any possession.

The shootout format of overtime was introduced in 2000 with four possessions per team before a game would be declared a tie. This was reduced to two possessions in 2001. From 1986 to 1999 the format used was two 5-minute halves.
How many players are on the field in the CFL? How big are the rosters in the CFL? How many players are in the CFL? How many Canadian players dress for a CFL game? How many Canadian players in the CFL? What is the training camp roster size in the CFL?#
There are 12 players on the field per side and teams dress a 42-man roster along with a four player reserve list.

Using the 46-man roster times the current eight teams in 2010, there are 368 players in the CFL. If practice rosters and injury lists are counted, there are over 400 players employed in the CFL.

Each team's roster must include at least 19 non-import players (essentially Canadians). Non-imports are defined as a person who has resided in Canada an aggregate of at least seven (7) of their first fifteen (15) years or a person who is a Canadian citizen and was physically resident in Canada for an aggregate period of five (5) years prior to the age of 18 years. This equates to a minimum of 152 Canadian (or non-imports) players on CFL rosters.

Teams are limited to 75 players under contract during the off-season. Training camp roster sizes are set at 68 players plus any non-counting players (current year's draft picks, two additional non-counter players, previous year draft picks which have never attended a professional training camp and any junior player). Non-counter players are defined as:
1. Players who have graduated from junior football and are within the club's territorial rights.
2. A current year draft eligible player who was undrafted.
3. A player who had been eligible for the preceding year's draft or one who may have been treated as a non-counter in the previous year's camp, provided that he has not participated in a CFL regular season or post-season game.
Roster cut-down to the standard 46-man roster is usually slated for seven days before the first regular season game each year.
What are the rules for Instant Replay in the CFL? What are the rules surrounding showing in-stadium replays while plays are under review?#

The rules governing Instant Replay in the CFL can be found in the rulebook and on CFL.ca. Each team receives two challenges per game and a third challenge if their first two challenges were successful and they have a time-out remaining. In the final three-minutes of regulation time and all overtime play, coaches may not challenge a play. Instead, reviews of plays will be initiated by the CFL replay command centre.

Per the Instant Replay overview page in the rulebook, "Video board operators are not permitted to show replays on the video board in the stadium while a review is in progress."
What are the maximum fines and suspensions for players available to the league and member clubs? Can teams fine their players for taking penalties?#

The power of the commissioner to fine and suspend players, coaches, employees, officials or team executives is granted in Section 10.06 of the CFL Constitution as amended in Section 14.02 of the current CBA. Discipline can be imposed for "…breach of any requirement of the Constitution, By-laws, Regulations or any proper orders or for conduct, actions or behaviour that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, brings disrepute to the League or the game of football."

The maximum league fine shall not exceed $25,000 or one-half (½) of the player's regular season game cheque. To reach the $25,000 limit a player would have to have a $900,000 contract (excluding bonuses). There is no maximum suspension length defined. Section 10.06 of the Constitution grants the commissioner the ability to suspend indefinitely or for life any player or person associated with the league or its member clubs who has bet on the outcome of a game as well as fine them a maximum of $5,000, cancel their contract and order their shares in any member club sold.

Article 21 of the CBA defines the rules surrounding fines and player discipline available to member clubs. Players may be fined a maximum of one-half their pay for a regular season game. Fines of $75 or less may be used by the players and coach for the benefit of all players on the club roster. Fines greater than $75 are to be collected by the member clubs, turned over to the CFL who in turn shall remit the total to the CFLPA. The CFLPA may use these monies for any purpose provided they report to the CFLPRC the use of the fines.

Based on this rule, teams may have varying levels of fines of $75 or less for infractions as decided by the head coach or players. Popular infractions for fines would be personal fouls in games, being late for practice or meetings, and other discipline related actions. While it is possible for a system to fine for every penalty a player commits, it is more likely imposed for face-masking, objectionable conduct, disqualification and other major penalties.

cfldb

Why a Canadian Football League database? Why cfldb and not a Canadian football database, encompassing all Canadian football instead of just the professional league?#

cfldb is a hobby and experiment in providing information on a subject I hold an interest in. I also have found that there is plenty of commentary regarding the CFL on the web, but little in terms of historical stats, facts and information in a complete and organized fashion. This database will attempt to provide that information for those that seek it.

I chose the CFL as the subject of the site as it has the widest interest and was the subject of all the information I have compiled through the years. While all Canadian football is worthy of support, I wanted to limit the scope of the site to the CFL to manage the work required. I also liked the sound of cfldb.
Where is all the historical CFL information? Where can I find historical CFL statistics on cfldb?#

cfldb is working on bring what historical information it has on the CFL to the web. It is a slow process, however. Our first major step since launching is the adding of the CFL Rulebook in html format in June, 2009. Next we plan on providing historical score and standings information. We will continue to seek out sources and methods to bring additional player and game statistics to the site.

The best source for statistical information is the annually published CFL Facts, Figures and Records. For historical CFL player information and more, try the CFLapedia, which is updated frequently. CFLapedia is the source for historical CFL player information right now, way beyond what I ever expect to do.

cfldb

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated on August 30th 2010

Schedules

Players and Teams

Compensation

Game

cfldb

Submit a Question

Answers

Schedules

Players and Teams

Compensation

Game

cfldb

Help cfldb

Important Dates

News

September 5, 2010

September 4, 2010

CFL Mash

September 6, 2010

September 5, 2010

Archives

Entry Archive

Single Point Archive

Places

Contact cfldb

Feeds

Recent Articles

Recent Single Points

CFL Official Sites

National Media

Other Sites

Categories

First Place Standing (Bye)	$3,300
Semi-Final Participation	$3,300
Division Championship Participation	$3,500
Grey Cup Loser	$8,000
Grey Cup Winner	$16,000