At all times, each team must have on the field a player designated as captain, and so identified to the Referee.
The captain shall be the sole communicator between the team and the officials (through the Referee) and may appeal to the Referee only on questions of interpretation and application of rules. Such consultations should be held apart from other players on the field.
The captain may request the Referee to call in the yardsticks to determine whether a first down has been made or how much distance is required. If in the judgment of the Referee, the position of the ball is within one yard of the first down marker, time out shall be signalled and a measure called for. Otherwise, the request shall be denied and play resumed.
The Referee's decision cannot be disputed. A captain is entitled to an explanation of any decision but no prolonged argument is to be allowed. When the yardsticks are called in from the Sidelines to determine whether a first down has been gained, the on-field captain for each team shall be the only players permitted in the vicinity of the measurement.
In case of a foul, the captain of the non-offending team shall be given the choice of the penalty or the option provided.
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Content compiled and entered by Darren Hackwood, Glen Johnson and Andre Proulx
The CFL Official Rule Book is published annually by the Canadian Football League. Any inquiries regarding the CFL Official Playing Rules may be directed to Glen Johnson, Officiating Technical Advisor, @ gjohnson@cfl.ca.