Expanded use of Instant Replay
In addition to Defensive Pass Interference, Coaches will be able to challenge: Illegal Contact, Offensive Pass Interference, Illegal Interference on a Forward Pass, No Yards, Roughing the Passer, Roughing and Contacting the Kicker, and Called Illegal Blocks on Kick Plays.
Rule 1.7.6 (page 17) – Instant Replay Review
Rule 10.2.3 (page 69) – Coach Reviewable Penalties
Institute a Video Official
Expand the use of video to quickly fix errors with called penalties, penalty applications, penalty administration, timing and boundary issues.
Rule 10.3 (page 73) – Video Official Reviews
Kickoff Point after Field Goals
Require teams to kickoff after making a field goal after the 3 minute warning in the 4th quarter.
Rule 3.2.2 (page 29) – Field Goals
Rule 5.2.1 (page 40) – Points Of Kickoff
Offensive Lineman
Allow Team A lineman flexibility to move while in a three or four point stance.
Rule 4.5.3 (page 36) – Linemen Stance And Motion
Peel Back Blocks
Expand the definition to include all Team A players and make a Peel Back block illegal anywhere on the field.
Rule 7.2.9 (page 57) – Peel Back Block
Push Blocking
Make it illegal to push-block a teammate towards the opponent’s dead ball line when they are in field goal and kicked convert formations.
Rule 7.2.3q (page 56) – Unnecessary Roughness
Rule 7.2.10 (page 58) – Push Blocking
Offsetting Penalties
Create the concept and application of offsetting penalties.
Rule 8.3.3 – (page 61) – Dual Fouls – Offsetting Penalties
Rule 8.3.4a – (page 61) – Dual Fouls – No Change In Possession
Rule 8.3.5a – (page 62) – Dual Fouls – Change In Possession
Automatic Review of Unsuccessful 2-point Converts
Unsuccessful 2-point converts will be automatically reviewed by the Replay Official.
Rule 10.2.2 (page 68) – Standard Reviewable Aspects
NOTE: All 2016 rule changes have been printed in bold throughout the Rule Book.
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Content compiled and entered by Glen Johnson, Jeff Harbin 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 Darren Hackwood, Director of Officiating at dhackwood@cfl.ca. Any inquiries regarding CFL Statistical Scoring Rules may be directed to Steve Daniel, Director of Game Information and Head Statistician at sdaniel@cfl.ca.