The Canadian Football League has decided to maintain its 20-second play clock for the current season.
Beginning in 2026, CFL games will transition to a 35-second play clock, but will revert to a 20-second clock during the last three minutes of each half.
This decision was made by the league’s board of governors based on suggestions from the rules committee, which includes head coaches, team executives, the Officials Association, and the CFL Players’ Association.
During the final three minutes of each half, the 20-second clock will commence with the snap of the first play after the three-minute warning.
In further changes, regular-season matches will not conclude in a tie. If teams are still tied after the second overtime mini-game, they will alternate attempts for two-point conversions from the three-yard line until a victor is decided. All attempts will take place from the same end of the field as the mini-game.
Each team will have the opportunity to call a 15-second timeout in overtime.
Additionally, the replay centre will now be required to automatically review a turnover on downs.
Other modifications include:
- A half or game can conclude with a quarterback kneel if the defense has no timeouts remaining, the play occurs on first down, and the offense intends to finish the half or game with under 40 seconds left.
- If a field-goal attempt strikes the goalpost and no points are scored, or if a kick goes out of bounds through the end zone without scoring, the ball will be scrimmaged from the 40-yard line.
- Team benches will be located between the 40-yard lines on opposite sidelines, with bench violations potentially leading to penalties during games and additional disciplinary actions.
- Before the start of games, teams can provide officials with a third ineligible number that can report and line up in an eligible position.
- An incomplete pass will be added to the options available to the defending team when an ineligible receiver penalty is enforced.
The league also revealed changes regarding the operation of its replay centre. With the introduction of the 35-second play clock, on-field and replay officials have been instructed to minimize delays in the game unless a significant ruling is at stake.
The CFL stated that the replay centre will continue to assist on-field officials during natural breaks in play, when the 20-second clock is active, or in situations requiring automatic review.
The CFL regular season is set to begin on June 4, featuring the Hamilton Tiger-Cats facing off against the Montreal Alouettes.
