Should the CFL Change its Kickoff Rules to Make the Game Safer?

[jerrym]

Should the CFL consider changing its rule to reduce the injury rate on kickoffs and/or punts, especially with the growing concern over the effects of concussions?

The NCAA is changing its kickoff rules in an attempt to reduce the rate of injury on kickoffs, which tend to be the highest on these plays.

http://3downnation.com/2018/04/14/nc...er-cfl-follow/



The Alliance of American Football league which has announced that it will start in the spring of 2019 with televised games on CBS, plans to eliminate kicking because it is the part of the game most likely to result in injury.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...nfl/441604002/

[ArgoZ]

One advantage the CFL has is that with such a wide field, it’s hard to line someone up, often your racing them to the sideline. The American equivalent of meeting everyone for a gang collision at the 25 yard line rarely happens here.

[AngeloV]

I hope not. It really would take a lot out of a game. Down by 2 scores in the last 2 minutes, game would be over with no onside kick possible.

[doubleblue]

Should the CFL consider changing its rule to reduce the injury rate on kickoffs and/or punts, especially with the growing concern over the effects of concussions?

The NCAA is changing its kickoff rules in an attempt to reduce the rate of injury on kickoffs, which tend to be the highest on these plays.

http://3downnation.com/2018/04/14/nc...er-cfl-follow/



The Alliance of American Football league which has announced that it will start in the spring of 2019 with televised games on CBS, plans to eliminate kicking because it is the part of the game most likely to result in injury.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...nfl/441604002/

I am just about ready to vote yes. Not because of many injuries, but because such a high percentage of returns are nullified by illegal blocking penalties. The game has become too fast to block with just hands. Too easy for the blockee to turn their back on the blocker and the officials can't tell the difference. (remember the so called illegal block that cost the woman in Winnipeg a million). Save the aggravation of marching back 15 yards on many returns and just put the ball in play where they catch it on punts and on the 35 for kick offs.
Special teams used to be 30% of the offense in the CFL, but not anymore.

[paulwoods13]

Special teams used to be 30% of the offense in the CFL, but not anymore.

I disagree with this. Good returners still change games. We had game-changing returns last year by Jackson, and he wasn't even the best returner in the league.

Penalties have always been an issue on returns. When we had Levingston, many of his big returns were negated by penalties, but he still made many huge plays, and was a major contributor to our success. Henry "Gizmo" Williams probably had as many return TDs negated as he scored.

[OV Argo]

The NFL decision to move kick-offs closer to the opposition - so that now 90 some per cent of kick-offs sail thru the end-zone for a touch back - is a total joke IMO and kills some integrity of the game.

Kick-offs are part of the game, and so are converts - leave them the f*** alone please.

One day there may be a different form of football that becomes popular - maybe a type of touch/flag football with little to no contact that is safer - and that would be fine - for those who want to watch or play that.

But the traditional game of gridiron football that features hard hitting and traditional rules that are respected - I just hope it survives. Educating & stressing to players about avoiding dangerous head contact should be a focus (and IMO strict penalties - including fines and suspensions and even bans for flagrant or repeat offenders - could help lots).

[PullTogether73]

The NFL decision to move kick-offs closer to the opposition - so that now 90 some per cent of kick-offs sail thru the end-zone for a touch back - is a total joke IMO and kills some integrity of the game.

Kick-offs are part of the game, and so are converts - leave them the f*** alone please.

One day there may be a different form of football that becomes popular - maybe a type of touch/flag football with little to no contact that is safer - and that would be fine - for those who want to watch or play that.

But the traditional game of gridiron football that features hard hitting and traditional rules that are respected - I just hope it survives. Educating & stressing to players about avoiding dangerous head contact should be a focus (and IMO strict penalties - including fines and suspensions and even bans for flagrant or repeat offenders - could help lots).

Good post.
Agreed.