Saskatchewan University Huskies quarterback Mason Nyhus throws a ball as Western University Mustangs' Nicolas Theriault rushes to him during second quarter action, at the Vanier Cup in Quebec City, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
VANCOUVER – The International Federation of American Football has approved Canadian rules in international competition and the use of the Canadian Amateur Football rulebook in IFAF-sanctioned global competitions.
Football Canada made the announcement Monday.
“We are thrilled the IFAF recognizes 12-player football supporting the current international tackle rules,” Football Canada president Jim Mullin, who is also the IFAF general secretary, said in a statement.
“As Football Canada continues to work with IFAF, I believe this opens the door for international friendlies and tournaments to be staged in Canada employing the infrastructure communities have invested in for our sport from coast to coast,” Mullin said.
“We are pleased that this opens the opportunity to play more international and university club games in quality facilities across Canada,” he said. “More competition can grow the sport throughout the continent.”
The Canadian Amateur Football rulebook will neither replace the IFAF rulebook nor be a path for continental or world championship qualification. Javier L’Episcopo, IFAF Americas chair, said the move is an opportunity to build stronger regional links and events.
The Canadian rulebook will be available to all countries through various IFAF platforms. Besides 12 players being on the field, there are essential differences between Canadian and international American football. They include:
– Field size: Canadian fields are 110 yards long by 65 yards wide with 20-yard endzones and goalposts on the goal-line. A metric version of the field with 100-metre-long fields by 60 metres wide fits goal-line to goal-line on a rugby field.
– Downs: Canadian teams have three downs to make 10 yards. A rule variant allows for four downs to make 10 yards, if desired.
– Pre-snap motion: Offensive backs may move toward the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
– Scoring: This is the same as the international American game, except for the single. This is awarded for a kicked or punted ball not returned from the endzone.
– Punt returns: All punts in bounds are returned. The punting team must provide the returner with a five-yard area before the player touches the ball. The punting team can’t down punts.
According to Football Canada, the first documented Canadian football game was played in November, 1861 at University College, the University of Toronto. It adds the Canadian football rulebook has existed in some capacity since the 1880s, with the first Canadian amateur rulebook having been drafted and edited by Hec Crighton in 1965.
“As a proud Canadian, I can’t wait for us to invite the world to play our great game,” Mullin said. “This is a great day for international and Canadian football.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2023.
