Current CFL Rules after a successful Field Goal - Discussion

[Robbie]

Back in 2007, I posted this thread which discussed the options after successful field goal by the opponent:
viewtopic.php?t=12346

And at that time, everything was done at the 35-yard line, be it your own or the opponent's depending on the option that the team scored against decides. An exception occurred in 2009 when all successful field goals required that team scoring must kickoff from their own 35-yard line just like after a touchdown. Apparently, that was unpopular so it was repealed in 2010.

In today's game, both the Roughriders and Lions scored successful field goals in the last 3 minutes of the fourth quarter and this gave the Roughriders a chance to kick for onside kick when they were trailing by 7. So I think it's time to review the current rules with regards to good field goals in the CFL: https://cfldb.ca/rulebook/scoring/definitions/

#1. Before the last three minutes of the fourth quarter, a team that had a field goal scored against will have three options for continuation of play:

A) Scrimmage from their own 40-yard line.
B) Receive a kickoff from the opponent's 30-yard line.
C) Kickoff from their own 30-yard line.

Option (C) is extremely unpopular as it doesn't make any sense in giving possession back to the opponent so understably it is never chosen. I do remember sj-roc giving a suggestion that in a tied game with seconds remaining, it's possible to score a rouge from a kickoff and that's possible if there's penalties moved the scrimmage line along with strong wind in their backs. But now that kickoffs are back at 30-yard, then it's much likely.

And now that option (A) is now at the 40-yard line, this option is even more popular now as we don't see teams choose option (B) much.

The only exception is when...

#2. A team scoring a field goal on a play that started after the 3 minute warning has been given in the 4th quarter will kickoff from their own 30-yard line.

It looks like this new rule was enacted to allow a trailing team an opportunity to go for an onside kick in the ensuing kickoff if the team was trailing by 10 or fewer points as they now have the option of going for a field goal first and trying for the onside kick instead of having to get a touchdown first. This is definitely a disadvantage for the team that's ahead.

Suppose the team that scored the field goal is now or was already leading with 8 or fewer points - is it their advantage to be required to do a kickoff? I'd say not especially if there are only seconds left as this gives the opponent a chance for a kickoff return for a touchdown - but on the other hand choosing the option is likely what the opponent would likely have chosen anyways.

Do you like these CFL rules, options, and exceptions with regards to contiuation of play after a good field goal?

[Toppy Vann]

I personally don't see the need to change the rule again.

Too many rule changes could alienate fans.

If there is one rule I'd like to see it's the low tackles this season with players diving with their shoulders into ball carriers other than QBs where that gets called.

Defensive backs are diving with the shoulder really low these days in some brutal hits.

Not sure if it's a lack of respect or from a tackler's perspective it is sure to reduce the yardage gain versus having to dive and try and to wrap up the legs about the knees and not connect OR fear of getting hurt which seems less likely as most are coming from the side not straight on

[don corleone]

Watching since they made the change to starting on the 40 was implemented seems that the change is more significant than the actual 5 yards. I would like to see them go back to the 35 as it seems to give the scored upon team too much of a reset in terms of momentum. Of course every game situation is different but going for it inside the 15 and pinning them deep in the event of not succeeding sets the team up for a td on their next possession if they can stop the O. To kick a 5 yarder and give up 35 yds of field possession is a bit of a bittersweet pill imo. As is one first down and a punt and they are back starting on their 10.

The other side is that in every situation I can think of the receiving team is hoping the ball enters the end zone on a punt to be able to take the ball at the 40. Heavily criticized is the player who brings it out on his own.

I guess the idea was to encourage scoring thinking that is what the fans want to see.

[don corleone]

Now they are talking about taking the ball at the 40 after a td. Chris Jones says he will take it 100 of 100 times.

Field position has always been an important part of the game and a defense or special teams unit could be proud of pinning them deep. Now they are taking that away.

Almost as exciting as the shootout in hockey and stop fixing what isn't broken. It might be different if they were doing it for the fans but my view is they are trying to make it easier for themselves.