The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Canadian Football League announced yesterday a series of rule changes to be implemented for the 2005 season. The changes, which included both amendments and additions to the CFL Rule Book, were tabled this past February in Winnipeg at the CFL Management Meetings and were approved by the Board of Governors during their Annual General Meeting Monday in Toronto. The following is an overview of the rule changes for the 2005 CFL season: Player Footwear Ð Rule 1, Section 10, Article 7(f) (amendment & addition, remove Rule 1, Section 10, Article 1, Paragraph 3) Shoes of a standard football design, with appropriate football cleating, which have not been altered, deliberately or otherwise, in any manner and judged suitable by the Referee for the playing surface, may be used. Sneaker type shoes with no cleating may also be used. Blood Hazards From Open Wounds Ð Rule 1, Section 10, Article 5 (addition) If a player has an open wound that, in the opinion of the Referee, is bleeding significantly, then that player will be required to leave the field of play to have the wound properly dressed by club medical staff. The player would be permitted to re-enter the field of play after receiving clearance from the Referee. Late Substitution Ð Rule 1, Section 11, Article 4 (addition) When, on a kicking play, Team A has only 11 players on the field and the "gates" have gone up, a player may enter the field and participate in the play without being penalized for Illegal Substitution, if he is able to enter the "close line play area" and then assume a position, either inside or outside that area, prior to the snap. Numbering Changes Ð Rule 4, Section 5, Article 3 & Rule 6, Section 4, Article 4 (amendment) Eligible receivers will wear numbers from 0-49 and 70-00. Ineligible receivers will wear numbers from 50-69. Pass Interference On Uncatchable Passes Ð Rule 6, Section 4, Article 9(c) (addition) If a player commits pass interference when a forward pass is deemed uncatchable, it shall be ruled as "Illegal Contact On A Receiver." Foreign Objects On The Field Ð Rule 7, Section 4, Article (g) (addition) In response to flamboyant touchdown celebrations, if a player is in possession of a foreign or extraneous object that is not part of the uniform or equipment during a game, either on the field or on the sideline, he will be subject to an Objectionable Conduct penalty. If the object is deemed a safety hazard by the Referee, the player will also be disqualified. Spitting Ð Rule 7, Section 4 (addition) Spitting at an opponent, official or occupant of the team bench area will result in a 25-yard penalty and disqualification from the game. About the Canadian Football League The Canadian Football League (CFL) operates in nine leading cities across Canada. Building on a strong past toward a stronger future, the CFL celebrates Canada 's game with fans across the nation. The 93rd Grey Cup will be played in Vancouver, British Columbia on November 27, 2005 . For additional information, visit www.cfl.ca.
