CFL to discuss replay centre, awards format, three-minute clock rules and more at winter meetings

The CFL is set to hold its offseason winter meetings starting on Monday and the list of discussion topics has been published for the first time.

According to the agenda, the mandate of the replay centre will be reviewed, as will potential changes to year-end awards and All-CFL teams. There will also be discussion regarding the “cascading tactical rules” required to address the last three minutes of each half, a subject that has been hot since the league’s announced rule changes in September.

The league is also discussing some additional potential rule changes relating to short yardage plays, possibly to modify or reduce the number of quarterback sneaks and pre-snap penalties that occur in games.

The CFL has already approved player participation in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, though the league will discuss possible participation limits as well as how the event could affect the 2028 CFL schedule.

There will be discussion regarding possible adjustments to the league’s overtime format during the regular season, as well as the arrangement and timeline of free agency and its corresponding communication window. Transparency regarding player compensation will also be talked about.

Contingency plans for weather-related delays will be discussed, including the elements of communication, team guidelines, stadium operation, and the fan experience. The league had to postpone a game between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2025 after initially delaying its start time by nearly four hours.

Negotiation lists, which were publicized for the first time this year, will also be reviewed with a possible alternative being an American player draft.

The league will also discuss addition on-uniform branding opportunities. In the playoffs in 2025, all teams had branded advertisements located on the lower back of player uniforms.

It was noted in the league’s press release that the list is non-exhaustive and that discussion topics may not lead to any changes. Rules changes are discussed each year at this event, though this marks the first time the agenda is being published.

The CFL’s offseason winter meetings will be held January 12-14 in Calgary, Alta.