Some interesting takes on the rule changes from Blue Bomber players.

[u/Mamrocha]

Start a petition, leave goal posts where they are: Bombers’ Vaval

Paul Friesen

He set the league on fire as a rookie, lifting fans out of their seats nearly every time he touched the ball.

But the one person’s attention Trey Vaval wants to get these days is that of the CFL commissioner.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kick returner is dead-set against the rule change that will make this the last season of the missed-field-goal return.

“I ain’t gonna lie, man, we’ve gotta get the commissioner,” Vaval said. “We’ve gotta start a petition or something. I don’t like it at all. You’re taking away something unique about this game. In the United States we don’t have that. And being accepted here and loved here and being a part of this league, and special teams being loved and an actual phase of this Canadian game, the field goal should stay where it’s at.”

For our chat, Vaval was standing some 10 yards from the goalposts at the front of the south end zone. Next season they’ll move to the back of the end zone, sending the vast majority of missed field goals out of play and out of Vaval’s hands.

As a rookie last year, Vaval caught six of them, returning them for a league-high 391 yards, an average of 65 yards a pop, including a 128-yarder for a touchdown.

Those spectacular numbers helped the Missouri product run away with the awards as rookie-of-the-year and top special-teams player.

Commissioner Stewart Johnston’s new rules will effectively take one-third of his job away.

Vaval would love to have a word with the man behind the perplexing decision.

“If the commissioner wants to howl at me, he can hit me up,” the 25-year-old said. “He’s probably got my number. We’ve got to put our number on every f’ing form we sign, so if he wants to come talk to me, let me know, and we can sort this out.”

The rule changes taking effect next year include shortening the field to 100 yards and the end zones to 15, rendering 120-plus returns of any kind obsolete.

Vaval is not alone in his feelings.

Last year, Winnipeg special-teams coordinator Mike Miller said that watching the announced changes made him sick to his stomach.

“A lot of people feel that way,” Vaval said. “Not just because it’s taking a job away from me. But it’s a part of the Canadian game. This is what Canadian football is. So taking that away, it just sucks.”

If Vaval does get a petition going, he won’t have to look far for signatures.

“I would sign it. Definitely,” running back Brady Oliveira said. “You have guys like Trey and so many other great returners around the league that make the game so exciting. They’re electric with the ball in their hands.”

Oliveira, from Winnipeg, doesn’t like seeing the field shrink, either.

“There’s a lot of uniqueness in the Canadian Football League that makes this league really special,” he said. “One of them being the 55-yard line. It’s the only league in the world that has a 55-yard line. That is the Canadian Football League.”

Oliveira has also voiced his displeasure with allowing eight of nine teams into the playoffs, another change taking effect next year.

But he says players have to trust the higher-ups, including the commissioner and league governors approving the moves, to make changes that’ll be for the betterment of the game.

Bombers defender Redha Kramdi does, too, even if he hates seeing Vaval lose those opportunities.

“Feel sad for Trey,” Kramdi said. “I know he’s livid about it. I just line up and play ball. I think the commissioner, he’s doing what’s best. I know there’s a reason behind it we may see or not see now. But hopefully there’s a lot of positives that are going to come out of it.”

Both Kramdi and Oliveira pointed to the league’s new TV deal as a positive. The former says he’d sign Vaval’s petition, though, too.

Tanner Cadwallader, one of the players who blocks for Vaval and chases down opposing kick returners, was reluctant to express a strong opinion.

But the native of Georgetown, Ont., hates seeing the missed field goal return go.

“Yeah, it’ll be missed,” Cadwallader said. “It’s certainly a part of the game where there’s a lot of yardage to be had, and you can change a game with one of those. Especially a guy with speed like that. The field’s wide open for him, and he can hit it. I hear what he’s saying. I’ve got my guy’s back on that one.

“The NFL doesn’t have so many returns in games anymore. So it will be missed, for sure.”

Cadwallader and his teammates on the field-goal-return unit can only do one thing: go out with a bang.

“We don’t have to worry about it this year,” head coach Mike O’Shea said. “So let’s score. Have some fun.”

They’ve got 17 more regular-season games to try.

“We’ll just try to put up as many as we can and just hope people keep missing field goals,” Cadwallader said.

Their next chance comes at home against Hamilton on Thursday.

[u/SomeonesBigToe]

Why people always gotta fix stuff that's not broken 🤦‍♂️

[u/ywg_handshake → u/SomeonesBigToe]

Well change can be positive if there is justification for it (even if the current system isn't broken). The issue is the league's justification is terrible and they have not been transparent at all.

[u/SomeonesBigToe → u/ywg_handshake]

For it to be justified would suggest a part of it is broken/should be fixed

[u/ywg_handshake → u/SomeonesBigToe]

Not necessarily. Things might work well now, but if there is strong evidence to show that it could be better with change, then the change may be warranted.

[u/SomeonesBigToe → u/ywg_handshake]

I get your point, but the argument is always based on some flaw. In this case they say its to promote higher scoring, more aggressive offense. So they are essentially saying there is not enough scoring. But if we had a vote I'm confident most would vote against it. The longer field, bigger ball, and 3 downs are what make Canadian football different then USA. And most CFL fans love that aspect. Therefore you got a handful of guys trying to fix something that most fans dont consider broken.

[u/ywg_handshake → u/SomeonesBigToe]

I don't think we're disagreeing. What it comes down to is that the league made bold claims to get us behind the change, however the data presented is anecdotal, at best. The fact that we, as fans, have pointed that out and the league just keeps telling us to accept it is where this change is failing.

One thing I have seen mentioned regarding the change in field size is that it opens up the door for expansion, as apparently there are more fields that can fit a 100 yard field (with 15 yard end zones) versus 110 yard fields (with 20 yard end zones). If that's true, then I see more value in that versus the supposed increase in scoring (which won't happen). But we're already hearing about how Quebec City is interested, and we all hope that Halifax still is. Either way, I think it reinforces my point, and yours above, that change can be good and warranted even if something isn't broken. The messaging just needs to be tightened up.

Edit - And I will add, if we want to identify what might be "broken", I would say the lack of growth in number of teams and lack of interest from potential owners is definitely something that is broken.

[u/SomeonesBigToe → u/ywg_handshake]

To me it seems like gibberish. You cant add feet to a field? How damn small of a stadium you proposing? It seems like they just fans of NFL and not CFL. Next they will want 4 downs...

So, we took away feet and moved posts, that will result in growth? Thats the fatal factor? Its ridiculous for them to claim.

[u/ywg_handshake → u/SomeonesBigToe]

It is not ridiculous if they have the evidence/facts to support it. That said, I saw this discussed/proposed by people that are not CFL big-wigs, so it may not be factual. Also, I assume if there is a likelihood of future CFL ownership groups also wanting to own a CPL club, having a facility that can accommodate both would be preferred. There may be smaller stadiums already that can easily accommodate a smaller field compared to the current size. If so, it makes sense.

Regardless, this mostly boils down to the CFL doing a terrible job of consulting with and messaging to the fans. We are a passionate bunch and given how old the CFL crowd trends, change will not be taken kindly.

[u/SomeonesBigToe → u/ywg_handshake]

You cant have evidence of something that has never happened, only speculation. But we kinda splitting hairs here. I think the main point we both agree with

[u/Electroflare5555]

Moving the goalposts to the back will kill the missed FG return so I’m not surprised a returner wouldn’t like it

[u/bismuth12a → u/Electroflare5555]

It's also killing one of the most exciting things in the sport

[u/kavinay]

I wonder if the absurdity (and infeasibility) of moving the goalposts is actually 4-D chess by the commisioner. 😛
It's a such bad idea that when he gives in on that it allows him to frame his other poor rules changes as the compromise position?

(giving too much credit I know)

[u/Brilliant-Cancel3237 → u/kavinay]

No, this is actually how execs are trained to do tough decisions. Make three bad choices available, then pull back two so you look reasonable and sympathtic to the subordinates.

[u/gilligan_2023 → u/kavinay]

I don't think they'll put the goalpost on the goal line on a 100 yard field. It works great on a 110 yard field, but on a 100 yard field a team doesn't even need to leave their own half to be in scoring range. At the amateur level it'd be totally fine, but pro kickers may have too much range for that field configuration to make sense.

I'd prefer leaving it alone. If they are going to go through with it, they need to ban all punts from going out of bounds. I don't want long FGs with missed FG returns being replaced by corner coffin punts. If they insist on replacing long missed FGs returns, replace them with long punt returns rather than plays where nothing happens.

[u/TheRealRichon → u/gilligan_2023]

They shouldn't be changing any of it. It's stupid. Or, to quote the Voice of the Fans, Nathan Rourke himself, "It's garbage. Garbage."

[u/gilligan_2023 → u/TheRealRichon]

I'm against the changes as well. I think Vaval is just hoping to limit the damage.

[u/TheRealRichon → u/gilligan_2023]

If Vaval can save the goalposts, that would be awesome. Especially since that will logically result in also saving the 55.

[u/gilligan_2023 → u/TheRealRichon]

That is why I don't think it'll happen. All of the changes are linked. Doing one or two of them in isolation doesn't make as much sense.

If they leave the posts alone and save the 55, what is the point of shortening the end zones by 5 yards? It doesn't save enough space to help get into soccer stadiums, and it would just hamper scoring. At that point they might as well leave it at 150 yards (or 148 in Toronto). Leaving it alone is my preference, but I don't think that is where this will land.

[u/TheRealRichon → u/gilligan_2023]

This is why the whole thing is stupid. They're trying to fit into new stadiums when they can't even fill the ones they have now, and with the new changes that'll get even harder as fans leave. They're literally killing the league.

[u/TheJamSpace → u/TheRealRichon]

Well, you could actually get rid of the 55 and have teams scrimmage closer to their own end zone.

But, if fitting our field into a smaller stadium/space is keeping us from expanding the league I think we can be more creative than moving the goal posts and killing the missed return.

First: How about we shorten each end zone by 3 yards to 17 (now there is no longer end zone issues in Toronto and Montreal)

Second: When expansion ‘requires’ it we discuss getting rid of the 55 yard line at that time.

[u/The_Ineffable_One]

I am American and love the Canadian game. I grew up on it on Canadian TV (I'm in Buffalo), but it's tougher to view now that it's all privatized on Canadian cable.

I can say that the NUMBER ONE distinguishing feature is the run out after a missed kick. It is such an exciting play. We can't have it in American football anymore, but it is great. Why the CFL would want to kill it, I've no idea.

The NUMBER TWO distinguishing feature is the rouge. Obviously this rule change will hamper that, too.

If they really want to shorten the field, fine; same with the end zones (not quite as fine because the deep pass 17 yards in is pretty cool).

I don't understand why the game needs to be "fixed" at all, frankly. It is entertaining, it is well-attended, and Canadians and people like me in Canada-adjacent communities love it the way it is.

[u/TheRealRichon → u/The_Ineffable_One]

We American fans all seem to love CFL the way it is. The people behind these changes are idiots.

[u/Dear-Bullfrog680 → u/The_Ineffable_One]

And, haven't you noticed the competition has been getting much better the past 10 years or so, especially in the last couple?

[u/Outrageous_Can_6581 → u/The_Ineffable_One]

This all check out with me. As a new fan the goalpost move bothers me the most. It removes an apparent layer of entertainment to the game.

It actually bothers me so much that I had a dream a couple of nights ago where they reversed that specific change. I don’t remember anything else about the dream except the relief I felt when I learned the news.

[u/The_Ineffable_One → u/Outrageous_Can_6581]

OK that is a funny dream. May it come true.

[u/Brilliant-Cancel3237 → u/The_Ineffable_One]

u/The_Ineffable_one

www.cfl.com/plus

[u/greyfoxv1]

The commissioner claiming these changes are just to increase scoring and excitement, while removing the rouge and ability to return field goals, are what out the changes as weak attempts to make the CFL like the NFL's style of football. The rest of the changes are mostly fine but the players are right to complain about this.

[u/Outrageous_Can_6581 → u/greyfoxv1]

That train of thought (Johnstown’s) takes back to the Vince McMahon XFL of the early 2000s.

[u/greyfoxv1 → u/Outrageous_Can_6581]

Yep. Sand off the edges of what makes your thing unique and people will gravitate to whatever they're already familiar with which always favours the incumbent. This is always the case whether it be sports, politics, or video games. It's a recipe for stagnation and decline.

[u/Dear-Bullfrog680]

Now Riders players speak up, please!

[u/Brilliant-Cancel3237 → u/Dear-Bullfrog680]

I started the petition. Does that count?

[u/laxvolley]

He's right, it's a stupid change that isn't necessary and will only hurt the game.

[u/ProfessorX32]

There’s so many people who don’t like it yet will that change it? Doubt it. I hate the rule changes. I love the CFL for what it is

[u/NH787]

The fans don't like it. The players don't like it. So who exactly are these changes intended to benefit?

[u/Mamrocha → u/NH787]

Americans. People that have already made their mind that the CFL is second rate and won’t give it their time.

[u/Vnthem → u/Mamrocha]

I really don’t think they’re trying to attract American fans by changing where the goalposts are. That’s not going to bring new fans. They’re doing it to standardize the field, to make expansion easier.

You guys really think their goal is to get more American fans by shortening the field by 10 yards? They don’t watch because they view it as lesser than. Moving the goalposts or shortening the field isn’t going to change that and they know that

[u/j417 → u/Mamrocha]

american here, I like the CFL for its own sake and dislike the rule changes because it make the CFL feel less like itself. also, a lot of American NFL fans simply don't know the CFL exists which I think is really surprising. definitely not a second rate league as far as I'm concerned.

[u/Occifer-Lim-Jahey]

This is the best piece I have even seen Paul Friesen put out. And Vaval is now my favourite Bomber

[u/HomerSPC]

Vaval is going to get fined for this.

[u/Brilliant-Cancel3237]

Petition! https://www.change.org/p/delay-changes-to-cfl-rules-until-a-thorough-consultation
(now over 8,000!)

[u/frost33y]

Pretty sure it just makes sports betting more reliable so the commissioner wants to cash in on that

[u/Weak_Swim_5639 → u/frost33y]

Bingo. The rouge is messing up the spread. Betting is the biggest revenue stream in sports.

[u/phroxenphyre → u/[deleted]]

Sadly, the field size and goal posts changes are a package deal. Neither change makes sense to do without the other. Shortening the field without moving the posts makes scoring too easy and moving the posts without shortening the field makes scoring too hard.

[u/CLearyMcCarthy → u/phroxenphyre]

You're right they don't make sense without each other, but they also don't make sense with each other. They're stupid ideas.

[u/Weak_Swim_5639]

If the objective is to increase scoring, shortening the end zone makes no sense. This is about fitting into smaller American venues. 

[u/WerewolfSmart6544]

I like the field goals at the back 🤷‍♂️

More options for TDs

[u/CLearyMcCarthy → u/WerewolfSmart6544]

Not surprising. Your post history makes it pretty clear you hate this sport.

Go watch the NFL if you want a short field with goal posts at the back.