Gaels football coach OK with changes in the CFL

Steve Snyder believes the changes are to the benefit of the Canadian game.

Steve Snyder is giving the thumbs up to the changes being made in the CFL.

The head coach of the Queen's Gaels football program weighed in on Monday's announcement.

Snyder says it was something that the CFL was considering for a while and they are finally making the move.

Changes announced by CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston include shortening the playing field from 110 yards to 100 yards, the end zone from 20 yards to 15, and moving the goal posts from the goal line to the back of the end zone. There are also changes to the length of the play clock and how a 'rouge' is awarded.

All the changes are to be implemented over a two-year period starting in 2026.

Snyder says the decision on moving the goal posts may be something that will take time for people to adjust to.

Snyder says another rule change that could pose a problem is the length of the field as some CFL teams share their venues with university or high school football teams which will continue to play on a 110-yard field.

Snyder also believes USPORTS and OUA will one day adopt some of the CFL's new rules.

How the changes in the CFL will affect the way university football is played remains to be seen even if USPORTS decides not to adopt any of it.

A good number of players in USPORTS go on to play in the CFL but Snyder says making the adjustment from collegiate to the pros should not be too difficult.

USPORTS said in a statement that they will be engaging with their members and stakeholders about the changes the CFL is making with their game and whether to adopt them in university football.

Story by Ken Hashizume