Goal Post Assembly
(Rule 1, Section 1, Article 9)

Tie Game
(Rule 1, Section 3, Article 6)

Uniform & Equipment
(Rule 1, Section 11, Article 1)

Definitions - Line and Backfield
(Rule 4, Section 1, Article 4)

Blocked Kick - Through the End Zone
(Rule 5, Section 3, Article 4)

Screen Pass Definition
(Rule 6, Section 4, Article 1)

UR - Horse Collar Tackle
(Rule 7, Section 3, Article 13)

Illlegal Block (UR) - Hands to the Face
(Rule 7, Section 3, Article 14)

Fouls' in opponents End Zone
(Rule 8, Section 4, Article 2)

RULE CHANGES - 2008

RULE 1, SECTION 1, ARTICLE 9 - Goal Post Assembly

The 2008 change of "to manufacturer's standards" was covered in the 2007 changes.

RULE 1, SECTION 2, ARTICLE 1 - The Ball

The game is played with a four-panel ball made of pebbled grain leather, enclosing a rubber bladder and tightly inflated to a pressure of not less than 12 1/2 lbs. (85 kilopascals) and not more than 13 1/2 lbs (95 kpa). It shall be in the shape of a prolate spheroid. The circumference of the long axis shall be from 27 3/4 to 28 1/2 inches (700 to 725 mm). Circumference of the short axis shall be from 20 3/4 to 21 3/8 inches (525 to 540 mm). Length of the long axis shall be 10 7/8 to 11 7/16 inches (275 to 290 mm). Weight from 14 to 15 ounces (400 to 425 grams). The Home Team shall provide a league approved ball or balls. The decision of the Referee shall be final as to the suitability of the ball.

COMMENT - While the Rule Book says the home team shall provide a "league approved" ball or balls, if the league adopts a local rule that says both teams can use their own ball, so long as it meets Rule Book specifications, they have the right so to do.

RULE 1, SECTION 3, ARTICLE 6 - Tie Game

Article 6 - Tie Game
When the score is tied at the end of the 4th period and it is necessary to declare a winner, the procedure to break the tie shall be the prerogative of the governing football association, with the consideration that the safety of the athlete is of prime importance.

Any such procedures shall be communicated in writing to both teams, and to the Referee, prior to the game in which the procedure may be used. In the event that no such regulations have been prepared, the following procedure shall be used.

The following tie-breaking system will be used when a game is tied after four periods. Amateur football playing rules apply with the following exceptions:

a) Immediately after the conclusion of the fourth quarter, officials will instruct both teams to retire to their respective team areas. The officials will assemble at center field and review the tie-breaking procedure.

b) The officials will escort captains to the centre of the field for the coin toss. The winner of the toss shall choose one of the following options:

(1) Offense or defense, with the offense at the opponent's 35-yard line to start the first series.
(2) Which end of the field shall be used for both series of that over time period.

c) The loser of the toss shall exercise the remaining option for the first extra period and shall have the first choice of the two options for subsequent even-numbered extra periods.

d) Extra periods: An extra period shall consist of two series with Team A and Team B each putting the ball in play by a snap on or between the hash marks of the 35-yard line; which becomes the opponent's 35-yard line. The snap shall be from midway between the hash marks on the 35-yard line, unless a different position on or between the hash marks is selected before the ready for play.

e) Team Series: Each team retains the ball during a series until it scores or fails to make a first down. The ball remains alive after a change of team possession until it is declared dead.

f) Scoring: The team scoring the greater number of points during the regulation and extra periods shall be declared the winner. There shall be an equal number of series, as defined in (e) above, in each extra period, except if Team B scores during a period other than on the try for extra point(s). Example: On the first possession of a period Team A scores a touchdown. If the score is still tied after three extra series having been played by each team, any subsequent touchdown must be followed by a two-point conversion.

g) There shall be no team time-outs during overtime play.

COMMENT - The change involved here is that the last sentence of bullet "e)" has been deleted. The deleted phrase read "However, Team A may not have a first and 10, if it again possesses the ball after a change of possession.".

RULE 1, SECTION 11, ARTICLE 1

*Article 1 - General

(a) No player shall wear equipment of any kind which may injure the opponent, except as necessary in the manufacture of protective equipment. The Referee may have removed from the game any player who is wearing equipment which in his opinion endangers the opponents.

(b) No team shall wear uniforms that blend closely with the color of the ball.

(c) The following equipment is mandatory and shall be worn by all players. The equipment shall be designed and manufactured by a professional manufacturer, and shall not be altered in any way which will decrease the protection of the player.
(1) soft knee pads at least 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) thick, worn over the knees, and covered by the pants.
(2) thigh guards.
(3) hip pads, with tailbone protector.
(4) shoulder pads.
(5) mouthguard covering all the upper jaw teeth, as specified in Article 3 of this Section 11.
(6) shoes which meet the specifications as in Article 4 of this Section 11, or which may provide less fixation to the ground, such as ripple soles, or broomball type shoes, where no "cleats" are provided. No player shall participate in the game without being properly equipped and wearing shoes as specified.
(7) The prime responsibility to ensure the above rests on the Head Coach or his delegate.

(d) Adhesive material, grease or any other slippery substance, applied on a player's person or clothing, that affects the ball or an opponent, is illegal.

(e) Any gloves which have any type of webbing between the digits are illegal.

(f) All players' numbers must conform to those listed on the score sheet. Players shall retain the same numbers throughout the game, except when permission to change is given by the Referee. Where a sweater is torn, the Referee shall allow reasonable time for a substitution, but any change in number must be reported to the scorer.

Penalty (a) (b) (d) (e) (f): The offending player shall be removed from the game until the illegal equipment is replaced or the score sheet is corrected.

Immediate substitution will be made but the game shall not be delayed.

Penalty (c): L5 from point where the ball would have been put into play, if no other foul had occurred, or added to the penalty for any other foul. The offending player shall be removed from the game until the illegal equipment is replaced. Immediate substitution will be made, but the game shall not be delayed. If more than 1 player offends on the same play, only 1 penalty L5 will be applied for that play. Fouls on subsequent plays will be penalized in the same way - L5 on each play where 1 or more players offend.

COMMENT - The purpose of this addition is to place the primary responsibility for ensuring that players are properly equipped with mandatory equipment on the Head Coach or someone to whom he delegates that responsibility and to make it clear that it is not up to officials to take ownership for that problem.

RULE 4, SECTION 1, ARTICLE 4 - Line and Backfield

*Article 4 - Line and Backfield

Line players of Team A are those players who are within 1 yard (1 metre) and on their own side of the line of scrimmage, formed in a single line when the ball is snapped.

A player of Team A is considered to be in his backfield if he is clearly back of the line when the ball is snapped. This will include the player occupying the position of quarterback.

No stationary player of Team A shall be in a position that will create doubt as to whether he is on the line or in the backfield when the ball is snapped.

Penalty: 1.2 D - L5 DR 3D DG - L5 DR, DNG - LB PBD.

NOTE: A player in a doubtful position may be penalized under this rule or as an ineligible pass receiver - as applicable.
COMMENT - The 3rd paragraph has been modified to emphasize that "stationary" players may not create doubt.

RULE 5, SECTION 3, ARTICLE 4

*Article 4 - Blocked Through End Zone

(a) When a kick is blocked and the ball goes dead in A possession in the end zone or is last touched by A before going out of bounds, even if the ball is touched (not directed) by a B player on the field of play into the end zone.
2 points (safety touch) to B

(b) When a kick is blocked on the field of play, and after being blocked, is directed (not kicked) into the end zone from the field of play by a B player, this will be treated as an offside pass by Team B. If the ball

(1) Goes dead in A possession in the end zone, or is touched last by an A player in the end zone before the ball goes out of bounds in the end zone
1.2D - A 1D at the 10 yard line (no score).
3D - B 1D at the point where B last touched the ball on the field of play.

(2) Goes out of bounds in the end zone, without again being touched, or after being last touched by B in the end zone.
1.2.3D - B 1D at the point where B last touched the ball on the field of play.

(c) When a return kick by Team B is blocked by Team A in the B end zone, and the ball goes dead in the B end zone, in B possession, or goes out of bounds in the B end zone, either directly or after being touched by A or B, a score of 1 or 2 points as appropriate is awarded to Team A.

RULE 6, SECTION 4, ARTICLE 1

*Article 1 - Definition

A forward pass is one which is thrown by any Team A player from behind the line of scrimmage toward the Team B dead line, to any eligible receiver. The ball shall not touch the ground, goal post assembly, an official, or go out of bounds. A forward pass is illegal after a change of possession by either team.

A forward pass thrown to an eligible receiver behind the line of scrimmage is a screen pass.

If Team B gains possession from a fumble, blocked kick, etc., and subsequently loses possession again to Team A, a forward pass by either team is illegal.

The ball is considered to be in the possession of Team A until the pass is ruled complete or incomplete, or the ball becomes dead, or it is caught by Team B.

COMMENT - a screen pass definition has been added.

RULE 7, SECTION 3, ARTICLE 13

Article 13 - Horse Collar Tackle

Tackling an opponent by grabbing the inside or the back or side of the shoulder pads inside the collar of the sweater is Unnecessary Roughness.

COMMENT - New clause added to the Unnecessary Roughness rules for 2008.

RULE 7, SECTION 3, ARTICLE 14

Article 14 - Illegal Block, Hands to Face

No player of either team may thrust his hands forward above the frame to contact the opponent on the neck, face head or facemask. This does not apply to a ball carrier using a "stiff arm" tactic where there is no grasping of the face mask.

COMMENT - New clause added to the Unnecessary Roughness rules for 2008.

RULE 8, SECTION 4, ARTICLE 2

*Article 2 - Fouls in Opponents' End Zone

(a) Team A

1. If Team A commits a foul in the Team B end zone on a play from scrimmage, the penalty shall be applied as though the foul has occurred on the field of play.

2. If the kicking team commits a "restraining zone" foul in the receiving team's end zone, the penalty shall be applied from the receiving team's 10-yard line. Exception: Rule 5 Section 4 Article 3 (i).

3. If the ball is loose in the Team B end zone, and Team A commits illegal interference, thus preventing Team B from gaining possession of the ball in the end zone:

Penalty: No score, B scrimmage 1D at B 10.

(b) Team B

1. If Team B commits a foul in the Team A end zone on a play from scrimmage, the penalty shall be applied as though the foul had occurred on the field of play.

2. If an A player fumbles the ball in his own end zone, and while the ball is loose, Team B commits illegal interference, thus preventing Team A from regaining possession in the end zone:

Penalty: No score by B. Automatic 1st down for Team A at PLS, or at the 10 yard (10 metre) line, at the option of Team A.

LET THE SPIRIT OF THE RULES AND GOOD JUDGEMENT PREVAIL!!

Copies of the 2004 - 2005 Canadian Rule Book For Tackle Football may be obtained from:

Football Alberta
11759 Groat Road
Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3K9

(above changes will not be printed til 2008 publication)