If you’re exploring the exciting world of Canadian football, understanding the CFL points system is an essential starting point. Unlike the NFL or American football, the Canadian Football League has its own distinctive rules and scoring methods that can significantly shape the outcome of a game.
From touchdowns and field goals to the unique single point or “rouge,” the CFL’s scoring system reflects its distinctive style of play, larger field dimensions, and strategic objectives. Whether you cheer for the Montreal Alouettes, Calgary Stampeders, or Winnipeg Blue Bombers, understanding these rules will deepen your appreciation for every yard gained, every field goal attempt, and every strategic decision made on the field.
This introduction not only highlights the differences between Canadian and American football but also invites you to discover the unique nuances that make the CFL a one-of-a-kind football league.
The Basic Framework of Scoring in CFL and NFL
Touchdowns
In both the CFL and NFL, a touchdown is the primary scoring play. It occurs when a player carries the ball into or catches it in the opponent’s goal area, awarding the scoring team six points.
While the basic concept is identical, differences in field dimensions and the number of players—12 in the CFL versus 11 in the NFL—affect how teams strategize to reach the end zone. The Canadian football league is renowned for its emphasis on passing, largely due to its three-down system. This often makes touchdowns more frequent and exciting during a regular season game.
Field Goals
In both leagues, a successful field goal is worth three points. This occurs when the team kicks the ball through the opposing goalposts during a field goal attempt. The kicker’s skill in executing this play is critical, particularly in tightly contested games. A field goal scored not only adds to the points scored but can also shift the momentum of a CFL game or NFL matchup.
One notable difference is the placement of the goalposts. In the CFL, they are positioned at the front of the end zone, which sometimes allows for strategic plays involving the posts. In contrast, the NFL places the goal posts at the back of the end zone, affecting the kickoff strategy.
Conversions After Touchdowns
Following a touchdown, both the CFL and NFL allow the possession team to attempt additional scoring through conversion plays, which can lead to two points. In the CFL, teams can choose between a one-point convert kicked from the 32-yard line or a more challenging two-point convert from the three-yard line, where they must run or pass the ball into the end zone. The NFL offers similar options: a kicked extra point from the 15-yard line or a two-point attempt from the two-yard line.
These attempt point convert choices give teams the flexibility to make strategic decisions and maximize their points scored based on the game’s context.
Unique Aspects of the CFL Scoring System
The Single Point or “Rouge”
One of the most distinctive features of the Canadian Football League (CFL) scoring system is the single point, commonly known as the rouge. This unique rule awards the kicking team one point when the ball is kicked into the opponent’s goal area and the receiving team fails to return it out of the end zone. The point can be scored on punts, missed field goal attempts, or other kicks, except for successful conversions or field goals.
After the single point is awarded, the opposing team gains possession at the line of scrimmage, typically at the 35-yard line under CFL rules. This rule introduces an extra layer of strategy that is absent in American football, where no points are scored on missed kicks if the ball is downed in the end zone.
Field Size and Its Impact on Scoring
The larger field size in Canadian football significantly impacts scoring opportunities and strategies. The CFL field measures 110 yards in length and 65 yards in width, with 20-yard deep end zones—dimensions that are noticeably larger than those in the NFL.
This expansive space encourages a more open style of play, creating more opportunities for passing and rushing, which often results in higher total points scored in CFL games. Additionally, the placement of the goalposts at the front of the end zone, rather than the back as in American football, alters kicking dynamics. This positioning particularly affects field goal attempts and increases the likelihood of scoring a single point on kicks that reach the end zone.
These field dimensions not only influence scoring but also contribute to differences in the pace and overall frequency of scoring compared to the American game.
Comparative Analysis: CFL vs. NFL Points System
Scoring Frequency and Game Pace
The CFL consistently sees a higher average of points scored per game compared to the NFL, with recent seasons reporting averages exceeding 50 points—roughly a touchdown more per game than the NFL. This increase correlates with the CFL’s three-down system and larger field dimensions, which encourage a faster, more open style of play and promote higher scoring. Additionally, approximately 60.5% of CFL games in the 2023 season were decided in the final three minutes, highlighting the league’s dynamic and often unpredictable game pace.
In contrast, the NFL typically averages around 42 points per game, reflecting its four-down format and different strategic approaches to advancing the ball. These differences in scoring frequency contribute to distinct viewing experiences for fans of Canadian football versus American football.
Strategical Variations Shaped by Scoring Rules
The divergent scoring rules in the CFL and NFL lead to unique strategic decisions on the field. For example, the CFL’s single point or rouge incentivizes teams to execute punts and missed field goals that pin opponents deep in their own end zone, significantly altering special teams tactics.
The CFL’s three-down system pressures possession teams to advance more yards per play, often leading to riskier offensive strategies. Meanwhile, the NFL’s four downs afford more flexibility but also entail different clock management rules, especially at the end of halves and games.
The NFL allows for longer clock management during a lead, with teams able to run nearly two full minutes off the clock under certain conditions. In contrast, the CFL’s timing rules limit clock stoppages, providing less time for ball control in the closing stages. Furthermore, conversion attempts after touchdowns differ subtly but impact coaching decisions. For instance, the CFL moved the kick attempt line back to the 32-yard line in 2015, slightly increasing the difficulty of extra point kicks compared to the NFL’s 15-yard line attempts. These rule-based differences underscore the distinct tactical landscapes that define Canadian and American football.
Conclusion
When exploring the CFL points system, it’s important to remember its unique features like the single point or “rouge,” the larger field, and the three-down format that set it apart from the NFL. These differences create a faster pace, distinct strategies, and often higher scoring games that define Canadian football’s exciting style. Whether you’re new to the CFL or a seasoned fan, understanding these scoring nuances enhances your appreciation of the game and its teams, such as the Hamilton Tiger Cats or Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Dive into watching a CFL game and experience these distinctive rules in action.