CFL set to review replay centre, awards format and timing rules at winter meetings

The CFL will hold its annual offseason winter meetings beginning Monday, with the league releasing its list of discussion topics for the first time.

According to the published agenda, the league will review the mandate and operation of the replay centre, along with potential changes to year-end awards and the selection process for All-CFL teams. League officials will also revisit the “cascading tactical rules” governing the final three minutes of each half, an area that has drawn increased attention since rule changes were announced in September.

Additional rules discussions will focus on short-yardage situations, including possible measures to reduce quarterback sneaks and pre-snap penalties. While the CFL has already approved player participation in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics, the meetings will include talks on participation limits and the potential impact on the league’s 2028 schedule.

Other agenda items include possible adjustments to the regular-season overtime format, the structure and timing of free agency and its communication window, and increased transparency around player compensation.

The league will also examine contingency planning for weather-related delays, covering communication protocols, team guidelines, stadium operations, and fan experience. The issue gained prominence in 2025, when a game between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders was postponed after a nearly four-hour delay.

Negotiation lists, which were made public for the first time this past season, will be reviewed, with an American player draft discussed as a potential alternative. The league will also consider expanding on-uniform branding opportunities following the introduction of advertisements on the lower back of player jerseys during the 2025 playoffs.

The CFL emphasized that the agenda is not exhaustive and that discussions may not result in any formal changes. While rule reviews are a yearly fixture of the meetings, this marks the first time the league has publicly released its discussion agenda.

The offseason winter meetings will take place January 12–14 in Calgary, Alberta.