“it was the wrong call” – CFl referee Andre Proulx delivers his verdict over controversial calls and rulings of the command centre during Edmonton Elks and the Calgary Stampeders matchup this season

Veteran CFL official Andre Proulx has openly confirmed what many fans have long suspected: the league’s replay centre — formerly called the command centre — doesn’t always make the correct call.

One of the clearest examples came in the final week of the regular season during the Edmonton Elks vs. Calgary Stampeders matchup. Edmonton running back Justin Rankin appeared to score a touchdown, but upon review, it was shown that he had fumbled at the one-yard line.

Because the officials on the field had already signalled a touchdown, the play stopped, with whistles blowing. Despite this, a Calgary defender who casually picked up the loose ball in the end zone was awarded possession at the Stampeders’ 30-yard line after the replay centre overturned the ruling.

During a French-language media session at the 112th Grey Cup, Proulx admitted the decision was incorrect.

“Sometimes I disagree with the command centre,” he said. “In that situation, it was clear the officials had signalled a touchdown.

Rankin didn’t try to recover the ball because he saw the arms go up. Only the Calgary player made a play on the ball. Even though replay showed a fumble, the rules say that once everyone stops because of the whistle, the original touchdown call should stand. If it had been midfield, the play would have continued — but not here.”

Proulx added that the head referee has no ultimate authority in these situations. He knew the call didn’t feel right at the time but chose not to push back.

“I told myself, ‘They know the rules as well as I do,’” he said. “Looking back, I should have said something. At one time we weren’t allowed to criticize the command centre, so I assumed they had seen something I hadn’t. But now we can see everything on the big screens.”

Proulx also highlighted the difficulty of officiating, emphasizing the long training process and the high expectations placed on CFL referees. He takes pride in the standard he and his colleagues uphold every week.

“Most people don’t realize there are about 140 plays in a game, and we get judged on every single one,” he explained.

“We’re our own harshest critics. When we make mistakes, we own them — everything is on film. The key is minimizing errors.”

Kevin Riopel, the Grey Cup’s side judge, echoed the pressure they face.

“It’s like answering the phone and someone is always listening to make sure you say the right thing,” he said. “It’s not just one evaluator. Coaches watch every clip too and send feedback.”

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston confirmed that the replay centre’s mandate will be reviewed during league meetings this January.

The hope is that those in the booth will finally face the same level of accountability as the officials who take the criticism directly from fans inside the stadium.