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CFL Weather Protocol

The CFL has developed a protocol to address various weather-related situations on CFL game days. This protocol will be applied in cases of lightning and poor air quality, as advised by the league’s meteorologist and based on resources provided by Environment Canada.

Active weather systems are monitored in the lead up to, and throughout, game day. Prior to each game, the CFL League Office distributes a weather report detailing local conditions and air quality to the competing teams.

When lightning strikes

An independent meteorologist service automatically alerts league office officials when lightning strikes within 10 km of the playing surface. The onsite League Representative will then enact the league’s lightning procedure, which includes automatically stopping the game, sending teams to their dressing rooms and advising spectators to shelter in place.

The game may also be proactively halted if the independent meteorologist service foresees a weather system with lightning activity moving towards the stadium.

Poor air quality

Each CFL stadium is equipped with multiple air quality sensors to provide real-time readings at the venue. Active smoke systems are monitored in the lead up to, and throughout, gameday. If the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI+) reaches 8 or above (as per official metrics provided by Environment Canada at https://aqmap.ca) during warmups or the game, the onsite League Representative will enact the league’s air quality procedure, which includes automatically stopping the game and sending teams to their dressing rooms.

Calling the game (regular season)

If there is a stoppage greater than 60 minutes after the game becomes official at the 7:30 mark of the third quarter, the game will be considered final. Two points will be awarded to the leading team. In the event of a tie, each team will receive one point.

Before the 7:30 mark of the third quarter, if the total stoppage time is more than three hours, the game will be cancelled. Players will NOT be required to play on the following day. Based on historical data, teams will be awarded a victory and two points, if they were ahead by:

  • 21+ points in the first quarter
  • 17+ points in the second quarter
  • 13+ points in the third quarter

Short of the point differential, if the teams DO NOT play each other again, the weather-delayed game will be considered a tie and both teams will be awarded one point.

If the teams DO PLAY each other again, the teams will participate in a two-possession shootout prior to their next meeting, whereby:

  • Each team is allowed two possessions starting at the 55-yard line. For each point scored prior to the weather-delayed game’s stoppage, teams gain one yard towards the opposition’s endzone, which determines the club’s starting point for each drive.
  • i.e. If Team A led Team B 15-0 in the weather-delayed game, Team A would start both drives at the 40-yard line and Team B would begin both drives at the 55-yard line.
  • The team that trailed the weather-delayed game opens the shootout. If tied, the visiting club starts. Teams alternate the four total drives.
  • The leading team prior to the delay determines which end the opposition drives towards. If tied, the home team chooses.
  • If a touchdown is scored, the team must go for two points.
  • The winner of the shootout is awarded two points for the weather-delayed game. A tie results in both teams receiving one point.
  • A normal quarter break will follow the shootout before the new game commences.

Playoffs and Grey Cup

If a postseason game or the Grey Cup is halted for more than three hours, it will be postponed and concluded the next day with the game commencing where it left off.

FAQ

Q. Where did this protocol come from?

A. The protocol was developed in consultation with stakeholders (Club Presidents, The CFLPA, Venues, etc.) and subject matter experts (Medical Personnel, Environment Canada, Meteorologists, etc.).

Q. But why would the Commissioner call the game if a stoppage greater than 60 minutes occurs after the game becomes official?

A. The purpose of the protocol is to remove any subjectivity from the decision to declare a game final or to wait longer for dangerous weather to pass. Player safety was the single most important factor considered in developing the protocol.

Q. Why not wait 90 minutes or two hours?

A. The 60-minute time frame was determined in consultation with subject matter experts, including medical personnel and meteorologists.

Q. Why bring in this protocol now? For years, there have been delays and we all just waited it out.

A. Weather patterns have changed and technology has improved. Recently, we have seen a significant increase in the number of games affected by severe weather. Our ability to predict and track these weather systems has also improved, which allows all parties to make more informed decisions.

Q. How big a problem are electrical storms?

A. In 2023, they caused six game delays.

Q. But we never had this problem before. I remember sitting through rain games to the end of sixty minutes.

A. We will still play through rain, but not through electrical storms. They present a significant threat to athletes, spectators, staff, etc.