Basic Sports Info


Basic Comparison of CFL (Canadian Football) and NFL (American Football)

Size of field:	CFL = 65 yards wide x 110 yards long
	NFL = 50 yards wide x 100 yards long

End Zones:	CFL = 15 yards deep
	NFL = 10 yards deep

Number of players on the field at one time per team:

	CFL = 12
	NFL = 11

Number of downs: (Number of tries to move the ball forward 10 yards or more and receive a new set of downs):

	CFL = 3
	NFL = 4

Both leagues basically have the same three squads:

OFFENCE	DEFENCE	SPECIAL TEAMS
Offensive Line	Defensive Line	Punter, Place Kicker
Quarterback	Linebackers	Punt & Kickoff Return Men
Running Backs	Corner Backs	Return Blockers
Receivers	Safeties	Kick – Tacklers

Note:  It’s not unusual for gifted athletes to play on 1, 2, or all three of theses squads.

SCORING

NFL

CFL

Touchdown = six points		Touchdown = six points
Convert       = one point		Convert       = one point

NOTE:  Two point conversions are possible in both leagues if the team decides to run or pass the ball into the End Zone from the five yard line instead of kicking for one point.

Field Goal = three points		Field Goal = three points
Safety Touch = two points		Safety Touch = two points

NOTE: 
In the NFL, a missed field goal or a punt that goes into the End Zone is called a Touchback and is not worth any points.  The next series of downs is then started from the 20 yard line.

In the CFL, a missed field goal or a punt that goes into the End Zone must be returned out of the End Zone or you have to give up 1 point.  This is called a Rouge.

OTHER DIFFERENCES

The CFL has two divisions:  East and West, with four teams in each division.

The NFL is split into two conferences:  The American League and The National League. 
Each NFL conference has three divisions: East, Central, and West

The CFL teams play eighteen regular season games.
The NFL teams play sixteen regular season games.

The CFL championship is the Grey Cup.
The NFL championship is the Super Bowl.

The CFL Grey Cup in the CFL Hall of Fame
In Hamilton, Ontario