Replay was introduced, some years ago, to minimize the damage that part-time referees whom officiate CFL games could cause.
After complaints from fans and all of the individual organizations that the calls were still wrong after review, in the 2007 playoffs the CFL proudly took the next step and added a officiating supervisor to the booth at each game. That continues through week six of the 2008 season.
And they are still getting it wrong.
The proof lies in a call late in Saturday's Riders vs. Stampeders game.
This point is not being argued because of my club loyalties. I cheer, transparently, for the Riders and despite this missed call we won the game.
Moreover, the league's image in the international football world has always been more a priority than my own favorite team's success.
- B/R Ticket Guide
I expect to gain nothing from this rant but support from people who see it the way the rulebook reads.
The play in question is the last-second sideline bomb by Henry Burris to Jermaine Copeland.
The ball came down in one of Copeland's hands, but to rule that he had possession of the ball at any time during this play is ridiculous.
Rider corner James Patrick also had his hands on about as much ball as Copeland did, and in fact when the whistle blew, had more control of the ball which hadn't touched the ground yet.
Copeland was ruled in possession of a simultaneous catch, as the rulebook states.
In the last couple of years since the re-definition of a completed forward pass, there was a period of doubt, but the referees have gotten it right more often than not. This play illustrates that confusion by officials regarding the completed forward pass still looms.
We, as fans, were told that to constitute a completed pass, the receiver, be it Team A (offence) or Team B (defence) must survive contact with the ground.
Where was that logic on this play?
Neither survived contact and the ball would up in Patrick's lap after equal opportunity at the ball, which never touched the ground.
I would suggest they made the wrong call, in haste, after reveiw and almost changed the outcome of a hard-fought game on one call.
Is this why we pay our officials? To get it wrong, even after review by the officiating supervisor?
We need an NHL style control center in Toronto, where you don't play until you are SURE! NOW! Not in two years from now.
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4 months ago
I totally agree with you. Although I was at that game and was cheering for the Stamps, I saw the replays and that was a bad call. There have also been many other terrible calls in CFL games, and they need a NHL-style replay center now! And, I have to agree with you about waiting. I think it is rediculous how they have a limit before they have to get on with the game. The CFL won't be right unless they take the time to look at the replays as much as needed until a decision is made. A change needs to be made, and fast.
4 months ago
I agree also, and i beleive that the officiating and caliber of officials is the only thing that keeps the CFL from reaching near NFL status. Add raising the pay scale "slightly" and this league would be on par with the NFL from a perspective of coaching, players, stadiums, etc...........
an a secondary note, there are fans of the CFL in the US and if more games could somehow be broadcast at least via internet "all of them are blocked or you need espn360" which only a few cable companies carry and only in big markets.
3 months ago
The officiating in the CFL is terrible. The best is probably Jake Ireland, and he isn't even good. Although it is hard to be when your 149 years old. Andre Proux or however you spell his name is pathetic. The worst football reff i have ever seen. They need to get some fresh blood in there.
3 months ago
I am on vacation, and I figured I'd check in. If you don't give the catch to Copeland, you have to take away Domingez's catch in the endzone against Montreal, and they don't beat Montreal. It's EXACTLY the the same. They even showed it on TV... The "Simultaneous Catch" has been in the league for years.
The thing about the officials that needs to be said is that this year they have been more consistent... I love that fans of a 6-0 team are complaining about officiating. I hope for the Riders sake they don't downslide because of the injuries, but it's bound to happen. And Kelly my friend, you are correct! Saskatchewan won in Calgary, and Calgary will win, (and win convincingly) in Regina.
What I am having a hard time with, is how no one is saying anything about Armour's Ejection. The ONE guy who had been practicing ALL WEEK for Wes Cates. That had a HUGE impact on the game, and changes the ENTIRE game plan. People that have played football will realize this. They adjusted for the second half, and they only scored 1 point.
The Riders defense was definitely up to the task on Saturday, and for that the Riders deserve a lot of Credit. It was kind of like the Bombers in the Grey Cup. They knew they were going to have to try to hold the Riders offense if they were going to win with Dinwiddie. They didn't win, but they kept it close. The Riders defense knew it was going to be tough with many injured players, and they stepped up. Question is... Can they do it again? No... I just hope their confidence isn't shaken afterwards.
Love you all!
Scott
from 3 months ago
Haha you beat us yet we still have the better record. Also, which team is the one with 18 injured players? Yeah, nice try and good luck winning the grey cup with Henry "my front teeth are spaced a couple miles apart" Burris, we already have ares.
from 3 months ago
Adam, your reply is exactly why I don't want to talk CFL on here anymore. At least with Kelly, there are no excuses. It's not a big peeing match. Cheer on your team when they win, and give credit where credit is due when they lose. I have said since the injuries started happening that I wished it was the full Riders team playing because there wouldn't be any excuses and the way it is now, and if the Stamps won, there wouldn't be enough credit to the Stamps.
This website is a place to share our opinions, and not belittle players. Besides, I don't feel bad if all you can come up with to insult is the space in front of his teeth. Did you watch the way he ran the offense? It was controlled, and effective against the Riders defense, who are one showing they are not going to be beat easily. So, I feel comfortable with Calgary's Quarterback situation thank you very much.
When you make an excuse like you did, you are basically insulting the players the Riders have by saying they can't get it done. If you ask them, they think they can win without those injured players. They can and will win games. Dressler played well, Bowman played well, and you can't blame Cates for not doing anything.
3 months ago
Scott and respondents,
My emotionally altered writing on this article made it hard to explain my position on the last second Copeland catch. I am embarrassed about that fact, and I apologize.
Now that I have calmed down, I will attempt to make it clearer for all.
You couldn't be more right about the simultaneous catch rulings existence over many years in the CFL.
My contention is that the on-field ruling and the confirmation upon review of a simultaneous catch was wrong. I have spent the last few minutes watching the videos and studying both catches you chose to compare.
Upon this further review, I will have to stick with my first inclination that the Copeland catch was NOT a simultaneous catch according to the CFL rule book. Neither player possessed the ball long enough individually or as a tandem to constitute any type of catch, UNTIL, the ball landed in James Patricks lap BEFORE the whistle had blown, WITHOUT having touched the ground! That was NOTHING like the Dominguez catch. Interception Patrick, period.
The only people that can't see that are either way too content with the quality of our officials, or blinded by affiliation. Why am I NOT blinded by my team affiliation? Because:
a) the ensuing kick was missed and my team won. (Member how I said the D would have to play to make Sandro beat us?)
b) I would gladly trade the 6-0 record of my team for 0-6 to ensure a consistent, competent, high level of officiating.
In my opinion it's the CFLs most pressing issue right now, and it must be addressed A.S.A.P..
As far as the Armour incident, I feel horrible for both him and the fans of the Stamps. But I think it's yet another example that supports my feelings expressed in this article. I was sort of waiting to comment as I am a firm believer that it is NO PLAYERS business to seek out cameras, post ejection, NO MATTER HOW INNOCENT THE INDIVIDUAL. I have a big problem with the CFLs inconsistency on what constitutes a fine and who they are fining.
I'm sure your emotions got the better of you in saying, "Armour was the ONE guy who had been practicing ALL WEEK for Wes Cates. That had a HUGE impact on the game, and changes the ENTIRE game plan."
If that WAS truly the case, that is where the Stamps problems started. It takes a TEAM to stop Wes Cates. Unlike you, I don't believe that was Chris Jones defensive game plan but you seem to have contrary feelings.
Can they do it again? Heck yes. After last week(team dissension involving coaches and players and more false confidence in the Calgary camp) and the fall out this week leading up to Thursday, I can say with confidence that if the Riders lose this game, I'll sell my two Rider labor day tickets for cash outside the stadium. And if you happen to be there that day, you can have them for half price!
I sincerely hope you and your family are having a good week off and find a good place to watch the game. Lets hope the officiating is better and I'll talk to you soon man. Take care.
from 3 months ago
You can just sell those tickets to me. That way you don't have to stand outside. My wife is a Riders fan and was sad that we couldn't go! You've made her happy! Where can I pick up the tickets?
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