There are suggestions that could be put forward to send along with the petition to the CFL, CFLPA:
For example, to put a motion forward at a CFL executive meeting where the petition could be voted on by the league.
A proposal that members of CFL teams start up a few more QB training camps, throughout the year and to help with the development of Canadian talent more at the QB posisiton.
To make a proposal whereby import QBs would also count towards the ratio, allowing a team with a NI QB to carry an extra canadian somewhere else (extra roster spot). That would be another way to solve the ratio paradox.
Adding extra players to the team.
The definition of non-import years ago included import players that played for the same team for over 5 (I think) years and this is a rule that could be brought back. One possible idea: include QBs in the ratio, increase the number of NIs on each roster by 1 - 3 and allow for more “naturalized” NIs on each team.
On the other hand there’s no question that all these signatures support the cause of giving canadian QB’s a fair shake however that might be implemented.
Sending the petition along to Stu Laird, from the CFLPA also sounds like a great idea.
Any other ideas anyone else can think of to be sent to the CFL as a proposal along with this petition?
Cdn rb’s werent’ at the top of the list for a draw in the CFL either until Lumsden came around. Actually, what drives attendance is good pr, marketing. And, Canadian content if marketed well, could really sell.
The trend in the CFL has been to add more import positions without increasing the number of NI spots to the point where Americans now outnumber Canadians on the typical CFL roster - via the last time the CFL made roster rule changes.
This petition does not ask the CFL to "develop" Canadian QBs - it's just hoping the change would cause them to consider/scout/evaluate the TOP (i.e. very best - not joe average CIS QB) Canadian QBs who come along (just as the ratio otherwise forces them to look at top Canadians at other positions, though CFL thinkers continue to favor looking to NI O-linemen, DTs, FBs, receivers, kickers, safety and just a few at tailback, DB, LB or DE) - rather than gleefully writing the QBs off as the present ratio rule allows them to do. The current ratio does not ask the CFL to develop any other position either, but when top NIs get the chance, they most often prove they can play those positions in the CFL.Confirmation by a CFL GM, that the NI rule holds Canadian QB's back from getting into the CFL, getting a fair opportunity there: http://www.cisfootball.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5979
The way the rule stands now guarantees that a revelation like Russ Jackson can't even emerge.... This designated 3rd QB who can't play anything else makes makes less sense than the ratio rule. Vocal pressure from the fans will be the only way to bring about change.