A Petition to the Canadian Football League

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.

209!

1,000+!

ha, made you look! :lol:

lol.

How many signatures will be on this petition by Christmas.
Here are the links to the petition. .

the thread

[url=http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4051]http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?name=PNphpB ... pic&t=4051[/url]

the petition

http://www.petitiononline.com/cflqb/

219 and counting.

Well, check out Marty York's article, he talks about the petition on line, supporting the changing of the NI rule.

Classy thing to do.

Sorry.

York has mentioned the petition on line in his report.

Here is his article.

[url=http://www.metronews.ca/column_york_report.asp?id=12731&cid=10223]http://www.metronews.ca/column_york_rep ... &cid=10223[/url]

There are now 233 signatures!

if we keep posting the number everyday, it's not gonna grow any faster and it's getting annoying, let's let it go for a while.

Im thinking about signing but Id need clarification on whether a team would lose an import spot or two if they choose to go with american QBs if teams have to take off another couple of imports because they play with american QBs then Id definitely be against this. But if playing a canadian QB would mean that thered be another spot open for an american somewhere else would be fine. The QB position is too important though to give to someone based on their nationality.

The letter- proposal accompanying the petition will mention that no other player will be disadvantaged, that includes both Americans and Canadians.

The purpose of this petition is not to disadvantage any other player. One suggestion was for the CFL to increase the roster, and not penalize any American players if a Canadian QB is signed.

Some Canadian QB’s have had the talent to play in the CFL and it would be nice if they could get the chance to demonstrate that. No one is asking that any other player be penalized, or that the Canadian QB get treated any differently than any other players. This petition is asking that they get the same opportunity other players do. As you say, the QB position is an important one, and no one wants to see qb’s lead the team who don’t have the talent. Had the Ottawa team not lost all of their qb’s when Russ Jackson was on their team, he would never have had the chance to show what he could do, everyone would have said, he didn’t belong. He wasn’t even signed as a qb. Currently, there are some inferior NCAA qb’s on teams who probably do not belong in this league, there have been Canadian QB’s who have been much better. For those who have the talent, let’s see what they can do, without penalizing anyone else.

The petition is not making any demands or asking for any handouts, and your questiions are good ones. These will be forwarded on to the author and to the CFL to ensure the concerns are included so the best solution is found and other playes are not disadvantaged as a result. I’m certain the CFL can work something positive out.

this petition was submitted to the CFL (copied to the CFLPA) on january 19, 2006, after 265 signatures had been recorded. thank you to everyone who signed so far. please continue to support it by sending it to your friends or anyone who may be interested.

you should make sure they know more are being added. Now there are 281 signatures.

Did the CFL ever reply to this?

308

317, keep them coming.

I just signed which makes it 321, and I believe this is long overdue. I think that Jamie Bone could have been a great CFL QB, but was never really given a chance to show what he could do for a team. There was a bias then(and still exists today) that Canadian QBs arent good enough to play in this league. There are exceptions (Russ Jackson), but a roster spot needs to be added for at least one Canadian QB for each team. I wonder how well Jesse Palmer could do if he ever decided to try the CFL.

In my opinion, they should at least be 4 QB spots on each team, with 1 spot reserved for a Canadian QB, as part of the import ratio.

what you ya think, sambo?

If he is canadian he is not part of the import ratio cause he is not an import!

Geeze!