Ratio Question

CFL Talk
1

Ratio Question

Its my understanding that the 7 required starters are distributed along offence and defence and not counted for on special teams plays. If this is correct, how are Canadian kickers of any added value aside from filling out the required 19 non-imports on the 42 man roster?

Am I mistaken on my notion of special teams plays not counting for the ratio?

2

There are two parts to the import rule, roster spots and starting spots. A team may dress at most 19 imports, excluding the QBs, and only 16 of those can start on offence and defence. This leaves three imports as designated imports, who can only enter the game on offence and defence if one of the starting imports on that side of the ball comes out.

You are correct that punters and kickers don't count as starters. But they do count towards the roster count, and if they are imports, would take one of the three designated import spots, leaving the team with one (or two?) fewer import backups. Not a huge deal, but not insignificant.