Big Blue OK with league reducing number of coaches’ challenges

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This article was published 02/08/2017 (3016 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie acted quickly on his promise to revamp the CFL’s rules for coaches’ challenges after recent outrage over long delays brought on by multiple video reviews.

Effective this week, coaches will only be permitted to challenge one play per game under changes to the video-review system approved Tuesday night.

Previously, each team had two challenges per game and could earn a third if a coach was successful with his first two challenges. Now, teams will have only one challenge, but will still need to have a timeout to initiate the process. If a challenge fails, a timeout is forfeited.

“We have a super game,” said Ambrosie Wednesday. “Our elite athletes are treating us this year to incredible plays, close contests and even miracle comebacks. Scoring is up, penalties are down, and games are shorter. The last thing we want to have in place is an artificial impediment to our fans’ enjoyment of it all.

“Video review, unfortunately, has become just that. It was put in place to fix egregious and indisputable mistakes that could affect the outcome of a game. It’s not being used that way now. Too many challenges and reviews are interrupting the game. Coaches, understandably since they are under pressure to win, have been using it to try to gain an advantage. Fans have been very clear with me that they want a change. We are delivering that change.”

The change received the stamp of approval from Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea.

“I’ve got a firm belief that if they made a decision like that it’s in the best interests of the league, so let’s go forward,” said O’Shea following the Blue Bombers’ practice at Investors Group Field.

“It doesn’t surprise me. As I said, just like on a team, if you think everybody’s in it together and they’re all in it for the same reason, then there’s no reason to have any questions about it. Everybody’s in the same boat, it’s going to make our game better, let’s go forward.”

O’Shea admitted challenges had become more tactical in some situations, often serving as timeouts.

“I threw a flag this year that I knew was going to be a tough one to win,” added O’Shea. “It happens… we still have the ability to challenge a big play that can make a difference. The belief is it’s going to make it a better fan experience and a better game. It would be good to have more flow in the game — it really would.”

A mid-season change is not unprecedented. Last August, then commissioner Jeffrey Orridge announced if a team’s first challenge failed it would lose a timeout, thereby eliminating the much criticized “free challenge.”

Blue Bombers middle linebacker Sam Hurl was fine with the adjustment.

“I like it. I think it’s a good way,” said Hurl. “Before those changes happened, that was just part of the game. The refs are part of the game as much as anything. I think it’s a good change, it’s fine. I don’t think it necessarily is better or worse for anybody but as a league, in general, it’s a good thing. You’re going to let the referees do their thing and if they make the right call, great. If make the bad call, it’s part of the game in any other sport.”

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Running back Andrew Harris was on board, too.

“As a player, you really don’t want to rely on challenges and overturning things, “ said Harris,. “You want to be able to keep the game in your hands and what you do on the field. So, you really can’t think about those things.”

Harris believes the move is a common sense approach.

“I think the game gets slowed down with so many challenges, for us, it’s just going to increase the game speed and eliminate those delays,” said Harris. “To me, that’s a good thing.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @sawa14