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Canadian football

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Canadian football is a fast and exciting sport played across Canada. Two teams compete to move a pointed, oval ball down a field. Each team has twelve players working together to reach the other side. They aim to carry or kick the ball into the opposing team's end zone.

Canadian football field
Canadian football field

The field used for this game is very long and very wide. It also has end zones that are much deeper than those in American football. To score, players can also use goalposts. These H-shaped posts stand right at the front of the end zone.

CFL footballs and helmet
CFL footballs and helmet

There are specific rules that make this game unique. Teams have three tries, called downs, to move the ball forward. They must gain ten yards within those three tries to keep playing. This is different from American football, which allows four downs. In 1903, a set of rules called the Burnside Rules helped make the game more standard. These rules reduced the number of players to twelve per side. They also introduced the snap-back system to start plays.

First down marker
First down marker

The history of the sport goes back a very long time. It grew out of a game called rugby football. British immigrants likely brought rugby to Canada around 1824. The first recorded football match in Canada happened on November 9, 1861. This game was played by students at the University of Toronto. Later, in 1874, McGill University played a series against Harvard University. Many famous clubs formed in the late 1800s. The Toronto Argonaut Football Club was formed on October 4, 1873.

Anthony Calvillo game action, 93rd Grey Cup
Anthony Calvillo game action, 93rd Grey Cup

Today, many different levels of players enjoy the game. The most famous group is the Canadian Football League, or CFL. This professional league has nine teams. The biggest event for these teams is the Grey Cup championship. This trophy was first given in 1909 by Albert Grey.

Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, August 2005
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, August 2005

Other people play in U Sports at the university level. They compete for a trophy called the Vanier Cup. There are also junior leagues for players aged 18 to 22. Even women's football is growing with leagues like the Western Women's Canadian Football League.

Canadian football is a big part of life in many provinces. In places like Edmonton or Winnipeg, players deal with cold weather. They sometimes have to play on fields that are icy. Despite the snow, the sport brings people together. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame is located in Hamilton, Ontario. This place honors the history and the people of the game. It shows how much the sport means to the country. Even the rules are now recognized for international play.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:CFL footballs and helmet.jpg
CFL footballs and helmet.jpg
File:Canadian football field.png
Canadian football field.png
File:Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, August 2005.jpg
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, August 2005.jpg
File:Anthony Calvillo game action, 93rd Grey Cup.jpg
Anthony Calvillo game action, 93rd Grey Cup.jpg
File:First down marker.png
First down marker.png
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