Significant changes to the game to be announced tomorrow morning

[bone]

I know that I will be in the minority and I will probably be crucified for this, but the single biggest way to grow the game is to improve the quality of the on field product and the best way to do that is to eliminate the mandatory Canadian ratio and bring in the best players regardless of their nationality.

I really do understand the league's rationale for the ratio but for me it's more important to have a healthy and exciting football league in Canada than it is to have a minimum amount of Canadian players on a team.Also, I think that our amateur programs have improved over the years as has the quality of Canadian talent. There would be less Canadians if the ratio was eliminated but they are never going to be gone IMO.

Other things that I think would help:

1. New stadiums for Edmonton and Calgary (Especially Calgary). Easier said than done I know;
2. Start the season two week earlier so they don't finish so late in November;
3. More initiatives to bring in the younger generation. I know a lot of older fans don't want to see a Snoop Dog half-time show but let's face it; A lot of my generation are already lifelong CFL fans and we are not going anywhere and your not attracting young people by bringing in Randy Travis
4. A franchise player exception to the salary cap. Antone recall what a draw rocket Ishmael was in the 1990's?

Alright. Fire away!

The only objection I'll throw at you on these is the earlier start. They've already bumped it up a couple weeks and frankly no one seems interested in watching football in May or June, so maybe the weather sometimes sucks at the end of the year, but I don't see starting the league earlier will result in more interest.

[Looner]

I know that I will be in the minority and I will probably be crucified for this, but the single biggest way to grow the game is to improve the quality of the on field product and the best way to do that is to eliminate the mandatory Canadian ratio and bring in the best players regardless of their nationality.

I really do understand the league's rationale for the ratio but for me it's more important to have a healthy and exciting football league in Canada than it is to have a minimum amount of Canadian players on a team.Also, I think that our amateur programs have improved over the years as has the quality of Canadian talent. There would be less Canadians if the ratio was eliminated but they are never going to be gone IMO.

Other things that I think would help:

1. New stadiums for Edmonton and Calgary (Especially Calgary). Easier said than done I know;
2. Start the season two week earlier so they don't finish so late in November;
3. More initiatives to bring in the younger generation. I know a lot of older fans don't want to see a Snoop Dog half-time show but let's face it; A lot of my generation are already lifelong CFL fans and we are not going anywhere and your not attracting young people by bringing in Randy Travis
4. A franchise player exception to the salary cap. Antone recall what a draw rocket Ishmael was in the 1990's?

Alright. Fire away!

no roasting what so ever as any and all aspects of the game need to be looked at when 7 of 9 teams are losing money. I've done more thinking on the changes as well as what consider to be vital to the Canadian game, such as the rouge (modified but still there) Canadian content, the amount of players on the field, the waggle and player accessibility. They haven't touched those YET so I'm willing to come at this with an open mind.

[Sectionq]

I know that I will be in the minority and I will probably be crucified for this, but the single biggest way to grow the game is to improve the quality of the on field product and the best way to do that is to eliminate the mandatory Canadian ratio and bring in the best players regardless of their nationality.

I really do understand the league's rationale for the ratio but for me it's more important to have a healthy and exciting football league in Canada than it is to have a minimum amount of Canadian players on a team.Also, I think that our amateur programs have improved over the years as has the quality of Canadian talent. There would be less Canadians if the ratio was eliminated but they are never going to be gone IMO.

Other things that I think would help:

1. New stadiums for Edmonton and Calgary (Especially Calgary). Easier said than done I know;
2. Start the season two week earlier so they don't finish so late in November;
3. More initiatives to bring in the younger generation. I know a lot of older fans don't want to see a Snoop Dog half-time show but let's face it; A lot of my generation are already lifelong CFL fans and we are not going anywhere and your not attracting young people by bringing in Randy Travis
4. A franchise player exception to the salary cap. Antone recall what a draw rocket Ishmael was in the 1990's?

Alright. Fire away!

I won't roast you at all, I have said similar things.

IMO the supply of Canadian players does not meet the demand of the CFL. The best Canadians go play in the NFL. There are some real good Canadian players but if a person goes and looks at each teams roster, you will find a few real good ones on every team but only a handful. The majority of "starters" would probably be back ups at best if there wasn't a ratio or the ration was very reduced.

IMO, I think there is a large portion of people who enjoy the game of football, are OK with the rules being a bit different than the NFL but just want to see the best possible product in their backyard. There are I am sure some who care about the passport of the players but IMO most really don't go to watch a Canadian, they just want to see good ball close to home. Other than the real die hard fans, I am sure the average fan doesn't where the majority of players are from. They just know who's a good player and who's not.

[widowmaker]

The only objection I'll throw at you on these is the earlier start. They've already bumped it up a couple weeks and frankly no one seems interested in watching football in May or June, so maybe the weather sometimes sucks at the end of the year, but I don't see starting the league earlier will result in more interest.

Good point about the earlier start. The Oilers going deep into the playoffs during May and June would also pull fans away in the early season.