Differences Between American and Canadian football

The biggest difference between Canadian and American football is the size of the playing field. In Canada, football fields are 110 yards long and 65 yards wide. In America football fields are 100 yards long and 53 and 1/3 yards wide. ... Instead of four as in the American game, Canadian football has three.

1. Are CFL and NFL footballs the same size?
2. What is American football called in Canada?
3. Why does the CFL only have 3 downs?
4. Why doesn't the CFL join the NFL?
5. Is CFL better than NFL?
6. Why is Canadian football different?

Are CFL and NFL footballs the same size?

The official CFL ball is 11 to 11 1/4 inches long with a short circumference range of 21 to 21 1/4 inches and long circumference range of 28 to 28 1/2 inches. ... While the same ball is not used in both leagues, the CFL and NFL football are similar in size.

What is American football called in Canada?

Gridiron football, also known as North American football or, in North America, simply football, is a family of football team sports primarily played in the United States and Canada.

Why does the CFL only have 3 downs?

The rules in the CFL actually creates a scenario where three downs can help balance a game more evenly between offense and defense. The CFL requires that the defensive team is one yard away from the line of scrimmage; in the NFL, the defense can get right on the line.

Why doesn't the CFL join the NFL?

Similar bills have been introduced to Parliament since the Bills Toronto Series was announced. It has been suggested that one of the reasons the NFL would not want to put a franchise in Canada and risk putting the CFL out of business is that the CFL offers antitrust protection as a competing league.

Is CFL better than NFL?

The biggest single difference between CFL ball and NFL ball is three downs versus four. With fewer downs to make your 10 yards, more offensive aggression is necessary, which usually means more passing and a lot less settling for plays that might only get you a couple yards.

Why is Canadian football different?

The biggest difference between Canadian and American football is the size of the playing field. In Canada, football fields are 110 yards long and 65 yards wide. ... The goal posts in Canadian football are placed at the front, rather than the back of the end zone which is also deeper in Canadian football than American.