What is a field goal in Canadian football? A field goal is a scoring play where a kicker kicks the football through the opponent’s goalposts. It is worth three points. Can I score a field goal from anywhere on the field? Yes, as long as the ball is kicked from behind the line of scrimmage and successfully goes through the goalposts. Who is responsible for field goals? The kicker, often a specialized player, is primarily responsible for executing field goal attempts.
Canadian football, with its unique rules and larger field, presents a distinct landscape for the field goal. While the core concept of kicking the football through the uprights for points remains, the specifics of how and when this can be achieved are shaped by Canadian Football League (CFL) regulations. This deep dive explores the intricacies of Canadian football field goal rules, from the basic mechanics to strategic considerations.
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The Mechanics of a Successful Field Goal
A successful field goal in Canadian football is a play where the offensive team, facing a fourth down, chooses to attempt to kick the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. This is a strategic decision, often made when the team is within a reasonable kicking distance and a touchdown seems unlikely.
The Setup: Line of Scrimmage and Hash Marks
The game begins from the line of scrimmage. This is an imaginary line where the ball is placed before each play. For a field goal attempt, the ball is typically snapped from this line. The kicker will then receive the snap, and the holder will place the ball on the ground or a tee.
A crucial element influencing field goal attempts are the hash marks. These are lines painted on the field, running parallel to the sidelines, indicating where the ball is placed between downs. In Canadian football, the hash marks are much closer to the center of the field than in American football. This means that field goal attempts are often taken from a position that is not directly in front of the goalposts.
Hash Mark Placement and Field Goal Angles
The position of the ball on the hash marks significantly impacts the angle the kicker must achieve to send the ball through the goalposts.
- Center of the Field: When the ball is placed on the centerline between the hash marks, the kicker has the most direct line to the goalposts, offering the widest margin for error.
- Closer to the Sideline: As the ball moves towards the hash marks, the angle becomes more acute. This requires greater precision and power from the kicker. The kicker must compensate for the lateral distance by imparting a significant “bend” on the ball with their foot.
The Kick: A Precise Operation
The act of kicking the football for a field goal is a highly coordinated effort involving the snap, the hold, and the kick itself.
- The Snap: The center snaps the ball to the holder. The snap needs to be accurate and consistent, allowing the holder to place it correctly.
- The Hold: The holder, usually the punter or a backup quarterback, catches the snap and quickly places the ball on the ground, leaning it forward on its point. Their job is to ensure the ball is perfectly positioned for the kicker. A bad hold can easily lead to a missed kick.
- The Kick: The kicker approaches the ball, taking their steps, and strikes the ball with the instep of their foot. The goal is to generate both height and distance, ensuring the ball clears the crossbar and passes between the uprights.
The Goalposts: The Target
The goalposts are the ultimate target. They consist of a crossbar 15 feet above the ground, with two upright posts extending vertically from each end of the crossbar. The distance between the uprights is 18 feet 6 inches. For a field goal to be successful, the ball must pass between the uprights and over the crossbar.
Scoring and Value of a Field Goal
A successful field goal is worth three points. This is a significant point value, especially in close games.
Field Goals vs. Other Scoring Plays
- Touchdown: A touchdown is worth six points, scored when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches it there.
- Point After Touchdown (PAT): After a touchdown, the scoring team has the opportunity for a point after touchdown (PAT). In Canadian football, this is typically a single kick from a designated spot (usually the 15-yard line) that goes through the goalposts. A successful PAT is worth one point. If the team opts for a two-point conversion attempt, they can run or pass the ball into the end zone from the 3-yard line, which, if successful, is worth two points.
- Safety: A safety is worth two points and is awarded when the offensive team is tackled or fumbles the ball out of bounds in their own end zone.
The strategic decision to attempt a field goal versus going for a touchdown on fourth down is a critical coaching call, dependent on factors like field position, score, time remaining, and the kicker’s ability.
Rules Governing Field Goal Attempts
Canadian football has specific rules that govern field goal attempts, ensuring fairness and defining what constitutes a legal play.
The Scrimmage Kick Rule
A field goal is classified as a scrimmage kick. This means it is kicked from behind the line of scrimmage.
Key Aspects of the Scrimmage Kick Rule:
- Behind the Line: The kick must be made from behind the original line of scrimmage. If the ball is kicked from beyond the line of scrimmage, it is an illegal kick.
- Possession: The ball is dead when it crosses the goal line extended, or when it goes out of bounds.
- Receiving Team’s Options: If a scrimmage kick goes into the receiving team’s end zone without being touched by the receiving team, it results in a touchback, and the receiving team gets the ball at their 25-yard line. If the receiving team touches the ball in their end zone and it goes out of bounds, it is also a touchback.
Blocked Field Goals
A blocked field goal occurs when a defensive player legally touches the kicked ball before it crosses the line of scrimmage.
What happens after a blocked field goal?
- Live Ball: A blocked field goal remains a live ball.
- Recovery: Either team can recover the loose ball.
- Possession: If the kicking team recovers the ball, they retain possession, and the down is replayed (unless it was fourth down and they recovered it beyond the line of scrimmage, in which case the opposing team takes possession). If the receiving team recovers the ball, they gain possession and can advance it, much like a fumble.
- No Yards: If the kicking team recovers the blocked kick beyond the line of scrimmage, they are subject to the “no yards” rule if they advance the ball, meaning the receiving team can gain yardage if the kicking team fails to advance the ball at least ten yards.
Illegal Kicks
Certain actions during a field goal attempt are considered illegal kicks, resulting in penalties.
- Kicking the Ball Forward: A kicker cannot intentionally kick the ball forward beyond the line of scrimmage during a field goal attempt, except for the kick itself. For example, if the snap is fumbled and the kicker tries to kick the fumbled ball forward, it’s an illegal kick.
- Kicking a Loose Ball: A player cannot kick a loose ball that is on the ground. This is different from kicking the ball from a hold or a tee.
Penalties Associated with Field Goal Attempts
Penalties can significantly impact field goal attempts. Common penalties include:
- Illegal Formation: Incorrect number of players on the line of scrimmage.
- Offside: A player crossing the line of scrimmage before the snap.
- Holding: An offensive player illegally grasping or impeding a defensive player.
- Roughing the Kicker/Holder: Contacting the kicker or holder after they have kicked or are in the process of kicking the ball. This is a serious penalty.
The penalty for roughing the kicker or holder typically results in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down for the offensive team. If the foul occurs during a field goal attempt and the kick is unsuccessful, the offended team has the option to replay the down with the penalty enforced, or accept the result of the play. If the kick is successful, they can choose to either accept the three points or replay the down with the penalty enforced from the previous spot.
Strategic Considerations in Field Goal Attempts
Coaches and players must consider various factors when deciding to attempt a field goal and how to execute it.
Field Position and Distance
The distance from the goalposts is a primary factor. Kickers have a range, and attempting a kick from too far out significantly reduces the probability of success. CFL field goal attempts are often longer than in American football due to the larger field dimensions and the placement of the hash marks.
Time and Score
In close games, a field goal can be the difference.
- Late in a Quarter/Game: If a team is trailing by a small margin and time is running out, a field goal attempt might be the only way to get points on the board.
- Leading: If a team has a narrow lead, adding a field goal can create a more comfortable cushion.
Wind Conditions
Wind can play a significant role. A strong headwind can reduce the distance of a kick, while a tailwind can aid it. Kickers must adjust their approach and power based on wind direction and strength.
Kicker’s Strength and Accuracy
Each kicker has their own strengths and limitations. A kicker known for long-range accuracy might be trusted with a kick from further out, while a less experienced or powerful kicker might be limited to shorter attempts.
The “Fake Field Goal”
While not a field goal in itself, the threat of a field goal attempt can be used for strategic deception. A scrimmage kick formation can be used for a fake field goal, where the holder or kicker attempts to run or pass the ball instead of kicking it. This is a high-risk, high-reward play.
Field Goals in Overtime Scoring
In Canadian football, overtime scoring rules dictate how points are awarded when games are tied.
CFL Overtime Rules:
- Possession: Both teams get an opportunity to possess the ball from a specific yard line (typically the 35-yard line).
- Field Goals: If a team kicks a field goal on their possession, the other team must then score a touchdown to win, or a field goal to continue overtime. If the second team only scores a field goal, the game continues, and subsequent possessions must result in a touchdown or a stop.
- Winning the Game: The game ends if a team scores and the other team fails to match or exceed that score on their subsequent possession (or if the first team’s possession ends without a score and the second team scores).
The ability to kick field goals is crucial in overtime, as it can be a way to secure a victory or keep a team in the game.
Comparing Canadian and American Football Field Goal Rules
While the fundamental concept is the same, there are notable differences between Canadian and American football field goal rules.
| Feature | Canadian Football (CFL) | American Football (NFL/NCAA) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Width | 65 yards | 53.3 yards |
| Hash Marks | Closer to the center (18 yards from sidelines) | Further from the center (24 yards from sidelines) |
| Goalposts | 25 feet wide uprights, 10 feet high crossbar | 18 feet 6 inches wide uprights, 10 feet high crossbar |
| Kickoff Spot | 35-yard line | 35-yard line (NFL) / 30-yard line (NCAA) |
| PAT Spot | 15-yard line | 3-yard line |
| Blocked FG Ball | Live ball, can be advanced by either team | Live ball, can be advanced by either team |
| Kicking Tee | Allowed for field goals and PATs | Not allowed for field goals and PATs (only kickoffs) |
Impact of Differences:
- Field Size and Hash Marks: The narrower hash marks in Canadian football often lead to more angled field goal attempts, requiring greater kicking skill. The wider goalposts, however, offer a slightly larger target.
- PAT Location: The much longer PAT in Canadian football (15-yard line compared to 3-yard line) makes it essentially a short field goal attempt, demanding consistent kicking accuracy. This can also influence offensive strategy, as teams might opt for a two-point conversion more often if the PAT distance is a concern.
- Kicking Tee: The allowance of a kicking tee in Canadian football can provide a more stable platform for the ball, potentially aiding accuracy and distance for some kickers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens if a field goal attempt hits the crossbar and goes over?
A: If a field goal attempt hits the crossbar and then goes over the crossbar and between the uprights, it is considered a successful field goal and three points are awarded.
Q2: Can a team attempt a field goal on any down?
A: While a field goal can technically be attempted on any down, it is almost exclusively attempted on fourth down. Attempting a field goal on first, second, or third down would be an unusual and generally poor strategic decision, as it would forfeit the opportunity to gain yardage and retain possession.
Q3: What is the furthest a field goal can be kicked in Canadian football?
A: There is no set maximum distance for a field goal attempt. However, the practicality of kicking the ball through the goalposts from extreme distances is limited by the kicker’s strength, accuracy, and external factors like wind. CFL records show successful field goals over 50 yards, and in exceptional circumstances, even longer kicks are attempted.
Q4: What is a “rouge” and how does it relate to kicking?
A: A “rouge” (or single) is a unique Canadian football scoring play worth one point. It occurs when a kickoff or a missed field goal attempt enters the opposing team’s end zone and is not returned out of the end zone by the receiving team. If the ball is kicked through the goalposts on a missed field goal, it is not a rouge; it simply results in the opposing team getting the ball at the spot of the kick. However, if a field goal attempt does not go through the goalposts and lands in the end zone and is not returned, a rouge is awarded.
Q5: Is there a rule about how many players can be on the line for a field goal attempt?
A: Yes, like any other scrimmage play, there must be seven players on the line of scrimmage for the offense. The kicker and holder are typically not counted among those seven.
Q6: What is the difference between a field goal and a point after touchdown (PAT) attempt in terms of rules?
A: While both involve kicking the football through the goalposts, a point after touchdown (PAT) is a specific play that follows a touchdown. It is typically attempted from a closer distance than most field goals. The rules regarding penalties and live balls are similar, but the strategic context and the yardage from which the kick is taken are different. A PAT is worth one point if successful by kicking.
In conclusion, the Canadian football field goal is a nuanced play governed by specific rules that blend the fundamental skill of kicking with strategic decision-making and the unique characteristics of the Canadian game. From understanding the angles dictated by the hash marks to the implications of a blocked field goal or the scoring dynamics in overtime scoring, a comprehensive grasp of these rules is essential for appreciating the strategic depth of Canadian football.