CFL's Glen Johnson says 2015 rule changes about flow, not increasing scoring

CFL games are not taking longer to play, it just felt that way every time in 2014 that officials huddled to discuss yet another penalty.

The off-the-cuff reaction to the rule changes coming in this season was largely a prophesy that restricting contact between receivers and defenders more than five yards downfield during pass plays would lead to an outbreak of 52-49 scorelines after the defence-dominated '14 season, when only three receivers gained more than 1,000 yards. League vice-president of officiating Glen Johnson, after visiting with Ottawa Redblacks staff on Tuesday, said that the changes are more about emphasizing finesse on each side of the ball.

The other focus is on reducing 'negative stoppages' — such as penalties, two-and-outs by offences — that occurred after more than half the plays last season.

"I've had people say, 'boy, your games take a long time,' Johnson said following a presentation to media at TD Place. "But it was the exact same average, two hours 55 minutes, last season as it was in 2013. In terms of minutes, we're the same but we want to get more flow, more opportunity for [long scoring] drives, and have more space.

"The best part about meeting with the teams is that everyone has accepted that this has already been passed," Johnson added. "No one's been resisting it. It's been 'let's figure out how to coach it and how to outcoach the other team.' "

There was an outcry from defensive players about the crackdown on contact beyond five yards. Johnson noted the rule prevents any player from initiating new contact, meaning receivers will be penalized for push-offs.

"I think it will be more balanced," Johnson said. "A receiver cannot use a 'flipper' — bang a guy [with his forearm] to get open ... I think you will see more collisions early. Get to see the skills and finesse of players on both offence and defence."

There's a possibility that there could be a plethora of flags early in the season as players — and officials, who will also be visting training camps later this spring — adapt to the new standards. But it was apparent last season. Penalties, according to league figures, rose to 21.6 per game (from 18.4 in '13), with a 75 per cent increase in illegal contact on receivers and a 50% jump in illegal blocks on kicking plays accounting for much of the increase.

How some other noteworthy changes will work 

— The referee will not turn his mic on after stepping off an automatic five-yard penalty after a no-yards call on a punt that bounced before being picked up. Broadcasters and in-stadium announcers will be responsible for informing fans.

That vast majority of five-yards no-yards penalties were on interior linemen, who can now no longer move downield until after the ball is kicked.

— Replay officials and technicians in the league's Toronto command centre will be able to access the TSN truck feed, allowing the network to take commercial breaks during challenges and automatic reviews.

— On a one-point convert attempt from the 25-yard line, a team has the option of putting the ball in the centre of the field or on either hash. On a missed attempt, there is no potential to recover a fumbled return and score a two-point convert.

— All game officials will have wireless headsets, to speed up coach's challenges and discussions after penalty flags are dropped. It's expected that could trim 10-15 seconds of dead time between plays. 

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.