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CFL bans full-contact practices, adds 3rd bye week in 2018

REUTERS/Mark Blinch

In an effort to improve player safety, the CFL has banned full-contact padded practices beyond training camp, effective immediately, and will add a third bye week for each team beginnning in the 2018 season.

The new regulations, announced Wednesday, were agreed upon by the CFL and the CFL Players Association.

"I said when I was appointed commissioner that their safety was my number one priority," CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said. "I want to thank the CFLPA for working with me to introduce these changes. As a former player, I understand this issue from the players' perspective and will continue to work with our players on matters of player safety."

Prior to the rule change, teams were allowed 17 full-contact padded practices throughout the season. As for the additional bye, the league will move to a 21-week schedule next year, with each team still playing an 18-game schedule.

"Removing full contact from practices is going to not only positively affect the CFL and its players but will send a signal to all sports across all levels that player safety must continue to be improved," CFLPA president Jeff Keeping said.

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