The Canadian Football League Players’ Association will release results from its second annual report cards, which allows players to anonymously assess all nine CFL teams, on Wednesday, January 7.
The CFLPA wants the report cards to highlight the league’s positive work environments and identify areas that are lacking, which the union hopes will improve overall working conditions for its members. The results are also meant to help free agents make more informed decisions about where to sign when on the open market.
The CFLPA developed its survey with the NFLPA’s help as that union launched a similar initiative in 2023. Unlike its four-down counterpart, the CFLPA elected not to have any categories overtly tied to facilities, indicating that would have been “tough” for teams with older amenities. The PA also insisted it weren’t looking to “set teams up for an impossible category,” though the union acknowledged categories may be tweaked for the 2025 survey.
In October last year, the union distributed an online survey to its membership that was completed over a two-week period. The survey contained 58 questions across eight different categories, including football operations, management and administration, training and medical staff, equipment, family treatment, nutrition and diet, team travel, and training camp. Below are detailed descriptions for the categories as defined by the CFLPA.
Football operations:
Players were asked about their relationships with their head coach, coaching staff, and video staff; their team activity scheduling; and their team’s adherence to CBA provisions including those relating to padded practices and practice times.
Equipment:
Players were asked if they were required to pay for any necessary football equipment including gloves, mouthguards, and cleats; if they were given appropriate helmet choice; about the condition of their issued equipment; and about the general knowledge and helpfulness/availability of their equipment staff.
Management/administration:
Players were asked if they had ever been requested to renegotiate an existing contract for less total compensation; if CFL and CFLPA all-star bonuses were offered during contract negotiation; about the availability of their club’s financial department staff; if paid appearances and/or employment opportunities outside of football have been offered to the player; about the quality of seats provided for home game tickets; and about their comfort addressing concerns with their club’s management.
Training and medical staff:
Players were asked if their club had adequate levels of medical staff; if therapy was offered at adequate times in and out of season; about their perceived quality of care; about the availability of massage and chiropractic therapy; about the quality of their club work out facilities; and about the availability and expertise of the strength and conditioning coach.
Treatment of families:
Players were asked if their club offered services and support for wives and children including assistance in sourcing housing, childcare, open work permits for Americans, and medical and mental health services; and if family gameday facilities were provided.
Nutrition and diet:
Players were asked what meals their club provides and about the quality of those meals; if they were charged for those meals; about the availability of a club dietician; and about the quality, quantity, and adequacy of nutritional supplements provided.
Team travel:
Players were asked about the quality of their club’s travel arrangements; if the timing of flights allowed for adequate post-game rest and recovery; about reimbursements for any travel-related expenses; and, if applicable, about travel during the practice week to off-site facilities.
Training camp:
Players were asked about the quality of their housing during training camp; if they had to share a room during training camp; about the quality of their meals during training camp; and if their club adhered to CBA practice time and padded practice requirements during training camp.
