3 down vs. 4 down

By Lee Barette

This document has been developed to discuss the debate of Canadian football leagues participating in 3 down football versus 4 down football. I am biased towards 3 down football. I enjoy 3 down football and I enjoy everything about our unique Canadian Rules football. I believe that all the rules marry together to produce an outstanding sport; therefore adding an additional down would throw off the intricate balance.

I believe that every league in Canada that consists of players age 12 or older should be competing in 3 down Canadian Football. The only thing that should be adjusted for these age groups is the size of the football itself (smaller balls for younger ages).

Leagues I believe that compete in 4 down football:

1. B.C. High School Football (fields are American size)
2. 2 of the 27 Ontario High School football regions still compete in 4 down football
3. Ontario Varsity Football League / Ottawa Midget Football League
4. CEGEP (there is a rumour that double A may switch to 3 down football)
5. Quebec High School?

Reasons For 3 down football:

• 99% of minor / high school players who play football after these leagues are going to go on to play Canadian University (CIS), Canadian Junior (CJFL or QJFL), or Canadian Professional (CFL) whom all play 3 down Canadian Rules Football.
• the only way to advance our game is to have a consistency in rules and goals; which this would achieve
• would force coaches to pass / kick / punt and therefore develop quarterbacks / kickers / punters / long snappers / returners
• others discussed in “response” questions

Why coaches want 4 downs:

I believe that coaches who want 4 downs (this is one of the major reasons) are simply insecure or disinterested in coaching special teams. I believe if Football Canada / CIS / CFL put an emphasis on this part of the coaching and teach people how this part of the game can make such a difference that coaches (and therefore players) would put more of an emphasis on this opportunity in the game. Also, 3 down football is more challenging to coach because I would argue that there is much more strategic decisions to be made; more decisions to punt or not; more decisions based on field position or special teams rather that pure offense or defense; more decisions based on momentum. I would say approximately 3 times more head coaching decisions.

Lastly, high school / minor coaches may want there players to have an opportunity to play in the United States. There is nothing wrong with this. But, just because a player plays 4 down football instead of 3 down football does not mean this kid would have a better chance. American coaches don’t care what down it is when they are watching film on a prospective player…they only care about the players performance.

Another argument is one that the “skilled offensive /defensive players” would get more opportunities to play in 4 down over 3 down. Okay, I don’t believe that there is a big difference in the number of offensive/defensive plays in 4 down versus 3 down. Firstly, because of how our game is timed we have more opportunities for plays than the American timed game. Also, I don’t know if anyone has studied this empirical data; I don’t believe there would be that great a difference. I believe this argument is just a result of wanting some of the above reasons. Also, special teams is an important skill that has gotten many Canadians jobs south of the border: Mike Vanderjagt (K), Eddie (K), Steve Christie (K), Scott Shuisham (K), Mitch Berger (P), Jon Ryan (P), J.P. Darche(LS).