Draft Registration

Unlike previous CFL Drafts in years past when the event was held hastily and even practically spontaneously, the 2008 Draft will be much more controlled and structured in order to try to obtain a greater commitment from everyone involved for the dozen or so games during the season. While few captains expect every single player on their roster to make it to every single game since unpredictable and more important events do come up, every player wants a teammate who wants to play, who wants to compete, who wants to win, and not a teammate who misses a game just because they didn’t feel like playing.

So in preparation for the 2008 draft, those who want to play in the upcoming season can now begin registering, signing up, enrolling (whatever you want to call it) with any of the captains by informing them to place your name on the "CFL Players List" for 2008. Registration is open to anyone willing and capable of playing, and once the list is compiled and the registration deadline is set, the CFL will shortly afterward finalize captains, teams, and draftees. It’s important to note that in addition to registering, the CFL will now require the season fee to be paid before the draft and not during the season. This will eliminate the need of having the Chief Financial Officer chase down players who haven’t paid and threatening delinquent individuals with suspensions that he has no authority to even enforce. So unless the player fee is received by the CFL, that individual will not be eligible for the draft or upcoming season, though players with financial hardships could possibly have the fee waived by explaining their situation to the CFL Committee before the draft.

Collecting the fees before the draft will further demonstrate the player’s commitment to the upcoming season and more importantly allow the CFL to purchase game equipment like belts, flags, whistles and field paint as well as a championship trophy and outing, and depending on the funds available additional game balls, penalty flags, and disposable hand warmers for all players during the colder games. The exact amount of the fee has not yet been determined but it will at least be $10. A few players have suggested $12 or $15 in order to buy better flags and equipment but that is still being debated since some captains consider that excessive. A decision will hopefully be made in a week or two. Any further information regarding the draft will be posted as it is received.