Rouge Makes Canadian Football More Fun

Canadian football offers a distinct experience compared to its American counterpart. One of the key elements that sets it apart is the rouge, or single point. This unique scoring rule adds a layer of strategic excitement to the game, often leading to thrilling last-minute plays like the one described between the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts.

Understanding the Rouge

A rouge is awarded when the kicking team kicks the ball into the opponent’s end zone, and:

• The receiving team doesn’t return the ball out of the end zone.
• The kick is not a successful field goal or kickoff.

In these scenarios, the kicking team earns a single point, while the receiving team gets possession at their 25-yard line (according to CFL rules). This seemingly minor point can have a significant impact on the game, particularly in close contests.

The Rouge’s Impact on Strategy

The existence of the rouge forces teams to consider field position and game situations more strategically. Here’s how:

• Punting Decisions: Punting becomes a more nuanced decision. While punting typically gives the ball away, the threat of a rouge discourages intentionally shanking the punt out of bounds. This can lead to more strategic punting for better field position.
• Field Goal Attempts: Teams might be more inclined to attempt field goals, even from longer distances, to avoid the risk of a rouge on a missed attempt.
• End-of-Game Scenarios: As seen in the Alouettes-Argonauts example, the rouge adds drama to close games. If a team is trailing by one point with seconds remaining, they can’t simply run out the clock. They need to ensure a successful field goal or kick the ball out of bounds to avoid the rouge and a potential loss.

The Rouge: A Celebration of Canadian Football’s Roots

The rouge harkens back to Canadian football’s rugby roots. In rugby, any kick that lands dead in the opponent’s in-goal area (similar to the end zone) awards points. The rouge retains this element, adding a layer of complexity and strategic nuance not found in American football.

While the exact origin of the term “rouge” remains unclear, some believe it might be linked to a red flag used to signal this score in the game’s early days. Regardless of its origin, the rouge stands as a unique aspect of Canadian football, one that injects strategic intrigue and exciting last-minute plays into the game.