The CFL Players' Association released its inaugural team report cards and the Saskatchewan Roughriders tied with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the best overall grade.
The grading presents valuable insights, provided by players, about their respective teams to not only assist one another in making informed free agent decisions but also to contribute to raising standards for conditions across the league. 495 players provided responses to a comprehensive survey over a two-week period in October.
The CFLPA is dedicated to advocating for player-driven improvements in working conditions for its members, which includes ensuring a positive daily experience at team facilities, not just on game day, but every day. The primary objectives for the CFLPA report cards are to highlight teams that are setting positive examples, identify areas where improvement is needed, showcase best practices and workplace standards.
The CFLPA collaborated with assistant professor in sport psychology, Desmond McEwan, PhD, from the University of British Columbia to refine the survey analysis and ensure a comprehensive and impartial systematic review of all data collected.
Courtesy: 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 collective bargaining agreement 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, mouth guards, and cleats; if they were given appropriate helmet choice; about the condition of their issued equipment; and about the general knowledge, helpfulness and availability of their equipment staff.
Management and 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 team's financial department staff; if paid appearances and 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 team's management.
Training and medical staff:
Players were asked if their team 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 team work out facilities; and about the availability and expertise of the strength and conditioning coach.
Treatment of families:
Players were asked if their team 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 game day facilities were provided.
Nutrition and diet:
Players were asked what meals their team provides and about the quality of those meals; if they were charged for those meals; about the availability of a team dietitian and about the quality, quantity, and adequacy of nutritional supplements provided.
Team travel:
Players were asked about the quality of their team'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 team adhered to CBA practice time and padded practice requirements during training camp.
The 58-question survey was distributed online to all players on CFL rosters at the time, ensuring every eligible member had an opportunity to participate and have their voice heard -- the responses were collected anonymously.
Players provided evaluations based on their personal experiences with their current teams. The survey included a combination of multiple choice, rating, and open-ended questions over eight categories, allowing players to provide detailed feedback. Scoring for each category was then averaged and normalized to translate the data into standardized letter grades for each club These grades incorporate various aspects of workplace conditions, including the quality of team facilities and services offered to players.
Each team’s report card provides an overview and commentary stemming from player responses, offering a clear picture of workplace conditions as experienced by those on the 2024 rosters. This feedback represents the collective opinions of our members and serves as a valuable tool for fostering a better working environment throughout the league.
