VANCOUVER — CFL players will have more than just money to consider when they hit free agency in February.
President Solomon Elimimian said Tuesday the CFL Players' Association will publicly unveil its first-ever team report cards next month. Elimimian added the results of the survey, which was conducted among union members, will assist players and their agents to make better informed decisions during free agency.
"It will support accountability among team owners because it will encourage clubs to improve working conditions based on real-time player feedback," Elimimian said during the union's Grey Cup address. "We want our teams to listen, respond, and respect the needs of our members."
The CFLPA is following in the footsteps of the NFL Players' Association, which released its first set of team report cards in 2023. The NFLPA provides letter grades for such things as teams' locker rooms, training facilities, weight rooms, food/cafeteria, treatment of families as well as training and strength-and-conditioning staffs.
Elimimian said the NFLPA assisted the CFLPA in its initiative.
The NFLPA says its goal is to "highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement, and highlight best practices and standards."
Elimimian added the union is continuing its search for a full-time executive director to replace Brian Ramsay, who left the post to become the executive director of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA). Former CFL player Peter Dyakowski continues to serve as the CFLPA's interim executive director.
Elimimian said the union has received over 70 applications for the job and that the window will close Dec. 1. Then the CFLPA will conduct interviews with a short list of candidates but Elimimian wouldn't say exactly when the position will be filled.
Dyakowski was noncommittal when asked if he was interested in the role on a full-time basis. He said his No. 1 priority is ensuring he does the best job possible right now in the post.
Last month, CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie announced he would retire in 2025 after his replacement has been named. Elimimian said he has contacted Ambrosie and offered to assist in the resolution of any outstanding issues that remain between the two sides to ensure a clear slate for both Ambrosie's successor and the new CFLPA executive director.
"With this leadership transition, we see tremendous opportunity and new perspective to further advance players' interests and needs," Elimimian said. "An active partnership can improve the overall product on the field, which will lead to more success for the entire league."
Whoever is named CFL commissioner, Elimimian said a priority for the union will remain player health and safety.
"It's hard to believe but we're still not covered under workers' compensation," Elimimian said. "We are forced to negotiate our members' health and safety and rehabilitation rights.
"We still have to file grievances on behalf of our members for rehab for on-the-field injuries. It is not fair and we continue to build support to have professional athletes protected and the rehab be an employer obligation."
Added Dyakowski: "The CFL game is the players and the players are the game. Our vital purpose is to ensure that they have healthy, safe and fair working conditions so they can focus on excelling at the game we all love."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 12, 2024.
Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
