Junior football is following the lead of the university game in Canada.
The Canadian Junior Football League announced Tuesday morning that the age restriction has been increased from 22 to 23 years old for the 2021 season due to the 2020 campaign being cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in July, U Sports reversed a previous ruling that would’ve meant the 2020 season being scrubbed and would’ve effectively ended the university football careers of all student-athletes going into their fifth and final years. The C-J-F-L, the governing body for the Prairie Football Conference…as well as the B-C and Ontario Conferences…including the six-time defending Canadian Bowl-champion Saskatoon Hilltops, added that the 23-year-old age limit extension will be in place for the 2022 season as well. Following is the news release from the C-J-F-L…
Extended Eligibility
A decision has been made to extend the eligibility of players
The CJFL is focused on returning to play in 2021 and continue to plan for a full season leading up to the Canadian Bowl National Championship.
The cancellation of the 2020 season affected all of our players but most significantly those athletes that are nearing the end of their eligibility. The decision has been made to extend the eligibility of those players 22 years of age in 2020 (born 1998) for one additional season in 2021. Furthermore for those players 21 years of age in 2020 (born 1999) they have been granted one additional year of eligibility as well for the 2022 season. The CJFL remains committed to players that have chosen the CJFL as their long-term development path. To be eligible for this extended eligibility, affected players must have been on a 2019 CJFL roster, or registered with the CJFL (including those signed to a letter of intent) prior to August 6, 2020.
The CJFL and our 18 member teams continue to work towards a successful 2021 season.
