AJLCF survey | First-in-class Roughriders; the Alouettes in the middle of the pack

The Saskatchewan Roughriders earned top marks in the first annual survey of Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) members.

The Riders obtained two A’s and five B’s in the eight categories (see below) covered by the 58 questions concocted by the union. Distributed in October, 495 CFL players responded to the survey.

CFL clubs were rated on their football operations, management and administration, medical staff, equipment, how they treat players’ families, nutrition, travel and camp. training. The Roughriders earned an A for football operations and leadership and Bs everywhere except nutrition, where the team received a D-minus.

The Montreal Alouettes are in the middle of the pack. They got a B for football operations, their management and the medical team, but a C for equipment, nutrition, travel and training camp. Their worst grade was for the treatment of families, a D.

The survey consisted of answer choices, player ratings, and essay questions for each category. The scores were then compiled to establish an average incorporating different aspects of workplace conditions, including the quality of facilities and services offered.

Only two failures were awarded, both to the Edmonton Elks, who got F for nutrition and their training camp.

The AJLCF collaborated with the D^r Desmond McEwen, assistant professor in the department of Sports Psychology at the University of British Columbia.

The union indicated that the objectives of this initiative were to highlight the work of the teams while identifying aspects for improvement.

“This AJLCF newsletter is a way to equip our players and raise standards across the league,” said AJLCF President Solomon Elimimian. By sharing their honest feedback, players hope to make positive changes and create a better environment for everyone involved in Canadian football. »

The union follows in the footsteps of the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA), which released its first report card in 2023. The NFLPA also uses letter scoring for various categories, such as locker rooms, training complexes, weight rooms, nutrition or cafeterias, treatment given to families, as well as the coaching staff.

Elimimian also indicated during his speech during the week of the Gray Cup that the NFLPA had helped the AJLCF to carry out this survey.

The Red and Black highly rated

The Ottawa Redblacks also performed well in this first survey, also receiving two A’s (football operations and equipment). The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (equipment), Toronto Argonauts (medical staff), and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (equipment) are the only other franchises to earn at least an A grade.

The Bombers, who have just appeared in the last five Gray Cups, earned three Bs (football operations, management, medical staff) and three Cs (nutrition, travel, training camp).

“I find our travel from Winnipeg for our road games to be excruciating,” said one respondent. We travel in small planes, with few seats and very little legroom.

“We are given Goldfish cookies and crackers. It’s very uncomfortable and everyone I know in the team dreads away games. »

However, another said: “This is the best organization, I couldn’t be happier to be here.” Go Bombers! “.

The Argos, winners of two of the last three Gray Cups, earned Bs for football operations, equipment and training camp and Cs in other categories. But they also received their share of blame.

“When I was told I needed surgery, almost no effort was made to coordinate the surgery date with a doctor,” noted one respondent.

“We’re lucky to get a pair of cleats here,” added another. It shouldn’t be difficult to ask for a new pair of gloves or cleats. I buy two pairs of crampons per season and never get a refund. »

Hamilton received six Bs and one C for football operations. Ottawa received four Bs and one C for leadership and nutrition.

“On match days, there is a small room for families,” one player replied. However, it is far from everything and is not equipped, not even a TV to watch the match. »

“It’s embarrassing when you’re hurt to always have to ask for a second opinion,” said another. I also have to go to another location to complete my treatments because we have nothing other than an ultrasound machine from 20 years ago. »

The Elks, Lions and Calgary Stampeders are the only teams to receive more than one D.

The Lions earned a B for football operations and Cs for equipment, travel and training camp, but Ds for management, medical staff, nutrition and treatment of families.

The Stamps received five Cs and three Ds: leadership, treatment of families and nutrition.

The Elks received two Bs (football operations and equipment) and two Cs (management, medical staff). But the team was rated D for treatment of families and travel.

“We need better food during training and after matches,” said one player. Cold pizza is enough. »