Today, The CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) released its first annual CFLPA Report Card. The Report Card presents valuable insights, provided by players, about their respective clubs to not only assist one another in making informed free agency 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, 2024.
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 of the CFLPA Report Cards initiative 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.
“The CFLPA Report Card initiative is about empowering our members and elevating the standards across the league. By sharing their honest feedback, the players are driving positive change and fostering a better environment for everyone involved in Canadian Football,.” said CFLPA President, Solomon Elimimian.
Methodology:
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, and a total of 495 players shared their experiences regarding their club’s workplace environment and conditions.
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 8 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 club’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.
About the CFLPA:
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership.
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of CFL News Hub. A dedicated and experienced football analyst, he has been providing comprehensive coverage of the sport since 2018.
