- A rouge accounts for a single point.
- It’s awarded when any kick goes into the end zone and fails to be returned or goes out of the back of it.
- A walk-off rouge occurred in 2024 between the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
When I do any CFL betting, the rouge is always something I consider. It’s unlike anything else in football betting, but this CFL rule can swing games unexpectedly.
Betting on the CFL is available at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
Below, I’ll explain what a rouge is, where the name came from, and more.
What Is a Rouge in the CFL?
In the CFL, a rouge is when a team earns one point on various kicking plays, including the following:
- When a kicked ball via punt, missed field goal, or kickoff goes into the end zone, the receiving team doesn’t return outside the end zone.
- When the receiving team kneels in the endzone or is tackled inside the endzone.
- When a kicked ball goes through the end zone without being touched.
Why Is a Single Point Called a Rouge?
The rouge rule dates back to the early days of football and rugby in Canada. In 1958, the CFL was formed after a merger between the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union and the Western Interprovincial Football Union.
So, while the CFL adopted more American football rules, the rouge, which came primarily from rugby, stuck and was adapted to the “new” game.
The term rouge is believed to be used because officials would use a red signal to indicate that the ball carrier didn’t leave the end zone.
What Is a Punt for a Rouge?
When punting, a rouge can be had when the team on the receiving end of a punt kneels down in the end zone, gets tackled in the end zone, or the ball goes through or out of the back of the end zone untouched.
What Is a Walk-Off Rouge?
A walk-off rouge happens when the game is tied, and on the final play, any kind of kick—punt, field goal, or kickoff—is kicked into the opponent’s end zone, and they fail to return the kick.
For example, let’s say a team is on the opponent’s 40-yard line, and the game is tied 20-20. It’s too far for a field goal, but the team can opt to punt with the intent of kicking it out of the back of the end zone. If this happens, they’d get one point and win the game 21-20.
In 2024, a walk-off rouge occurred between the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. The game was tied at 19. They attempted a field goal. The kick was wide left, but it went out of the back of the end zone, and they won the game anyway due to the rouge rule.
WALK-OFF ROUGE 🚨
Argos only needed a single point to win… and they got it!#CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/vkvuxF9f5K
— CFL (@CFL) August 23, 2024
