How long is a game, and how many time outs do we get?

Question

Accepted Answer

At High School level or equivalent and below, a game is 48 minutes of actual playing time in four 12-minute periods (60 minutes in four 15-minute periods is the standard length for older levels). Half time is 20 minutes, or such other rest period as the league decides. Each team has two 1-minute time outs in each half. Time outs cannot be carried from one half to the next, and there are no team time outs in overtime. Leagues may shorten games to fit a time slot, but no timing change may lengthen a game. Mercy rule: after the first half, if the score difference reaches 35 points or more, the clock runs for the rest of the game except for injuries, scores, time outs or any reason the Referee deems necessary. It does not apply at U Sports and CJFL levels. For games shorter than 48 minutes, the rule book recommends that time stops once the first down distance has been made. Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule 1, Sections 3 and 5, and Rule Modifications.