What counts as pass interference in the CFL?

On a forward pass thrown across the line of scrimmage, eligible receivers of both teams have an equal right to the ball. The 2026 Official Playing Rules say it is pass interference by either team when a player:

• physically contacts an opponent in a way that creates separation, redirects, restricts or impedes the opponent, is visually evident, and materially affects the opponent's opportunity to play the ball
• screens (face guards) an opponent during an attempt to catch the ball
• "goes through" an opponent during an attempt to play the ball

It is not pass interference when:

• the pass is deemed uncatchable
• the ball has already been touched by an eligible receiver of either team
• a player who has gained position makes a bona fide effort to go to and play the ball
• there is only incidental contact while moving to the ball that does not materially affect an eligible player's route
• a receiver makes contact while looking for and genuinely attempting to catch or bat a reachable ball

Penalty if Team B (defence) commits it: if the interference is ruled accidental, the ball moves 10 yards from the previous spot and Team A gets an automatic first down. If it is ruled deliberate, Team A gets an automatic first down at the point of the foul or 10 yards in advance of the previous spot, whichever is closer to Team B's goal line (or at Team B's 1-yard line if the foul is in Team B's goal area).

Penalty if Team A (offence) commits it: 10 yards from the previous spot.