The CFL has "ventured into new territory" by announcing a domestic violence policy that "focuses on prevention" and education, according to Chris O'Leary of the EDMONTON JOURNAL. The policy "applies to all CFL employees." In clear and documented cases of violence, the league "will impose sanctions ranging from suspensions to a lifetime ban" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 8/7). In Edmonton, Gerry Moddejonge notes the announcement "was made at BC Place Stadium ahead of Thursday’s game between the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Eskimos -- two teams who have been front-runners with outreach programs raising awareness on attitudes toward violence." Lions President & CEO Dennis Skulsky said, "Because it’s the right thing to do and because it affects all of us." He added that Lions players "have embraced the training they have undertaken over the past four years." Skulsky: "It wasn’t tough to get them to speak up and be part of this. We have a tide of fans and people and we have a voice in the community. I can’t think of a better way to use that voice" (EDMONTON SUN, 8/7). In Winnipeg, Gary Lawless writes the CFL, "often an afterthought on the landscape of North American pro sport, is now the leader and a shining example of how leagues should deal with their employees and privileged stars in matters of domestic violence." All of pro sports "is late getting to this issue but the CFL got it right." Lawless: "Sure, as time moves forward we’ll find flaws. But for a first step, this is groundbreaking and better than anything we’ve seen in sport." The NHL "has no stated policy, and most programs are reactive while the CFL’s is decidedly proactive." CFL senior management "drafted the policy in conjunction with frontline workers and it shows." The CFL "admitting its own ignorance on the issue led to success." They knew they were "ill-prepared to write policy" and consequently "spent time and money." This "isn’t lip service and an attempt to curry favour." How it is "enforced and executed is key" (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 8/7).
HEAD GAMES: The NFL and CFL on Thursday announced that they have partnered on implementing additional concussion tests during CFL games and practices this season. Medical staff for CFL teams this off-season began using the King-Devick Test (K-D Test) in training camps and will continue throughout the ’15 season. The NFL will contribute funding to help determine whether the K-D Test improves the ability to diagnose concussions (NFL/CFL).
