TORONTO – The Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL) have renewed their joint officiating development program, reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing officiating standards across North America. The initiative, first launched from 2016 to 2019, resumes this month with two seven-person CFL officiating crews participating in NFL training camp joint practices starting August 13.
“This collaboration with the NFL is a tremendous opportunity,” said Darren Hackwood, CFL Vice-President of Officiating. “Repetition at the professional level is essential for growth. By expanding opportunities for our officials, we’re strengthening the game and the officiating community continent-wide.”
The program will feature current CFL and NFL officials, along with participants from the NFL’s development pipeline. While CFL officials will travel to the U.S. for this phase, NFL officials will not visit Canada due to in-season scheduling constraints. Both leagues plan to explore future cross-border exchanges.
“Officiating is foundational to football’s integrity,” said Ramon George, NFL Vice President of Officiating Training and Development. “The CFL and NFL operate with one standard—accuracy, integrity, and excellence. This partnership reflects that shared mission.”
CFL Crews Headed to NFL Camps
From August 13–14, CFL officials will join NFL counterparts for joint practices in Minnesota and Philadelphia:
Minnesota Crew (Vikings vs. Patriots)
- Marc Cobb Line of scrimmage Brantford, ON
- Iain Cropper Deep side Saskatoon
- Ryan Lange Deep middle Edmonton
- Ritchie Miller Umpire Winnipeg
- Dan Mulvihill Line of scrimmage Regina
- Kevin Riopel Deep side Repentigny, QC
- Andrew Wakefield Referee Toronto
Philadelphia Crew (Eagles vs. Browns)
- Thomas Cesari Line of scrimmage Kirkland, QC
- Dan Fleischhaker Deep side Regina
- Jason Maggio Deep middle Burlington, ON
- Justin McInnes Referee Edmonton
- Kyle Mikulik Umpire Winnipeg
- Christopher Shapka Line of scrimmage Comox, BC
- Rob Skaggs Deep side Edmonton
This renewed partnership marks another step toward building a unified officiating standard across professional football’s top leagues.
