American Football vs. Canadian Football — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 24, 2023
American Football is played with 11 players on each side on a 100-yard field, while Canadian Football involves 12 players and a 110-yard field. Both sports differ in rules, field dimensions, and some gameplay elements.
Difference Between American Football and Canadian Football
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
American Football, commonly just referred to as "football" in the United States, is a sport that's deeply embedded in the country's culture. It's played on a rectangular field that's 100 yards in length with end zones on both ends. The primary objective is to score points by advancing the football into the opponent's end zone, either by running with it or passing it. In contrast, Canadian Football, though similar in many respects, has its unique features and is deeply rooted in Canada's sporting heritage.
The playing field in Canadian Football is distinctly larger than its American counterpart. The field stretches 110 yards with end zones that are deeper. Moreover, while American Football is played with 11 players on the field for each team, Canadian Football features 12 players. This extra player and added space change the dynamics of gameplay, offering a slightly different spectator experience.
One notable difference between American Football and Canadian Football is the number of downs. In American Football, teams have four downs or attempts to advance the ball 10 yards for a new set of downs. However, in Canadian Football, teams only get three downs to achieve the same. This distinction means Canadian Football tends to have more passing and less emphasis on running the ball compared to American Football.
The scoring in both games is fairly similar, with touchdowns, field goals, and safeties. However, Canadian Football has a "single" or "rouge" point, awarded in specific situations involving the ball being kicked into the end zone. Both sports have their unique championship games, with American Football culminating in the Super Bowl and Canadian Football in the Grey Cup.
Comparison Chart
Letters Count
16 (American + space + Football)
17 (Canadian + space + Football)
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Syllables
6
6
Word Classification
Compound Noun
Compound Noun
Usage in a Sentence
Subject or Object
Subject or Object
Grammatical Connections
Paired with adjectives about the sport
Paired with adjectives about the sport
Compare with Definitions
American Football
A sport where points are scored by touchdowns, field goals, and safeties.
American Football strategy involves both offensive and defensive planning.
Canadian Football
A sport that includes touchdowns, field goals, safeties, and the unique "rouge" point.
Scoring a single or rouge is a distinctive aspect of Canadian Football.
American Football
A team sport popular in the U.S. where two teams compete to score by advancing a ball into the opponent's end zone.
Super Bowl Sunday celebrates the biggest American Football game of the year.
Canadian Football
A gridiron game with three downs to advance the ball 10 yards.
The offensive strategy in Canadian Football often involves more passing plays.
American Football
A game played with 11 players on each side on a 100-yard field.
High schools across the country have their own American Football teams.
Canadian Football
A game played with a slightly larger ball and different set of rules than its American counterpart.
Players and fans are passionate about their local Canadian Football teams.
American Football
A game with four downs to advance the ball 10 yards for a new set of downs.
The team managed to get a first down in their American Football match after a long pass.
Canadian Football
A team sport originating in Canada, featuring 12 players on each side and played on a 110-yard field.
The Grey Cup is the championship trophy in Canadian Football.
American Football
A gridiron game with distinctive protective equipment and set play sequences.
Helmets and pads are essential gear in American Football to ensure player safety.
Canadian Football
A sport deeply ingrained in Canadian culture, with its history dating back to the 19th century.
The rich history of Canadian Football is celebrated in various museums across the country.
Common Curiosities
What's the main objective in both sports?
In both American and Canadian Football, teams aim to score by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.
How many downs are in Canadian Football compared to American Football?
Canadian Football has three downs, while American Football has four.
How many players are on the field in American Football vs. Canadian Football?
American Football has 11 players, while Canadian Football has 12.
What's the field size difference between the two?
American Football's field is 100 yards, and Canadian Football's is 110 yards.
What are the championship games for both?
American Football has the Super Bowl, and Canadian Football has the Grey Cup.
Are the balls used in both sports the same?
No, the Canadian Football is slightly larger and rounder than the American Football.
Which is older, American Football or Canadian Football?
Canadian Football traces its origins back slightly further than American Football.
Can American Football teams play against Canadian Football teams?
Not in official league games, as rule differences would make play challenging.
Are the player roles and positions the same in both sports?
While many positions are similar, there are differences due to the number of players and rules.
What's a "rouge" in Canadian Football?
It's a unique scoring method in Canadian Football, awarded for certain kicks into the end zone.
Are field goal posts positioned differently in both games?
Yes, Canadian Football posts are at the front of the end zone, while American Football's are at the back.
Are the seasons for both sports played at the same time of the year?
Generally, both sports have their seasons in the fall, but there can be slight differences in start and end times.
How popular are these sports in their respective countries?
Both are immensely popular, with American Football being a major sport in the U.S. and Canadian Football having a strong following in Canada.
Which sport has more passing, American Football or Canadian Football?
Typically, Canadian Football has more passing due to having fewer downs.
How did the two sports evolve separately?
Both evolved from rugby but diverged due to regional variations and rule changes over time.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
