There's a change of rules adopted by Football Canada Rules Committee

RULE 4 SECTION 5 ARTICLE 1.(E)

On any play, blocking below the waist is illegal except in the close line play area by a player who is occupying a position in this area at the snap of the ball.

The adoption of this rule does not cancel the rule currently started in Rule 4 Section 5 Article 1.(E), but is an addition to it. The editorial changes (numbering) will be made at the next write of the rule book.

Sufficient concern about Blocking below the waist was raised that it was deemed to be an issue that needed to be addressed immediately. The rationale for the rule change is to reduce the potential for injury and to provide consistency in the rule application across the country.

It should also be noted that the National Federation of State High School Associations in the United States have also have in place a rule restricting blocking below the waist to the close line play area.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS RULE IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY