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You shouldn’t have to hit them over the head to change the way Canadian Football League players tackle one another.

But it does take time to change habitual behaviour on the field. The league’s continuing strategy of education, enforcement and punishment, when meshed with similar efforts in youth, junior, college and university sport, is a consistent step in that direction.

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After a two-year spike in hits to the head, the number appears to be on its way back down this season. The CFL issued 24 fines in 2016 for helmet-to-helmet hits and 21 last year, well up from 10 in both 2013 and 2014, and 12 in 2015.

Through games of Week 12, there had been just eight fines for head hits this season. Last weekend, however, both Edmonton QB Mike Reilly and his B.C. counterpart and close friend Travis Lulay took shots up high.

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“I do think the number of times it has happened to me each year has gone down progressively,” said Reilly, who recalled taking “quite a few” head hits in 2013. “And I think it’s because our league fines or flags or both and the guys understand that and they’re trying to change.