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The NFL has sent out a league memo that has revealed the guidelines for players when they are able to return to team facilities, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
The NFL issued protocols to clubs this morning laying out plans for players’ return to club facilities, including physical distancing, facility cleaning and disinfecting, equipment cleaning etc. pic.twitter.com/mNzpnqfb0h
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2020
Included in the memo are a few interesting protocols that are going to need to be followed. Teams will need to reconfigure their locker room to make sure that the six-foot social distancing guidelines are met. Team meetings are still going to be expected to be done virtually when that is an option.
After each game, all equipment will be disinfected, including helmets and shoulder pads. Everyone is also going to be expected to wear masks unless it would interfere with athletic activities.
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That last part is going to be interesting because it's unclear how it will work. When a player is resting after an offensive possession, it could be difficult to immediately put on a mask. Having to wear the mask could be a problem games wear on, especially for the defensive and offensive linemen in the trenches.
These are the guidelines for now, but once players start to get into the facilities and teams start to work out the kinks of the new “normal,” there will probably be tweaks to the rules to better serve the needs of the players while also maintaining a dedication to the health of players, coaches and staff.
The most important thing for the NFL right now is trying to get everyone back into the facilities and have football in the fall while keeping everyone healthy. Coaches are already permitted back in the buildings and it looks like players may not be too far behind.
