The NFL is going to look very different in 2020 than it has in past seasons thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporating social distancing, limiting interpersonal contact and constant disinfection of pretty much everything that gets touched are all the new norms for the NFL.
In a memo from Commissioner Roger Goodell, the league laid out some of the requisite changes that all clubs must make to ensure safety for players, coaches, staffers and anyone else involved in making the NFL happen.
Among the changes and adaptations to the coronavirus pandemic for teams:
- Players, coaches, trainers and team personnel will be separated into three tiers. Access to various parts of team facilities will be limited to only the most essential employees and tiers. This includes having a separate entrance for the tiers.
- There must be six feet available at all times in the locker room for social distancing between players. That will require some major reconfiguration and possibly the creation of staggered locker room usage or an additional locker room area.
- Every person entering the facility must be screened with a five-part protocol before being allowed into restricted areas, which includes the locker room, common areas, practice facilities and weight room.
- No common-area furniture.
- Increased and frequent cleaning of all common areas and any equipment.
- Any meeting involving 20 or more people must be done remotely via teleconferencing apps.
There is still no word on training camp dates and protocols, or if fans will be allowed into stadiums for games. Stay tuned…
The memo, as published by NBC Sports’ Albert Breer via Twitter:
