The week kicks off with major news on how the NFL plans on dealing with access to team facilities when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the league is creating a three-tier system that has already created a divide. The report, published Monday, says there have been heated discussions within teams as to who ends up in what tier.
Teams have to let league office know the tiers people are on seven days before the first mandatory reporting date for players for the 2020 season. Twenty-six teams are scheduled to begin training camp July 28.
Another point of major interest: The NFL and NFLPA may perform surprise inspections of sites to ensure compliance with the protocols.
NFL is mandating that all 32 teams create “tiers” of access in each of their facilities to try to manage coronavirus, as outlined in a memo obtained by ESPN.https://t.co/aCrpi06R10
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 22, 2020
The system will be referred to as IDER for Infectious Disease Emergency Response. Per the memo ESPN’s Schefter has obtained, the plan sets forth protocols for containing an outbreak of COVID-19.
Each list must include the individual’s first name, late name, title, role, and requested access tier. The NFL then will review the lists and either approve or require revisions. Any proposed change to a club’s list must be submitted to, and approved by, the NFL.
• Tier 1 will consist of players, coaches, trainers, physicians, and necessary personnel who must have direct access to the players.
• Tier 2 will consist of general managers, football operations employees, other assistant coaches, video personnel, security, and other essential personnel who may need to be in close proximity to the players and other Tier 1 individuals who may need to access restricted areas. Only individuals assigned to Tiers 1 and 2 will be permitted access to restricted areas, and there will be limits on the number of individuals from each team that can be assigned Tier 1 and Tier 2 access at any given time.
• Tier 3 will consist of certain operational personnel, in-house media and broadcast personnel, field manager, transportation providers and individuals who perform essential facility, stadium or event services but do not require close contact with Tier 1 individuals. Team and other personnel who work exclusively in areas of team facilities that are or will be completely cordoned off from the rest of the facility do not need to be credentialed in one of the three access tiers.
Social distancing, cleaning protocols are also spelled out. Masks are required in facilities unless they interfere with athletic performance.