NFL Announces Proposed Safety Protocols for Players' Return to Team Facilities

The NFL has released its updated plan for safely returning players to club facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the protocols released Monday were plans to remodel locker rooms to allow players to remain six feet apart, while masks must be worn unless they interfere with "athletic activities," per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:

Ralph Vacchiano of SNY added the new proposed mandates "call for workouts of no more than 15 players at a time, staggered player appointments and meetings either held virtually or outdoors. Everyone in the building must wear a mask, and they'd have to wear it for outdoor meetings, too."

He added Monday's announcement was as notable for what it didn't mention as what it did, however: 

The league will also be splitting team personnel into three tiers, with varying levels of access to restricted areas, per Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports:

• Tier 1: "Players, coaches, athletic trainers, team physicians, head strength and conditioning coaches, head equipment managers."
• Tier 2: "Club facility staff, additional coaches and strength and conditioning coaches, additional trainers and equipment managers, ownership, general managers, football operations staff, security personnel, etc."
• Tier 3: "Operational personnel, in-house media and broadcast personnel, field manager, additional stadium and security personnel."

Tier 1 will be limited to 60 people on top of the total number of players. Tier 2 will have some access to restricted areas, though their time and contact with Tier 1 personnel will be limited. Tier 3 personnel will only be given access to restricted areas when Tier 1 and 2 personnel aren't present. 

The reality of the coronavirus, and the fear of another outbreak in the fall or winter, will make any resumption of NFL play more complicated. The rules and regulations regarding a return to team facilities make that much clear. It's the new reality in professional sports, at least until a vaccine is developed.