NFL officers have been licensed to penalize groups for unsportsmanlike conduct if a coach or another person on the sideline approaches them whereas not carrying applicable face coverings, in response to a memo despatched to groups Friday.
The memo, written by senior vp of officiating administration Perry Fewell, got here in response to complaints from the NFL Referees Affiliation about coaches flattening their masks to yell at officers in shut vary. The NFL’s COVID-19 protocols require everybody on the sideline to put on face coverings besides gamers who’re actively concerned within the sport. Officers should put on them always, except they’re saying a penalty.
“We have now seen a number of events the place head coaches have eliminated their masks to speak with sport officers throughout video games,” Fewell wrote within the memo. “Doing so creates pointless, elevated threat for the sport official, the pinnacle coach, and others, and is inconsistent with the requirement that face coverings be worn always. … In line with all different people on the sideline, sport officers are entitled to your respect as they carry out their job duties throughout the pandemic.”
5 coaches have been fined $100,000 apiece — and their groups $250,000 — for failing to put on face coverings throughout video games. That self-discipline stays in place. Friday’s memo permits officers to take fast motion on the sector.
Wrote Fewell: “We have now reminded sport officers that if a person not carrying a face overlaying approaches them inappropriately, they’ve the authority to take administrative or officiating motion, together with a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.”
