NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
Players’ Rights To Medical Care and Treatment
Section 11(d)Field Surface Safety & Performance Committee
In furtherance of NFL and the NFLPA’s ongoing efforts and express intention to enhance the safety and performance of NFL field surfaces and playing areas, and thereby advance the safety and protect the health of NFL players, the Parties have agreed;
The NFL Stadium Playing Area Inspection Program will test NFL playing and practice surfaces to ensure that they are in compliance with the Mandatory Practices (and the mandatory practices and metrics set forth by the Field Surface Safety & Performance Committee pursuant to this Section) and to ensure that every NFL Stadium is in compliance with the Mandatory Field Wall Padding and Non-Slip Surfaces Policy. To the extent any playing area is found to be out of compliance, that stadium field manager must initiate remedial measures in coordination with the NFL Football Operations Department. For field surfaces that are found to be out of compliance, the NFL will update the NFLPA’s designee(s) regularly about the remedial measures, including the scheduling of additional testing. In furtherance of the foregoing, any field surface where flooring or staging is to be used on the field for an extended period of time prior to and within one (1) day of an NFL game (e.g., concerts, Hall of Fame ceremony), the stadium field manager (or other NFL designee) shall provide at least three (3) days’ advance notice to NFL Football Operations. The NFL will notify the NFLPA designee(s) of the same and the NFL’s Playing Area Inspector and NFLPA’s field testing consultant shall have an opportunity to confirm compliance with the Mandatory Practices after such flooring or staging has been removed. In the event any playing surface is found to be out of compliance on game day, that stadium field manager shall initiate remedial measures as appropriate in coordination with the NFL Football Operations Department and the NFL will immediately notify the NFLPA’s designee(s) and take all reasonable measures to remedy. Should a player or the NFLPA allege that an NFL Stadium is not in compliance with the Mandatory Practices, as applicable, or any other metrics or standards set by the Field Surface Safety & Performance Committee pursuant to this Section, the NFLPA shall have the right to commence a Non-Injury Grievance pursuant to Article 43 of this Agreement.