NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement

Article 39
Players’ Rights To Medical Care and Treatment

Section 15
DICON

The NFL and the NFLPA have consulted with the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network (“DICON”) regarding the risk of common infection to NFL Players. In order to address this risk, DICON has suggested a comprehensive program involving implementation of certain preventative measures at NFL Club facilities, the training of Club employees and education of NFL players about the risks presented by infection and practices that may reduce their susceptibility. The NFL and NFLPA jointly retain DICON to design and administer the “DICON Program for Infection Prevention in the NFL”. This Program, as outlined by DICON in the Parties’ agreement with DICON, includes:

  • (a) the design of facility-specific protocols for each NFL Club;
  • (b) education of players and relevant Club employees as to “best practices” for infection prevention;
  • (c) development of response plans for MRSA and other transmissible infectious diseases;
  • (d) presentations at the annual NFL Combine and NFL Rookie Symposium;
  • (e) research on infectious disease in NFL Players and Facilities, as mutually agreed upon by the Parties;
  • (f) outbreak investigation; and
  • (g) such other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Parties. The Parties agree that the NFL, or the individual Member Clubs, shall be responsible for the entire cost of this program.