NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
Players’ Rights To Medical Care and Treatment
Section 11(a)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;
To establish a joint committee to provide advice and guidance regarding the safety, performance, and testing practices of NFL game-day and practice field surfaces and thereby improve and protect the safety and health of NFL players. The Field Surface Safety & Performance Committee shall perform research and advise the Parties regarding (i) injury prevention, (ii) improved field surface testing methods, (iii) the adoption of tools and techniques to evaluate and improve field surface performance/playability (e.g., metrics to gauge minimum softness; quantitative cover ratings; measuring head impact criteria), (iv) establish and implement safety and performance testing metrics for NFL game-day and practice field surfaces, and (v) undertake such other duties as the Parties may assign.