The NFL reached an agreement with the NFL Referees Association on protocols related to the novel coronavirus and opt-out provisions for the 2020 season, the NFLRA announced Saturday.
“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our members,” Scott Green, the NFLRA’s executive director, said in a statement. “Although there will undoubtedly be some risk for our officials, we are pleased to have finalized a plan with the League that provides additional benefits and protections during this unprecedented season.”
The NFLRA also said any positive coronavirus test by a game official during the season would be treated as an injury suffered during a league-sanctioned or required activity and the official would be entitled to pay, medical expenses and benefits.
More than 60 NFL players opted out of the season by last Thursday’s deadline. Under the agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association, a player with a high-risk medical condition is to receive a $350,000 stipend for this season if he opts out. A player not considered at high risk is to a receive a $150,000 salary advance.
