The NFL will consult an advisory committee made up of former coaches, general managers, and players on such issues as postponing, moving, or even canceling games this season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Troy Vincent, the league's football operations chief, said that the advisers, who will report to Commissioner Roger Goodell, will help avoid any "inequities" in those decisions.
Vincent did not identify any members of the panel, saying he was awaiting their approval to do so.
Vincent also said the league will consider playoff games in a bubble environment, noting that "all options are on the table."
Game-day and travel protocols were sent to all 32 teams this week, which included "extensive in-stadium specifics include rules for the field, sidelines, locker rooms, tunnels, entrances, and training rooms," the Associated Press reported.
The league said that when traveling, masks must be worn at all times, everyone must stay in separate hotel rooms, buses limited to no more than 50% capacity, and when on an airplane, a seat must be left open between passengers.
"I am very proud of the innovation and attention to detail that our club medical staffs have shown as they have created these plans, which were reviewed and approved by the league, the NFLPA, and our infectious disease experts,” said NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills.
Teams will not be allowed to leave their hotel to eat or use restaurants that are open to the public, the league said.
Cheerleaders and mascots cannot be on the field this upcoming season, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Cheerleaders and mascots will not be allowed on the field during the 2020 season, according to updated NFL-NFLPA protocols sent to clubs.
Yet another way the NFL will look different in the COVID-19 world.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 19, 2020
Pelissero added that network sideline reporters and pregame TV reporters will also not be allowed on the sidelines.
The NFL season kicks off Sept. 10.
