Player Safety Information
By Patrik Nohe
In recent weeks the number of bone-jarring, potentially dangerous collisions seems to have spiked exorbitantly. It seemed like in the course of one weekend about five players were seriously hurt when they collided, helmet-to-helmet, with defenders. The resulting response from the NFL has drawn a lot of praise and a lot of criticism.
Opponents of the NFL’s new crusade against illegal hits have cited small directional changes by players, the speed of the game a number of other factors in why the league’s decision to fine and potentially suspend violaters is wrong. The old schoolers are crooning that the game isn’t what it once was and this was just another step in making this a more offense-oriented sport.
But the NFL is unwavering in its belief that something has to be done, it’s taken numerous steps to both educate players and then penalize those that choose not to abide by the rules. The NFL recently released material to the players on curbing helmet-to-helmet hits.
Ever wonder what the NFL actually hands out to the players when they deal with rule changes or are beginning to enforce new fines? Well you’re in luck! The NFL today decided to circulate the portion of the rule-book that deals with player safety. This is the same material distributed to players and NFL personnel. The league also included the following points that have been included in recent weeks for the players a well.
"Any play involving a violation that needs to be reviewed for possible discipline, whether flagged on the field or not, is referred by the NFL Officiating Department to Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson and his staff, which includes Director of Football Operations Merton Hanks, a nine-year NFL veteran (1991-99). Merton Hanks or Ray Anderson make the initial determination for discipline for on-field violations.Appeals are heard and decided by Pro Football Hall of Fame player and former NFL coach Art Shell and by former NFL coach Ted Cottrell. Shell and Cottrell are appointed and paid jointly by the NFL and NFLPA. All on-field fine money collected by the NFL is used for charitable purposes. These funds have been used to support retired player programs, including the NFL Player Care Foundation and NFLPA Players Assistance Trust; disaster relief initiatives; and other charities supporting youth, education and sports-related medical research.The player has the right to appeal league discipline. The Collective Bargaining Agreement specifies that appeals of fines or suspensions of players for unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct are determined by the Commissioner’s designee. The decision on persons appointed as the Commissioner’s designee for on-field player discipline appeals is made in consultation with the NFL Players Association."
Here is the full Player Safety Information release.