The NFL has intensified its measures to ensure that coaches on the sidelines wear masks by issuing a memo stating that teams can receive penalties if someone approaches officials without an appropriate face covering.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, senior vice president of officiating administration Perry Fewell sent a memo to teams informing them that officials have been given the authority to penalize teams for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“Any individual who approaches an official without a face covering is at risk of a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, along with potential fines, suspensions, and loss of draft picks,” as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The memo from Fewell specifically mentions several head coaches who have been seen removing their masks and states that game officials have been reminded that they can take administrative or officiating action, including penalties, if someone without a face covering approaches them inappropriately.
“We have witnessed instances where head coaches have taken off their masks to talk to game officials during games. This poses unnecessary risks for the game official, the head coach, and others, and goes against the requirement of wearing face coverings at all times,” the memo states.
“Please ensure compliance with the face covering and physical distancing guidelines as you interact with game officials. Similar to all other individuals on the sideline, game officials deserve your respect as they carry out their duties during the pandemic.”
Jon Gruden, Vic Fangio, and at least three other coaches have already been penalized for breaching safety protocols.
