The NFL expects key members of each team’s soccer operations personnel to receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a “bona fide” medical or religious reason not to, according to a memo released to all clubs on Tuesday. .
NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said last month that no NFL employee, including players, should be vaccinated as a condition of employment, and it will remain so. However, Tuesday’s edict outlines the consequences for those Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers who choose not to. Those groups do not include players, but coaches, front office executives, medical personnel, video specialists and others who traditionally work closely with players.
According to the memo, “any staff member who refuses to be vaccinated for no religious or medical reason will not qualify for level 1 or 2 status and therefore will not be allowed access to the ‘soccer only’ area and may not work directly. Or in the close proximity to players. ”Unvaccinated workers are also not eligible for an expected relaxation of certain COVID-19 protocols for vaccinated individuals.
League player vaccination arrangements are being negotiated separately with the NFL Players Association, along with other pandemic-related off-season protocols. Meanwhile, teams have been asked to submit weekly reports on employee vaccination rates. The NFL and NFLPA are exchanging proposals on a vaccination threshold for individual teams that, according to Tuesday’s memo, “would provide vaccinated individuals with significant relief from requirements related to testing, PPE use, physical distance, travel and other topics.”