NFLPA outlines requests for safer taking part in surfaces

The NFLPA and the league’s gamers have been pushing for safer taking part in surfaces all season, solely to get some pushback from the league and its groups. 

Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones was the latest owner to dismiss the push this week, however that didn’t cease the NFLPA from issuing an up to date record of what it needs to see from groups and stadiums. 

In a letter printed on the NFLPA web site, J.C. Tretter outlined some main modifications the union wish to see.

The primary change is the quick alternative and banning of all slit movie turf.

Tretter writes that slit movie turf has the next fee of in-game accidents for non-contact accidents, missed time accidents, lower-extremity accidents, and foot and ankle accidents. 

The second change is that video games now not be performed on fields which have apparent flaws or abnormalities. 

“Too typically we see fields with clear points that pose an elevated threat to the gamers. Most not too long ago, we noticed the sector in Tottenham that had an enormous uneven seam proper above the numbers. We shouldn’t be taking part in on something however the best-quality taking part in surfaces. We noticed this in Chicago and Las Vegas through the preseason as effectively, with chunks of grass torn up. This is a humiliation. The NFL could be fast to say one thing like, “These fields have handed their necessary inspections.” Whereas, once more, this can be a nice PR spin, it doesn’t handle the necessity for security enhancements.”

The union additionally wish to see the clearing of extra individuals and tools from the sidelines. 

“We now have seen too many accidents due to this situation, and it actually must be a easy repair. Give the gamers their area to carry out. Yr after yr, the NFL tells us they are going to look into it; and yr after yr, nothing ever modifications. The gamers are pissed off. We merely desire a safer office. The NFL has an obligation to offer the most secure work surroundings doable. They aren’t residing as much as that normal. We play one of the crucial harmful sports activities on the planet; it shouldn’t be extra harmful as a result of the golf equipment gained’t do something to take away the easy harm dangers on follow and taking part in surfaces. If the league needs to truly use knowledge to drive its selections, then do it already. We’ve been ready for years for a few of these modifications.”

The proposed modifications appear cheap, however a few of them are going to be powerful a promote for the NFL. Homeowners like Jones are going to do every part of their energy to stay with a field-turf different in the event that they really feel it has a decrease upkeep price and makes it simpler for the stadium to host different occasions (or non-NFL soccer video games) with out critical injury to the taking part in floor.

There have been a number of non-contact accidents this season on synthetic taking part in surfaces which have led to gamers — each former and present — calling for all grass fields.