NFL Officials Likely Will Avoid Training Camps Due To Pandemic

NFL officials "likely won't set foot on a field until Week 1 of the regular season, one of several new coronavirus protocols under discussion between the league and the NFL Referees Association," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Officiating crews "usually make a multi-day visit to a training camp, during which they explain new rules to players and coaches and also work on their own timing and crew communication during practices." But NFLRA Exec Dir Scott Green said that those trips "have been canceled" in order to "minimize the risk of infection this year." Seifert reported the league is "hoping to have virtual presentations instead." Officials also "will not be able to get their usual work in during preseason games." Like the NFLPA, the NFLRA is "seeking an 'opt-out' policy that would apply to officials who either can't work because of the pandemic or are uncomfortable doing so" (ESPN.com, 7/22).