In an information note sent to players on Monday evening, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the management of the “National Invitational Camp” mentions that it “encourages all players to remain inside the secure facilities of the event for [leur] security “.
Updated yesterday at 10:28 p.m.
They will still be free to circulate as they wish during their free time.
However, the note reiterates that the rule limiting each invited player to a single companion is maintained. Athletes may, however, consult with other specialists from their support team outside of the camp facilities.
The relaxations to the rules come 48 hours after invited hopefuls were told they would be forced into a lockdown bubble for the duration of the assessment camp. An announcement that had raised the anger of agents and their customers who had not hesitated to denounce it.
In the initial directions, we threatened to expel any player who would come out of the “bubble”.
There is still a point of contention about the limit imposed on young hopefuls to be accompanied by a single specialist during the various tests to assess their physical abilities. These could be accompanied by a personal trainer or a massage therapist, for example.
The idea of a boycott of the event was raised over the weekend, but several agents indicated that they could not bring themselves to advise their clients not to participate in the evaluation camp which is used by teams to make decisions for the entry draft.
The camp must take place from 1er to March 7 in Indianapolis.
“I understand their grievances,” commented agent Leigh Steinberg on Monday.
He pointed out that the majority of the 324 invited hopefuls have prepared with a team of specialists and “they want to have them with them or even be able to discuss with their agent”.
Steinberg also pointed out that some athletes want to be accompanied by family members or an entire support group for their physical and psychological well-being.
In his opinion, the health rules imposed by the NFL for this event are unjustifiably too strict.
“But once we’ve said all that, we’re still going to send our players there because it’s the Super Bowl of recruiting,” he explained. We have athletes who have worked their whole lives to prepare for the NFL Draft. »
Another agent, Joe Linta, supports his colleague. “Now is not the time to be guinea pigs and put careers on the line” to put pressure on the league.
He too intends to advise his clients to abide by the rules although he still hopes for relaxations before camp begins.
“It’s in the interest of the NFL to make sure everyone participates,” Steinberg said.
The Associated Press has unsuccessfully reached out to NFL scouting president Jeff Foster to find out if the health guidelines stand a chance of being changed.
It is Foster’s department that oversees the organization of the NFL tryout camp. In an information note sent to invited players on Saturday, they were informed that they would be confined in a bubble established in a secure location.
These logistical decisions were officially made by the “National Invitational Camp” which organizes the event and not directly by the staff of the NFL.
Besides, the NFL has resisted the idea of creating bubbles even during the height of the various waves of the pandemic. In addition, the league abolished virtually all health restrictions related to COVID-19 at the end of the season.
The instructions sent to the players specify that it is possible to be accompanied by a professional to support them during the event. This may be a personal trainer, massage therapist or medical professional. This person must be approved in advance by the organisers.
Anyone who will be in contact with the players must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as well as proof of a booster dose. Professionals providing treatment to players will be required to wear a mask.
Wearing a mask is recommended for players and observers present at the event.
Last year, the NFL tryout camp was canceled due to the pandemic. The teams had to settle for the professional showcases of the players to complete their assessments.
By imposing new rules this year, the organizers want to limit distractions and provide an environment that reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19, but the idea of a bubble has been abandoned.