ATLANTA — The NFL made thigh and knee pads mandatory equipment for the 2013 season, something the players’ union was not pleased with. ATLANTA — The NFL made thigh and knee pads mandatory equipment for the 2013 season, something the
ATLANTA — The NFL made thigh and knee pads mandatory equipment for the 2013 season, something the players’ union was not pleased with.
Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee, said Tuesday at an owners meeting that because this is a playing rule, the league can apply it unilaterally.
“We have a vote of the membership and can implement,” McKay said. “Some of us felt we were remiss that we took it out of the rule book — high school and college makes it mandatory — and in our mind that is how it should be and will be in 2013.
“We have some work to do with the union.”
McKay said the league will meet with NFL Players Association representatives on the issue, something they have discussed in the past.
But the NFLPA argued that the move should be negotiated.
“Any change in working conditions is a collectively bargained issue,” the union said in a statement. “While the NFL is focused on one element of health and safety today, the NFLPA believes that health and safety requires a comprehensive approach and commitment.”
The pads rule would not go into effect on the field until next year so equipment manufacturers can work on safety and comfort.
