NFL, refs' union board agree to $30K stipend for opt outs

The agreement was approved by the NFLRA board of directors and will advance to
a full vote of membership Monday. If approved, game and replay officials will
have until Thursday to notify the league of a decision to opt out.

Should game and replay officials elect to opt out in respect to fears
surrounding the coronavirus, they will receive a $30,000 stipend and a
guarantee that their jobs will be protected in 2021.

"There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our members,"
said Scott Green, NFLRA executive director. "Although there will undoubtedly
be some risk for our officials, we are pleased to have finalized a plan with
the league that provides additional benefits and protections during this
unprecedented season."

The NFL's roster of officials currently stands at 121, enough to give each
official at least one week off during the season. A standard NFL crew has
seven on-field officials.

According to the NFLRA, the agreement also includes the following
stipulations:

--There will be COVID-19 testing twice per game week. For a Sunday game,
officials will be tested on Thursday at home and on Saturday at the site of
the game.

--Any official who tests positive for COVID-19 during the season will receive
salary, medical and other benefits the NFL normally provides when an official
sustains an injury on the job.

--Any official who tests positive or shows symptoms of illness at a game site
will receive medical expenses, lodging and travel expenses home from the NFL.

--Field Level Media