NFL Requiring Certified Equipment Managers

The recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and the NFL Players Association further exemplifies both sides' commitment to address player safety.  The ten-year contract requires that in the future clubs hire only Certified Equipment Managers for the top position within their staff.  The Athletic Equipment Managers Association is the only organization offering this Certification and requires Certified members to submit annual activity reports to earn Continuing Education Units to maintain their status.

Section 18. Club Equipment Managers:  By the opening of preseason training camp for the 2021 season, each Club shall secure the services of at least one (1) equipment manager to serve as the Head Equipment Manager on a full-time basis.  Each individual hired for the first time to perform as a Head Equipment Manager for a Club must, as of the hiring date; (a) be certified by the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (or a similar organization as the parties may agree), and (b) have experience working with elite athlete populations (i.e. Division I Collegiate, Olympic, professional level athletes).  All Equipment Managers, regardless of dates of hiring, shall complete annual Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on jointly-agreed upon relevant topics.  The parties shall jointly appoint an independent third-party credentialing organization to verify that the club equipment managers appointed pursuant to this Section satisfy these requirements