NFL finalizes new procedures as it ‘pads’ the rulebook

One rule change for 2013 has already been approved: owners voted last year to make knee and thigh pads mandatory equipment for all players. The Competition Committee recommendation had the new rule take effect in 2013 to prepare for the change.

Merton Hanks, vice president of football operations, met in Indianapolis, where the league is holding its annual Scouting Combine, to discuss the implementation of the new rule. League uniform inspectors, who are normally assigned to games to patrol players’ equipment before and during games, will briefed on procedures regarding the mandatory equipment to ensure compliance.

“We are going to treat this issue much like a player playing without his helmet,” Hanks said.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network covered the meeting with league officials (video).