Two defensive players from each team will be identified and will be authorized to have receivers in their helmets, one as the primary and the other as the backup.
The primary player will have one “live” helmet on the field and a second “live” helmet stored in a secured trunk or container as a backup in case of a malfunction.
The backup player will wear his regular helmet on the field and will have a “live” helmet stored in the secured trunk or container in the event of an injury to the primary player.
At no time will two defensive players from the same team be permitted to wear “live” helmets, either on the sideline or on the field, after pregame warm-ups or during the game.
The secured storage trunk or container will be of exact and identical specifications and will be provided by the league to all 32 clubs. The backup “live” helmet for the primary player and the single “live” helmet for the secondary player, along with two spare battery packs, will be secured in the trunk. The trunks will be positioned behind the benches near the Motorola communication centers and will be designated as off-limits areas to players, coaches, and club personnel.The trunks will be clearly marked, and access will be controlled and monitored by NFL personnel or designees throughout the game.
The helmets will be tested in pregame, as is done with the coach-to-quarterback helmets, and the two backup helmets will be immediately secured in the trunk.
The NFL personnel assigned to the game or their designees will maintain a written log of the usage and return of the backup helmets and spare battery packs. The form will be sent to the league office each week for review.