NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement

Article 44
Injury Grievance

Section 5
Neutral Physician List

The NFLPA and the Management Council will maintain a jointly-approved list of neutral physicians, including at least two orthopedic physicians and two neuropsychologists in each city in which a Club is located. This list will be subject to review and modification between February 1 and April 15 of each year, at which time either party may eliminate any two neutral physicians from the list by written notice to the other party. When vacancies occur, the NFLPA and the Management Council will each submit a list of three (3) replacements to the other party within thirty (30) days for each NFL city where a vacancy exists. If the parties are unable to agree on a replacement, within ten (10) days they will select a neutral for each city by alternately striking names. The party to strike a name first will be determined by a flip of a coin. If either party fails to cooperate in the striking process the other party may select one of the nominees on its list, and the other party will be bound by such selection. The next vacancy occurring will be filled in similar fashion with the party who initially struck first then striking second. The parties will alternate striking first for future vacancies occurring thereafter during the term of this Agreement.