National Football League owners voted on Tuesday to require thigh pads and knee pads be worn by all players starting in 2013, a matter that will now be negotiated with the NFL Players Association.
NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay said that owners backed the plan, which must be agreed upon by the players union before it can be enacted.
"Any change in working conditions is a collectively-bargained issue," the union said in a statement.
"While the NFL is focused on one element of health and safety today, the NFLPA believes that health and safety requires a comprehensive approach and commitment.
"We are engaged in and monitor many different issues, such as players' access to medical records, prescription usage and the situation with professional football's first responders, NFL referees.
"We always look forward to meeting with the NFL to discuss any and all matters related to player health and safety."
The NFL has tried to implement testing for human-growth hormones but has not been able to reach agreement with union leaders on the details.
Source: AFP American Edition
