Strangest Rules In NBA Safety Return Protocol
Jun 17, 2020, 3:13 PM | Updated: 3:19 pm

Los Angeles Lakers Players (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NBA released a 100+ page health and safety rulebook for its pending Disney world return. The league went into extensive detail in the safety protocol to protect its players from COVID-19. While the rules include standards practices like hand washing and the usage of masks the NBA includes strange new rules to protect players.
A total of 22 teams will travel to Orlando July 7-9 to begin preparing to resume the NBA season. Disney will split the teams between three hotels, and host games beginning July 30. The season will run through October 13 at the latest, with four full best of seven playoff rounds.
In the NBA's Health and Safety protocol: "The occurrence of a small or otherwise expected number of COVID-19 cases will not require a decision to suspend or cancel the resumption of the 2019-20 season."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 17, 2020
While stationed in Orlando, players will have access to several entertainment options within the “bubble environment.” Options include golf, fishing, players only lounges, cosmetologists, movies, and musical performances.
Strange NBA Safety Rules
Keep your hands out of your mouth
The league is reportedly asking players to refrain from licking their hands on the court. Players commonly lick their fingers to increase their grip or grab their mouthguards during play. Additionally, the league wants players to avoid spitting or blowing their nose on the court.
Steph Curry adjusted his mouthguard as he ran to the corner to shoot a three last night (via Instagram/kassness) pic.twitter.com/GoTFsiBz3G
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) March 13, 2016
Disney’s MagicBand
If you’ve traveled to Disney recently, you’ll recognize the MagicBand. Like those visiting the parks, NBA players will be required to wear their MagicBand. The bracelet serves as a room key and will assist the NBA with contract tracing in case of a positive COVID-19 test.
Additionally, players can wear a “smart” proximity rings that remind players if they are standing too close to one another. The league is also offering health monitors to track breathing and heart rate while in Orlando.
Ping Pong Social Distancing
Ping pong tables will be among the entertainment options for NBA players at Disney World. However, the players are asked to play one on one, with no team doubles.
The league fears playing doubles will place players too near one another to maintain proper safety rules.
Several Jazz players poked fun at the league’s ping pong protocol.
im hot!!!! we were ready for smoke fix this rule haha https://t.co/3rJojqPrha
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) June 17, 2020
Rule Breaking Hotline
NBA players and staff can report other players who break the league’s safety protocol. The NBA will develop a hotline for players to use anonymously.
Players aren’t allowed to leave the NBA bubble, though the league says it won’t track players’ movements through GPS. Those who do leave the bubble can be fined, and barred from league play if they are caught.
Single-Use Playing Cards
NBA players and card games go hand in hand. As a result, the NBA is recommending players discard their decks of cards after each session.
Think I’m gonna have to invest in some playing card stock https://t.co/6xZWN5pJPW
— Alison Olsen (@aliolsen) June 17, 2020
The NBA plans to make “sufficient” amounts of cards available to players during their stay in Orlando.
Basketball Washing
The league has already instituted strict practice protocols for teams. That includes the routine for washing each basketball.
Staff has to clean each ball using dish detergent and water. Then use a clean towel to wipe down the ball. The ball must be sprayed with disinfectant after air drying.