The NBA has informed its 30 teams of updated rules regarding COVID-19 safety on the bench, according to Shams Charania.
The rule changes:
- Starting Tuesday (Jan. 5), all active players who are dressed to play must wear face mask until they enter the game
- All players, coaches and staffers in Tiers 1/2 must wear a mask when outside team setting and indoor
After exiting the court, active players are strongly recommended to wear a mask in the bench area, Charania adds.
The requirement resets at halftime (wear mask at start of second half until they enter the game).
Inactive players remain required to wear a mask for the entire game.
