NFL owners agree to new personal conduct policy

Owners of the 32 NFL teams have unanimously agreed to a revised and strengthened personal conduct policy for all league employees.

The policy was presented today at a league meeting in Dallas, and was developed following a series of meetings and discussions over the course of the season so far.

A wide range of experts from a range of professions have helped draw up the policy, including former and current players, the NFL PA, domestic violence/sexual assault experts, law enforcement officials and academic experts.

The NFL has had such a policy in place since 1997, but today's changes mark the second time it has been revised in recent years.

League commissioner Roger Goodell said: "With considerable assistance from the many people and organizations we consulted, NFL ownership has endorsed an enhanced policy that is significantly more robust, thorough, and formal.

"We now have a layered evaluation process to take into account a diversity of expert views. This will better enable us to make appropriate decisions and ensure accountability for everyone involved in the process."

New measures include a more extensive list of prohibited conduct, independent investigative procedures, a revised appeals processed and additionally funded counselling and services for victims, families and violators.