NCAA Implements Strict Rules to Combat Injury Deceptions in Football
Officials have announced significant changes aimed at addressing the issue of players faking injuries in college football. The NCAA Football Rules Committee revealed these updates as part of its annual review, which was summarized by the National Football Foundation on March 1, 2025. Among the most impactful adjustments is a new penalty structure for teams whose players feign injuries.
Beginning this season, if a player appears injured after the ball is spotted for the next play, that player’s team will face a timeout penalty. If the team has no timeouts left, a 5-yard delay-of-game penalty will be imposed. The injured player must also remain out for at least one play and cannot return until cleared by a medical professional. This crackdown is a response to concerns over the tactic being employed to disrupt the flow of the game, particularly against fast-paced offenses.
In addition to the injury rule, the committee has made changes to timeout regulations during overtime. Each team will retain the ability to call one timeout in both the first and second overtime periods. However, after these initial periods, teams will only be allowed one timeout for the remainder of the game, a shift from the previous allowance of one timeout per overtime period.
Another significant change pertains to video reviews. Referees will now announce that a call is “upheld” if the on-field ruling stands after the review, replacing the previous terms “confirmed” or “stands.” If a ruling is altered following a review, referees will provide a clear explanation for the change.
Additional rule modifications include:
– Kick Return Changes: If any player on the receiving team signals a “T” during a kick, the play will be whistled dead, and the team forfeits its right to return the kick.
– Defensive Conduct: Defensive players within one yard of the line of scrimmage must refrain from making exaggerated movements that may deceive the offense into committing a penalty.
– Player Count: The defense cannot field more than 11 players when the ball is snapped. This infraction is classified as a live-ball foul, incurring a 5-yard penalty. If this occurs after the two-minute warning in either half, the offense may reset the game clock to the time displayed at the snap.
– Communication Technology: Coach-to-player communications through helmets will now be permitted in the Football Championship Subdivision.
– Protection for Defenseless Players: Players attempting to recover a loose ball will be classified as defenseless, enhancing their protection on the field.
– Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any form of simulated gun violence will not be tolerated. If a player mimics brandishing a weapon, it will result in an automatic unsportsmanlike foul.
These rule changes reflect the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game while prioritizing player safety and fair play. As the 2025 season approaches, teams will need to adapt quickly to these new regulations to ensure compliance and maintain competitive integrity.
