Many new rules are on the way that I think will be to the liking of fans. The biggest one being a coaches challenge. Starting this season, at any point in the game coaches will be allowed to challenge an out of bounds call, goaltending/basket interference, and whether or not a secondary defender was in the restricted area arc. If a coach wins the challenge, then you will retain the ability to challenge again. If you lose the challenge, then you cannot challenge again and you lose a timeout. You must have at least one timeout remaining in order to challenge.
There was some discussion about letting coaches challenge even if they didn't have a timeout and if they lost the challenge they'd be charged with a technical foul. I would've liked to have seen that and how many coaches would've been willing to roll the dice but it does not appear they approved that proposal.
Other enhancements to help with the flow of the game focus on the points of emphasis for officials for 2025-26. These will include directives to address delay-of-game tactics, limit time spent at the monitor, improve game administration efficiency and reduce physicality.
Officials can initiate video reviews on basket interference/goaltending and restricted arc plays in the last two minutes of the game and into overtime. Recent data shows these reviews caused minimal game interruptions. NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee members think the coach's challenge will have a significant impact on the flow of the game. Officials cannot conduct video review on out-of-bounds calls unless through a coach's challenge.
The coach's challenge, however, does not impact the NCAA officials' voluntary use of instant replay for timing mistakes, scoring errors, shot clock violations, 2-point versus 3-point field goal attempts, flagrant fouls, etc.
Under the changes to the continuous motion rule, an offensive player who ends his dribble going toward the basket and absorbs contact from the defense will be permitted to pivot or complete the step the player is on and finish the field goal attempt. Currently, players are credited with field goals only when they are fouled while shooting the basketball.
Other rule changes:
www.ncaa.org
There was some discussion about letting coaches challenge even if they didn't have a timeout and if they lost the challenge they'd be charged with a technical foul. I would've liked to have seen that and how many coaches would've been willing to roll the dice but it does not appear they approved that proposal.
Other enhancements to help with the flow of the game focus on the points of emphasis for officials for 2025-26. These will include directives to address delay-of-game tactics, limit time spent at the monitor, improve game administration efficiency and reduce physicality.
Officials can initiate video reviews on basket interference/goaltending and restricted arc plays in the last two minutes of the game and into overtime. Recent data shows these reviews caused minimal game interruptions. NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee members think the coach's challenge will have a significant impact on the flow of the game. Officials cannot conduct video review on out-of-bounds calls unless through a coach's challenge.
The coach's challenge, however, does not impact the NCAA officials' voluntary use of instant replay for timing mistakes, scoring errors, shot clock violations, 2-point versus 3-point field goal attempts, flagrant fouls, etc.
Under the changes to the continuous motion rule, an offensive player who ends his dribble going toward the basket and absorbs contact from the defense will be permitted to pivot or complete the step the player is on and finish the field goal attempt. Currently, players are credited with field goals only when they are fouled while shooting the basketball.
Other rule changes:
- Officials will have the option to call a Flagrant 1 foul when a player is contacted to the groin. A Flagrant 1 foul results in two free throws for the offended team and possession of the ball. Previously, officials could only call a common foul or deem it a Flagrant 2 foul, in which the player receives an ejection, and the offended team receives two free throws and possession of the ball.
- If a player uses the rim to gain an advantage, it will be a basket interference violation.
- If one of the shot clocks becomes inoperable, the shot clock at the other basket will remain on. Previously, both clocks would be shut off until both are operable.
Panel approves changes to enhance the flow of the game in men’s basketball - NCAA.org
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Tuesday approved changes to help enhance the flow of the game in men's basketball for the 2025-26 season.
www.ncaa.org
