NCAA Eyes Game-Changer: Coach Challenges May Be the Only Way to Review Out-of-Bounds Calls

There’s always been a tug-of-war between the pace of basketball games and the precision of officiating—and now, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee is steering the ship toward a faster, less interrupted ride. This week in Indianapolis, they’ve put forward a game-changing idea: video reviews for out-of-bounds calls can only be sparked by a coach’s challenge, not the officials’ whim. It’s an attempt to tame the growing spate of stoppages that drive fans—and frankly, me—up the wall, especially when the clock’s winding down and every heartbeat counts. Alongside tightening the reins on delays and monitor time, they’re aiming to sharpen game flow, trim the fat of physical play, and smooth out scoreboard wrinkles. Of course, these aren’t gospel just yet—the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel will give the final nod come June 10. But with this coach’s challenge system, teams will have to think twice: they need a timeout to throw the challenge flag, and if they win, there’s a bonus challenge waiting—but lose that first one, and their replay lifeline snaps. It’s a high-stakes gamble designed to keep the game humming, borrowing a leaf from the NBA’s playbook, and sure to stir debate in locker rooms and living rooms alike. Curious for all the nitty-gritty? LEARN MORE.

In addition to recommending the use of coach’s challenges, points of emphasis to improve flow will include directives to address delay-of-game tactics, limit time spent at the monitor, improve game administration efficiency and reduce physicality.Fans have complained about the disruption of game flow as the number of situations when video review can be used has increased over the last decade. Karl Hicks, committee chair and associate commissioner for basketball at the American Athletic Conference, said taking steps to improve flow was the priority of this year’s meeting.“Coach’s challenges were deemed to be the most efficient way to accomplish this goal,” Hicks said. “Data from the NCAA tournament and membership conferences showed a substantial number of reviews were on out-of-bounds plays. The committee looked at other basketball leagues around the world to see what the best solution would be for the NCAA, and the committee agreed with the NBA coach’s challenge system and its one plus one process.”The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee, in an effort to enhance the flow of games, has recommended that video reviews of out-of-bounds calls can only be initiated by a coach’s challenge.The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel must approve proposals before they become official. The panel is scheduled to meet June 10.

Other than in the last two minutes of a game and in overtime, a coach’s challenge also would be necessary to initiate a review of basket interference/goaltending and restricted arc plays. Recent data shows those reviews caused minimal game interruptions. Officials could not initiate video review on out-of-bounds calls at any point in a game.Under the coach’s challenge proposal, teams must have a timeout to request a video review challenge. If the challenge is successful, teams would be allowed to have one additional challenge for the rest of the game, including overtime. If the first challenge is unsuccessful, the team loses the ability to challenge the rest of the game.The committee also recommended a modification to the continuous motion rule where an offensive player who ends his dribble going toward the basket and absorbs contact from the defense could pivot or complete the step he is on and finish his shot attempt.Officials still can initiate video reviews to check for timing mistakes, scoring errors, shot-clock violations, 2-point versus 3-point field goal attempts and flagrant fouls.The committee also asked Division I conferences to create a joint working group to provide feedback on the potential change from halves to quarters.The NCAA announced Friday that the committee met this week in Indianapolis and addressed concerns about lengthy disruptions, particularly near the end of games.