SEC Reportedly Considering Mandatory Injury Reports for 2024 Season

The expansion of sports betting across the United States resulted in a number of changes within sports leagues and football was no exception. The growth of legal sports wagering which started in 2018 with the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA, college football considered changes related to injury reporting.

The oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference in the US, the Big Ten, explored opportunities for a national injury reporting system. Yet, despite the efforts since 2018, it has taken several years until the implementation of such a system.

As of the 2023 season, the Big Ten rolled out a game day system that put the injured players in two categories, namely “questionable” or “out.” The move marked the first Power conference to consider the game day availability report.

Besides the Big Ten, a new report suggests that another conference is considering the implementation of a mandatory injury report this football season. As announced by CBS Sports, citing unnamed sources close to the matter, the SEC may also implement mandatory injury reports.

Per the unnamed sources, the decision is yet to be finalized but discussions have advanced significantly. If there are no unexpected changes, the implementation of the mandatory injury report can be completed just in time for the start of the 2024 season. Reportedly, the decision on the matter may be taken in approximately two weeks, considering an upcoming meeting of athletic directors.

Not the First Time Mandatory Reporting Is Being Discussed by the SEC

Considering the move by the Big Ten, the SEC’s intentions do not come as a surprise. In fact, during the SEC’s meetings back in May, the implementation of a mandatory injury report was one of the topics that has undergone discussion. At the time, SEC’s commissioner, Greg Sankley, revealed that while talks are ongoing, a decision on the matter is yet to be taken.

In the context of college leagues and sports betting, more states are considering the implementation of a college prop bet ban. While popular, prop wagers have gained the attention of lawmakers across the country who seek to protect the integrity of college games and ensure the safety of the athletes.

The measure is under consideration in Wyoming, while important markets such as Iowa, Illinois and Rhode Island have already implemented bans on college prop wagers. The move to prop wagers comes after a request made by the NCAA.