Section 8: Safety Considerations
Concussion Protocol
NCAA medical observers and team medical staff have authority to remove a player from the game for actual or suspected concussion. Removed players are subject to a graduated return-to-play assessment before being cleared for subsequent competition.
Head and Neck Protections
Flagrant-2 ejection framework for contact to the head/neck protects against high-risk plays. Targeting an opponent in a defenseless position is reviewed by the on-court crew and may be confirmed via replay.
Equipment and Surface
- Backboard and goal padded to NCAA-approved specifications
- Court surface inspected for safety prior to game; wet spots cleared by the scorer's-table crew during play
- Each NCAA-sanctioned game requires at least one certified athletic trainer on the bench
- Emergency action plan covering on-court cardiac, head/neck, and orthopedic emergencies must be in effect at every venue
- Defibrillators (AEDs) positioned strategically at every NCAA D1 venue