Starting this season SEC teams will be required to publicize "availability reports" on the Wednesday before games against conference foes, the league announced Thursday. The move follows a similar measure implemented by the Big Ten last season.
"This availability reporting policy is intended to reduce pressure from outside entities seeking participation information and represents a commitment of our 16 institutions to provide enhanced transparency to support efforts to protect our student-athletes and the integrity of competition," SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement released by the league.
Players will be listed as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out on the reports, which will be similar to terms commonly used in professional sports. Some SEC schools released injury reports last season, but the new rule will bring uniformity to the process.
Following the initial Wednesday availability report, updates will need to be submitted to the conference on Thursday and Friday before a final report filed 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Availability reports will also be mandated the night before SEC basketball and baseball games this season. Schools that do not provide accurate or timely information will be subject to fines that escalate with each offense.
College football coaches are often hesitant to publicly share information on player injuries for fear of giving upcoming opponents an edge in scouting. However, the widespread legalization of sports gambling in recent years has turned injury information into a currency of sorts in the wagering world.
When the Big Ten announced its mandatory player availability reports last week, it also revealed a partnership with U.S. Integrity to enhance monitoring efforts in the quest to help "prevent student-athletes, coaches, and staff from engaging in prohibited sports wagering."
