College Football's New Rules On Faking Injuries: Mike Pereira Explains

David

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Post on Sep 01, 2025

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College Football's New Rules on Faking Injuries: Mike Pereira Explains the Changes

College football is cracking down on players faking injuries to manipulate the game. The new rules, implemented for the 2023 season, aim to curb the controversial tactic of feigning injury to stop the clock, ice opposing offenses, or gain an unfair advantage. But what exactly are these new rules, and how will they be enforced? Former NFL vice president of officiating, Mike Pereira, offers valuable insight.

The Problem with Fake Injuries in College Football

For years, the strategic use of simulated injuries has plagued college football. Coaches and players alike have been accused of exploiting loopholes in the rulebook to gain an edge. These actions not only undermine the integrity of the game but also raise concerns about player safety and sportsmanship. The perceived lack of consistent enforcement only exacerbated the problem. This led to widespread calls for stricter regulations and clearer guidelines.

The New Rules: A Closer Look

The NCAA's updated rulebook emphasizes the importance of fair play and sportsmanship. Key changes specifically target the manipulation of injury reports:

• Increased Scrutiny: Officials are now empowered to review situations where an injury claim appears suspicious. This includes considering factors like the timing of the injury, the player's reaction, and the overall game context.
• Penalties for Deception: Players caught faking injuries face potential penalties, including unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Coaches may also face repercussions for instructing or encouraging players to feign injury.
• Emphasis on Medical Personnel: The involvement of medical professionals in assessing injuries is now more central to the process. Their evaluation will play a crucial role in determining the validity of injury claims.

Mike Pereira's Perspective: Clarity and Enforcement

Mike Pereira, a respected voice in officiating, has weighed in on the new rules, emphasizing the need for both clarity and consistent enforcement. In various interviews and media appearances, he highlights the following points:

• Subjectivity Remains a Challenge: While the new rules are a step in the right direction, Pereira acknowledges the inherent subjectivity in judging whether an injury is genuine or feigned. Officials will need to exercise careful judgment and rely on their experience to make accurate calls.
• Consistency Across Games is Key: The success of the new rules hinges on consistent application across all levels of college football. Inconsistency in officiating can undermine the credibility of the changes.
• Education and Prevention: Pereira suggests that educating players and coaches on the new rules and their potential consequences is vital. This proactive approach can help minimize the incidence of simulated injuries in the future.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of the New Regulations

The effectiveness of the new rules will undoubtedly be evaluated over the course of the season. While they don't eliminate the possibility of questionable injury claims entirely, they represent a significant effort to curb the practice and promote a fairer game. The combination of increased scrutiny, potential penalties, and emphasis on medical personnel should lead to a more level playing field for college football teams. Only time will tell if these changes significantly alter the dynamics of the game.

Further Reading:

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the new rules regarding faked injuries in college football? Share your opinion in the comments below!