The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved changes to delay of game rules to differentiate between delays caused by the coach and those caused by a player.

One team warning will be given to a coach before assessing a technical foul for a second delay by the coach. In addition, one warning will be given to any player of a team before assessing a technical foul after a second delay by a player.

Coaches can earn a delay of game by not having the team on the court in time to restart play following a timeout, for example. Players can incur the violation for repeatedly delaying the game by preventing the ball from being promptly put into play.

Previously, delay of game violations were not separated into coach and player categories. This change is intended to make the rule less confusing and easier to administer.

Padding

The panel approved a rule in men’s basketball permitting padding to cover elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm guards, casts, or braces made of fiberglass, plaster, metal or another nonpliable substance. The items must be covered on all exterior sides and edges with a slow-rebounding foam of not less than a half-inch thickness.

This rule is effective for the 2018-19 season.

Greg Johnson is an associate director of membership communications at the NCAA.