SEC to have mandatory injury reports

The Southeastern Conference already is considered a de factor NFL feeder league.

Now college football's top league is borrowing a page from the NFL.

Or, pages.

The SEC announced Thursday that effective immediately its member institutions must submit player-availability (injury) reports beginning three days before kickoff in football and with a final report due 90 minutes prior to kick.

Additionally, the league is prepared to impose monetary fines on schools/programs that violate the new standards.

Per the SEC:

Player Status Designations

• Players are designated as “available,” “probable,” “questionable,” “doubtful,” or “out” before game day; and as “available,” “game time decision,” or “out” on game day.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

• Penalties for inaccurate or late reports range from $25,000 to $100,000 for football and $15,000 to $25,000 for basketball and baseball.

“This availability reporting policy is intended to reduce pressure from outside entities seeking participation information," SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in the league's release, "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."

Participation or availability/injury reports had become a more pressing topic as gambling on collegiate athletics has become more widespread throughout much of the United States.

Other leagues also are considering similar moves or already in the process of adopting them.

Additionally, on Thursday, Notre Dame announced a similar measure. It now will provide player availability status reports on every Monday for every member of the Irish two-deep and then also provide a final participation report at least 60 minutes before the kick-off of each game.