Pac-12 Football to Implement Injury Spotters During Games Next Season

Pac-12 football teams will have injury spotters present at all games this coming season to aid the efforts of medical staff and coaches to evaluate their players' health.

The Associated Press reported on the pioneering policy on Sunday, noting the safety precautions being taken were cleared by the conference's chancellors and presidents during summer meetings.

Those who will be monitoring injuries will have access to game video and will be in touch with coaches and team doctors. Having open lines of communication and real-time viewing by other experts can only help diagnose injuries.

An official release from the Pac-12 further specified the measures that will be taken:

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[...] Each participating institution will assign one spotter to monitor their respective team. The spotters will be equipped with new video technology to closely monitor every play, and have the ability to rewind, pause, zoom, and change camera angles in real time to fully evaluate the extent of injuries. Additionally, they will have direct communication with coaches and medical personnel so that any potential concerns can be addressed immediately.

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Player safety is a hot-button issue at all levels of football, and the Pac-12 concluded the resources and funds are available to put a tangible plan into action.

Spread offenses have created less time between plays in college football. Reigning Pac-12 champion Oregon is known for its uptempo schemes, so the more eyes dedicated to player safety, the better off the conference's gridiron student-athletes figure to be.