Why a recent rule change shifts the balance of power from officials to coaches — and how coaches can be ready.
When the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved the Coach’s Challenge in the summer of 2025, it wasn’t just another tweak to the rulebook. It was a fundamental shift in how coaches manage critical moments, rewarding precision and punishing hesitation.
The committee’s goal was clear: improve game flow and reduce unnecessary stoppages. But the ripple effect is bigger than that. With referees now restricted on when they can initiate reviews, the burden shifts to coaches. Decisions that once had breathing room now have to be made in real time, with real consequences.
That’s where Hudl's live video solutions become essential for coaches.
The New Coach’s Challenge: What to Know
NCAA Women’s Basketball (2025–26 Season)
What You Can Challenge:
- Out-of-bounds violations
- Backcourt violations
- Change of possession before a foul leading to free throws
- Whether a foul was assessed to the correct player
The Risk/Reward:
- No timeout required to challenge.
- Successful Challenge: Ruling is overturned; you can challenge again.
- Unsuccessful Challenge: Team is assessed a technical foul for an excessive timeout.
Officials can no longer initiate out-of-bounds reviews in the final two minutes. If it’s a close call late, it’s entirely on you to decide whether to challenge.
NCAA Men’s Basketball (2025–26 Season)
What You Can Challenge:
- Out-of-bounds calls
- Basket interference/goaltending
- Restricted-area arc violations (secondary defender)
The Risk/Reward:
- Must have a timeout to request a challenge.
- Successful Challenge: Team keeps the timeout and earns one additional challenge.
- Unsuccessful Challenge: Team loses the timeout and cannot challenge again for the rest of the game.
Here too, the burden shifts to the coaching staff. Officials can’t initiate reviews on these calls, except to verify if a foul was assessed to the right player.
Every Second Counts
The challenge rule creates a new layer of strategy — one where confidence replaces guesswork. When the stakes are a lost timeout or a technical foul, you need certainty before you act.
That’s why Hudl’s live video solutions aren’t just helpful; they’re non-negotiable.
With Hudl's live video solutions, video coordinators can instantly stream plays from multiple angles to the bench. No lag. No delay. The coach gets real-time clarity before burning a timeout or risking a technical.
“Being able to review calls, being able to review out of bounds, being able to feel confident in potentially challenging a call.”
— Matt Lopez, Director of Scouting and Video Operations (now with the Phoenix Suns)
That confidence is what wins challenges — and keeps games under control.
Live Video Feedback Leads to Better In-Game Decisions
Every staff knows how chaotic those last-minute moments can get. Without instant video, you’re relying on memory, emotion, or a quick word from a player who might not have had the best angle.
Hudl's live video solutions eliminate the uncertainty. With seamless connectivity, the right call gets made in seconds — not minutes.
“It’s been a huge tool for us.”
— Joey Treesh, Director of Video and Analytics, Utah Utes
Whether it’s an out-of-bounds scramble or a goaltending question, your team can get the look it needs immediately.
Why It Matters
In 2025, the Coach’s Challenge adds a new skill to the coaching toolkit: decisive, informed risk-taking. The programs that master it first will gain an edge, not just in challenges, but in composure and game control.
Hudl's live video solutions give you the speed, accuracy, and confidence to make the right call in the moment that matters most.
Because now, there’s no time — or timeout — to waste.
