NCAA College basketball is supremely popular among fans and sports bettors alike, and for one simple reason: it’s entertaining.
Factors contributing hugely to the entertainment of it all include the incredible tournaments, the die-hard rivalries, the history, and the sheer thrill of betting on it all.
Sports bettors simply love knowing all the ins and outs of their favourite sport. Below are just some of the things we bet you never knew about your favourite wagering pastime.
Cleanliness Is An Actual Rule
One of the most important rules within the NCAA is that blood must be cleaned up in exactly 20 seconds.
This includes blood from everything from a scraped knee to an injured nose.
Interestingly, the 20-second rule also applies to lost contact lenses.
Failure to clean up in time results in players having to leave the game.
Picking Up Is A No-No
This really should go without saying, but there’s a strict rule forbidding players to climb on or lifting their fellow teammates for greater height and reach.
Jersey Numbers
Players are offered a total of 37 jersey numbers to choose from by the NCAA. None of these jerseys end in 6, 7, 8, or 9.
This is because these particular digits require a double signing of, which would make things complicated for the referees.
Forget About Bling
For reasons of safety, no jewelry is allowed on the court. You can rock all the bling you want at the after-party – but never during the game itself.
Jerseys Must Be Tucked In
All jerseys must be tucked in when playing in the NCAA leagues.
This stops sweat from dripping on the court during play, prevents injuries from tripping over loose fabric, and also allows for better movement when shooting the ball.
GPA Is Important
Your GPA score factors big-time within the NCAA.
All division 1 players must earn a minimum of six credit hours per school term. Also, their particular school’s GPA requirement must be met for graduation purposes.
What’s more, players have to complete at least 40% of their degree by the end of their second year in the NCAA, 60% by the end of the third year, and 80% by the time the end of their fourth year rolls around.
Social Media Rules
The NCAA stipulates that while current athletes are permitted to follow potential new recruits online, they’re not allowed to offer any congratulations before the news is officially announced by the league.
Current players, however, are permitted to trademark their brand online where you’ll also find the best NCAA basketball picks.
Homework On The Road
All homework must be done on the road. For this reason, teams typically travel with an adviser who oversees academic compliance with the setting of schedules on the road.
Many teams even employ registered tutors for student support.
Dorm Rooms
The NCAA requires that no special treatment be provided to athletes in terms of living arrangements.
Student athletes must be homed in a house consisting of at least 51% of “general” student population.
Food and snacks, however, are unlimited. Player nutrition is important and is treated as such.