UNC Football's Options for Medical Hardship Waivers Posted Sep 25, 2017 North Carolina’s rash of season-ending injuries has prompted questions among the fan base regarding hardship waivers and which injured players are eligible to earn a season of competition back. First things first: there is no such thing as a medical redshirt. NCAA bylaws dictate that student-athletes have five years to complete four years of eligibility on the playing field. (Inside Carolina)