States Continue To Add Basketball Shot Clock

[BillyMac]

From the NFHS:

More than three years ago, the NFHS approved state adoption of a 35-second shot clock in girls and boys basketball.

Since that time, debate has ensued on the need for a shot clock at the high school level in basketball as state associations mulled adoption. Proponents proclaim it will eliminate stalling tactics, make a game more entertaining and help student participants get to the next level. Opponents counter with a concern that fundamentals will be lost among a frenetic pace that can lead to sloppy play.

While not all state associations have adopted the use of a shot clock, preparations have been well underway for those that will implement it, especially those for the first time in the 2023-24 school year.

After passage of the state adoption, nine state associations added the shot clock in 2022-23, and five more (Connecticut, Idaho, Minnesota, North Carolina and Oregon) will be adding it for the 2023-24 season. In all, 27 state associations utilize a shot clock in some capacity.

In addition to purchasing the necessary electronic equipment, member schools across the country are working with their respective state associations to train the shot clock operators, in accordance with NFHS Rule 2-14 that outlines guidance in the Basketball Rules Book for standardization among states.

In Rule 2-1-3, the official placement of a shot clock operator shall be at the scorer’s table, and it is recommended that individual should be seated next to the timer. There are many shot clock situations, as well as corrections, that need to be studied prior to the start of the season. It is highly recommended that a NFHS Basketball Rules Book and a guideline of shot-clock situations be present at the scorer’s table at all times.

Depending on what state associations are implementing, the shot clock rule can be complicated. It is strongly recommended to have the same person serve in this role and to become a leader in implementing training for future seasons to build a strong pool.*

[Robert Goodman]

The game would never have needed a shot clock if they hadn't made the courts so big. Plus, running up and down the court wouldn't tire players or officials out so much if it were much shorter.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

The game would never have needed a shot clock if they hadn't made the courts so big. Plus, running up and down the court wouldn't tire players or officials out so much if it were much shorter.

I'll never forget the first time that I officiated on a 94 foot high school court. As I moved from the old trail to the new lead, while looking over my left shoulder (back then NFHS mechanics had the lead almost always on the right side of the court, known as the Cadillac position) at the action behind me, I found myself "settling" into my lead position several feet short of the end line on the playing court. It took me several times up and down to court to adjust.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

... 27 state associations utilize a shot clock in some capacity.

Here's what I've come up with based on my internet research.

Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

That's 38 associations.

I'm eleven over on my list.

What states don't belong on my list?

"Don't believe everything you read on the internet." (Abraham Lincoln)