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.*