I think that all games above mini or maybe middle school depending on the ages of kids involved should have shot clocks. As an official it is a hassle and something you have to keep in mind, but as an ambassador of the sport of basketball I think anything that helps improve the skill of all the players/coaches involved it is a must:

the LLaBB: HOW THE SHOT CLOCK IMPROVES PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Most "fans" don't have a clue about the difference between a common foul and intentional foul.....along with a whole bunch of other rules we discussed here many times.

As BillyMac said, fouling is an accepted part of late game strategy. IMHO, it is the responsibility of the officials to make sure it doesn't get out of hand, and for that to happen we need to do two things:
1. Be aware of the situation and when you know they're trying to foul, call the foul immediately, even something that we might normally pass on - don't wait and let the contact escalate.
2. Don't hesitate to call the intentional foul when it occurs - make it clear that there is a right way and wrong way to implement this strategy, and the officials are going to enforce it.

If we, as officials, are uniformly consistent on this, the coaches will be forced to teach their players the right way if they want to use this strategy, and it won't be an issue.

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On the subject of shot clocks, I believe that cost is a factor. Schools all over this region are facing huge budget shortfalls and having to make cuts. Another is the ability to get enough table crew together to run them for early games, particularly the sub-varsity ones. Some schools have trouble getting just a scorekeeper and game clock operator. I don't think it's much of an issue for the officials. The End of the Trail tournaments here use them along with a modified version of NCAAW rules, and I don't know any officials that have had a problem making the adjustments.

It is part of the game. The NFHS has said so. If the players foul in the right way, whether they intend to foul or not, it doesn't matter.

An intentional foul should pretty much call itself and the official should be prepared to step up and make the call when it happens.

Bingo. If a team WANTS a foul, GIVE them the foul. I've seen official pass, pass, pass, and then the defense says, "That's not a foul? HERE'S a foul." And then all hell breaks loose.

Let Me Introduce Myself, Mac, BillyMac ...
 

Now you know one, me. Here in my little corner of Connecticut, we use shot clocks only for prep schools, boys and girls, only for varsity games (no freshman (thirds) or junior varsity). I'm a 100% NFHS official, I know more about rocket science, and brain surgery, than I do about NCAA rules.

I only see a shot clock about once, or twice, each season. I always hope that my partner is an NCAA trained official, and/or that the table is well trained in shot clock rules, and interpretations.

I kind of know the rules, our interpreter provides a shot clock rule sheet for us. My partner and I go over this sheet during our pregame, but this nothing like experience to really understand shot clock rules, and interpretations. It's tough to get this experience working only a few shot clock games each season.

In the words of the Immortal Dave, when explaining a rule interp to a coach, "Hey, it's not rocket surgery". :D

Now the good news - Dave has come back to our local kids rec league this year. I can't wait to get some games with him. He left us for about four years, but couldn't resist our game fee increase this season, especially since he lives right in town here.

I understand your point, Rich, but isn't it wrong to reward an offending team for an illegal act?

How are they being rewarded? The opponent is sent to the FT line with a chance to score.

+1

But I Didn't Call That Back In The First Period ...
 

Stoopid rookie officials.

...with the clock stopped.

It's what we play in our state....it's great. Two less times that you have to deal with end of quarter, dead ball/bench personnel T's and A/P throw-in situations.

This article, written by a clearly intelligent official, describes my thoughts on the subject quite well. I'm glad the person who posted this to their officiating website stole it, cause I'm not sure I would've found it otherwise:

http://www.gpboa.org/Articles/Watching%20Works.pdf

Until this is something that the NFHS/NCAA comes out and specifically says they want to change, I don't see the point of anyone, especially officials, tilting at windmills.

I agree, but there are limits. I've seen a player literally reach out and grab his opponent's jersey with 2 fingers, then look at me expectantly. That's intentional or nothing, usually nothing.