Beginning with the 2022-23 season, a 35-second shot clock will be permitted in high school basketball games by state association adoption. The sentiment among many coaches and athletic directors is now not a matter of if, but when, a shot clock will become a reality.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee voted against a proposal for a national rule mandating a shot clock at its annual meeting.

Head coach of the Rochester girls basketball program Brian Jennings leans toward favoring the implementation of the shot clock but he understands the debate.

Coach Jennings says the pressure now falls on schools and officials to prepare for the anticipated shot clock.

Rule 2-14 states that each state association may adopt a shot clock beginning in the 2022-23 season -- according to guidelines outlined in the Basketball Rules Book -- to encourage standardization among states. Guidelines include displaying two timepieces that are connected to a horn that is distinctive from the game-clock horn, and using an alternative timing device, such as a stopwatch at the scorer’s table, for a shot clock malfunction. The guidelines also allow for corrections to the shot clock only during the shot-clock period in which an error occurred and the officials have definite information relative to the mistake or malfunction.

The Zebras head coach says he doesn’t think you’ll see the shot clock as early as 2022-2023. 

He noted changes at the AAU level may come before Indiana high schools.