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The National Federation of State High School Associations said in 2021 that states had the option of implementing a 35-second shot clock for high school basketball matches starting with the 2022–23 season. The University Interscholastic League at the time opposed joining the eight states that already had a shot clock in place.
However, there is now backing for introducing it in Texas.
The UIL Legislative Council was informed on Tuesday by Johnnie Carter, the assistant director for the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, that “the majority of our members are in favour of the use of a shot clock.”
In the autumn, “We did a survey, and we did another one at our clinic, where we had over 2,000 of our members there,” Carter added. “We discovered that both our board and our members are now in favour of it.
According to a MaxPreps article from September 2022, 12 states now employ shot clocks. Since then, South Carolina has adopted it for showcase and invitational tournaments, Florida has agreed to implement it on an optional but recommended basis, and Iowa has also accepted it.
After a game in which Weatherford High School defeated Anadarko 4-2, those in favour of a shot clock urged for its nationwide adoption. Because there is no shot clock in Oklahoma high school basketball, Anadarko controlled the ball for most of the game as Weatherford led 2-0 at halftime.
The expense of installing a shot clock would prevent its installation. According to a story published by The Lincoln Journal Star last year, installing them cost the whole school system $28,800 and cost Lincoln Public Schools $29,700 when Nebraska added them. Additionally, schools must hire and educate someone to manage the shot clocks.
In addition, Carter stated, “We would like the UIL to write a policy that would increase the number of basketball championships beginning with the next realignment.” In Texas, football honours state championships in each division (Division I and II), with bigger schools in Division I, whereas all other team sports only recognise one state champion in each class.
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