
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has approved the experimental use of a 35-second shot clock in basketball games for the 2022-23 school year. This decision comes after decades of the NBA and NCAA adopting shot clocks and recent years of dialogue and discussion within the state. The shot clock will be used in regular-season tournaments and shootouts, with schools needing to apply for approval from the board. The IHSA will gather feedback and data on the impact of the shot clock on gameplay, game management, and school finances. While some coaches and players have expressed support for the change, citing increased competitiveness and the need to prepare players for college basketball, others have raised concerns about the cost of installation and operation, as well as the challenge of finding someone to run the clock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is there a shot clock in Illinois high school basketball? | Yes, but it is still in the experimental phase. |
| Who proposed the idea of a shot clock? | A group of prominent basketball coaches started a campaign to bring the shot clock to high school basketball. |
| Who approved the idea? | The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors approved the experimental use of the shot clock. |
| When was the idea approved? | August 2022 for the 2022-23 school year. |
| Which tournaments have applied to use the shot clock? | Washington’s tourney over Thanksgiving, Pekin’s tournament over Christmas, and Plano Christmas Classic. |
| What is the duration of the shot clock? | 35 seconds. |
| What is the cost of installing and operating the shot clock? | Between $2,000 and $9,000 for technology, and $40 to $50 for personnel to run the shot clock. |
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What You'll Learn

Coaches' opinions on the shot clock
Some coaches argue that the shot clock would benefit everyone involved, from players to fans to coaches themselves. They believe it would increase the pace of play, making the game more exciting and allowing players to showcase their talents. The shot clock would prevent teams from employing strategies that involve holding the ball for extended periods, which can slow down the game and hinder comeback attempts by opposing teams.
Evanston coach Mike Ellis is a proponent of the shot clock, having coached different styles of play and utilised various approaches for opponents. He understands the impact the shot clock can have on the flow of the game. Pekin coach Jeremy Crouch also supports the idea, believing it would promote a better brand of basketball with more fluidity and rhythm.
However, some coaches have expressed concerns about the cost of installing and operating the shot clock. The expense can vary depending on the school's existing technology infrastructure, and there are also additional costs associated with personnel to run the shot clock during games. Clemente coach Adam Hoover highlighted the challenge of finding qualified individuals to operate the shot clock on game days.
Despite these concerns, there is a growing momentum among coaches in Illinois for the adoption of a shot clock. The IHSA (Illinois High School Association) has been gathering feedback and is gradually moving towards a phased-in implementation. The shot clock has already been experimented with in some tournaments, and more schools are expected to follow suit.
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Cost of installing and operating the shot clock
The cost of installing and operating a shot clock for Illinois high school basketball games varies depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of shot clock and scoreboard impact the cost. Newer baskets with built-in shot clocks can cost upwards of $5,000, while the lowest amount for a standalone shot clock (equipment only) is around $5,000. More advanced models with features like bright, long-lasting LEDs, impact-resistant designs, and mounting options can further increase the cost. Additionally, the wiring and installation process can incur additional expenses, either through a contracted electrician or a school electrician if available.
The compatibility between the shot clock and the existing scoreboard is another crucial factor. If the current scoreboard is too outdated to support a shot clock, schools may need to replace it with a new one. The cost of a new scoreboard can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the brand and model chosen.
Operating the shot clock also entails ongoing expenses. Schools need to budget for personnel to run the shot clock during games. The average amount paid to the operator for a single season with 10 home games is around $600, but this can vary depending on the school district and the number of games. Some schools may also choose to have volunteers operate the shot clock to reduce costs.
It's worth noting that the cost of installing and operating a shot clock can be a significant financial burden, especially for smaller schools with limited resources. As a result, some schools may opt for more affordable options or gradually phase in the shot clock to manage the expense over time.
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Experimental use of the shot clock
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has approved the experimental use of the shot clock in basketball games for the 2022-23 school year. This decision comes after years of dialogue and discussion within the basketball community and marks a significant shift in the way high school basketball is played in Illinois. The shot clock will be used in regular-season tournaments and shootouts, with schools needing to apply for approval from the IHSA Board of Directors. This experimental phase will allow the IHSA to gather feedback and data on the impact of the shot clock on gameplay, game management, and school finances.
The idea of introducing a shot clock to Illinois high school basketball has gained momentum, particularly among coaches. A group of prominent basketball coaches has actively campaigned for its implementation, recognizing the need to prepare players for the next level, as college basketball operates with a shot clock. Coaches also anticipate that the shot clock will make the game more exciting and competitive, encouraging teams to work on getting good looks early and adapt their game plans accordingly.
However, the decision to introduce a shot clock has also raised concerns, primarily regarding the cost of installation and operation. Schools with newer scoreboards can expect to spend around $2,000, while those with outdated technology may face costs as high as $8,000 or $9,000. Additionally, schools will need to allocate resources for support personnel to run the shot clock during games, with estimates ranging from $40 to $50 per game.
Another challenge associated with the shot clock is the potential for malfunction, as highlighted by King from Kaneland High School. Schools will need to be prepared for such scenarios and ensure proper maintenance and troubleshooting procedures are in place. Furthermore, coaches have expressed concerns about finding qualified individuals to operate the shot clock, especially when relying solely on students or unpaid volunteers.
Despite these challenges, the IHSA is committed to a phased-in approach, gradually rolling out the shot clock across Illinois high school basketball. This experimental phase will provide valuable insights into the impact of the shot clock and help inform the IHSA's decision-making process as they work towards a potential full implementation in the future.
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Pros and cons of the shot clock
The shot clock was first introduced in the NBA in 1954 as a way to increase scoring and reduce stalling tactics. It has been credited with increasing fan interest and has since been adopted at most organized levels of basketball.
Pros
The shot clock increases the pace of the game, which can help players and spectators stay interested and engaged. It creates more viable possessions for both teams, which in turn, can potentially increase scoring outputs. It also prevents certain teams from gaining an unequal advantage.
Cons
The shot clock can be an additional expense for schools, and it can be difficult to find someone to operate it. It can also take away from coaching strategies that involve controlling the tempo and slowing the game down.
Some people also argue that high school basketball is unique from college and pro basketball, and that the pressure to make it more like the college game is not valid since only a small percentage of high school players go on to play in college.
In addition, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which sets the rules for high school basketball in the US, does not mandate the use of a shot clock. If a state high school association votes in favor of the shot clock, it will be in violation of NFHS rules and will not be permitted to serve on the national rules committee.
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The future of the shot clock in Illinois high school basketball
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has been considering the addition of a shot clock in high school basketball games for several years now. While there has been no organized push for its implementation in the past, a group of prominent basketball coaches has recently started a campaign to bring the shot clock to high school basketball. This has led to the IHSA approving the experimental use of the shot clock in select IHSA Girls & Boys Basketball regular-season tournaments and shootouts during the 2022-23 school year.
The shot clock in high school basketball is not a new concept, with a handful of states already using it for a number of years. The IHSA's decision to experiment with the shot clock is a response to the growing support for its implementation within the basketball community in Illinois. Coaches are especially in favor of the shot clock, as they believe it will make the game more fun and competitive, and also help prepare kids for their future, as they will have to get used to a shot clock if they continue to play basketball in college.
However, there are some concerns about the cost of installing and operating the shot clock, which can range from \$2,000 to \$9,000, according to Kurt Gibson of the IHSA. Additionally, schools will have to pay support personnel to run the shot clock during games, which can cost anywhere from \$40 to \$50 per game. Another challenge presented by the shot clock is the need for someone to physically run the clock, as it has to reset after every change in possession.
Despite these concerns, the IHSA is moving forward with its experimental use and will gather feedback and data on its impact on gameplay, game management, and school finances. The future of the shot clock in Illinois high school basketball will likely depend on the results of these experiments and the feedback received from coaches and athletic directors. It remains to be seen whether the shot clock will become a permanent fixture in Illinois high school basketball, but for now, it is certainly here to stay for the 2022-23 season and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a shot clock in Illinois high school basketball, but only in regular-season tournaments and shootouts. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) approved the experimental use of the shot clock for the 2022-23 school year.
The shot clock in Illinois high school basketball is 35 seconds, the same as in college basketball.
The introduction of a shot clock in Illinois high school basketball has been a long time coming. The NBA adopted a shot clock in 1954, and college basketball followed suit in 1985. The Illinois High School Association will allow schools to experiment with a shot clock this season, with many coaches advocating for its permanent implementation.
The cost of installing and operating a shot clock varies. Schools with newer scoreboards may only need to spend around $2,000, while those with older technology could pay up to $8,000 or $9,000. Additionally, there is the cost of hiring support personnel to run the shot clock during games, which can range from $40 to $50 per game.










































