Our Mission: To bring the shot clock to Illinois high school basketball.
Over the last several years, there has been increased interest in bringing the shot clock to Illinois high school basketball. Our state has always had a rich and storied basketball history. As the founder of the "Original March Madness," we have always been at the forefront of innovation in our game. In recent years, eleven states other than Illinois have adopted the shot clock through their state associations. Through our collaboration with multiple stakeholders in Illinois high school basketball (coaches, players, fans, and officials), one thing has been made clear: it is time to bring the shot clock to Illinois!
Reasons for the Shot Clock:
- It makes for a more exciting brand of basketball for players, coaches, and fans.
- It will increase interest among fans and improve attendance at games.
- A faster pace promotes better skill development of players.
- It improves creativity with coaching strategy and style of play.
- The outcomes of games will become less predictable and it creates more opportunities for late game comebacks and upsets.
- It creates more of a chance for highlight plays and more exciting end of game situations.
- It enhances the flow of the game by preventing stalling and guarantees more possessions per team in each game.
- Players, coaches, and fans overwhelmingly prefer to play with the shot clock.

"It is clear to the IBCA that the majority of our coaches support the implementation of the shot clock at the scholastic level in the state of Illinois. We are supportive of any efforts to grow and improve the game of basketball for our student-athletes and coaches across our state." - Jim Tracy (Executive Director, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association)
"As we move to a new and improved state tournament format, adding the shot clock will create an era of renewed enthusiasm for high school basketball in our state." - Will Rey (Head Boys Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Northridge Prep High School)
“I know many people think the shot clock is an advantage for the more talented team,” said Al Biancalana (Head Boys Basketball Coach, Glenbard East High School). “I think the opposite. The more prepared, the more organized team has a bigger advantage over the more talented team. I think teaching programs will have an advantage and it puts coaches at the forefront.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Proposed Shot Clock Rules:
Overview:
The shot clock is used for the entire game, including overtime periods. The shot clock operator shall control a separate timing device with a horn that shall have a sound distinct and different from that of the game clock. An alternate timing device shall be available.
Basic Rules:
- 35 second shot clock for boys and girls
- The team in control shall attempt a try for field goal within the allotted shot clock time. The try shall leave the player’s hand before the expiration of the allotted shot clock time. Following the release, the try subsequently shall strike the basket ring or enter the basket before or after the expiration of the allotted shot clock time.
- Penalty: The ball becomes dead when the violation occurs. The ball is awarded to the opponent for a throw-in at the out of bounds spot nearest the violation.
For a more detailed tentative rules proposal, please CLICK HERE.
"It creates great game situations that are the same situations that college and pro coaches have," said Bryan Ott (Head Boys Basketball Coach, Rockford Auburn High School). And finally for players and fans again there's definitely that excitement factor. It's an injection that the game could use right now in high school." (WREX)
"A shot clock for high school girls basketball in Illinois would vastly improve the flow of our game- that will help kids stay out of foul trouble, our scores will be higher and then the game will be more exciting to watch, play and coach." - Cara Doyle (Head Girls Basketball Coach, Saint Ignatius College Prep)
“I am 100 percent in favor of a shot clock,” said Tony Lavorato (Head Boys Basketball Coach, Maine South High School). “I would be thrilled with a shot clock. We haven’t had a major rule change since the three-point shot which I think came in 1987. This would be a breath of fresh air for the game.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Cost Analysis:
Throughout the debate about whether or not to implement the shot clock in Illinois, one common obstacle that surfaces are the costs associated with installing the necessary devices. While researching the cost of installing shot clocks, we reached out to scoreboard companies such as Daktronics, Nevco, and OES. These companies have stated that the cost of installing a pair of shot clocks ranges from $2,000 (less than the cost of a new set of uniforms) to $16,000 for the most advanced devices. While some school districts may operate with tighter budgets than others, there are many ways in which they can offset the cost of installation including, but not limited to: acquiring loaner shot clocks for initial events, fundraising, sponsorships, donations, and more!
“I completed the survey saying that I would be in favor of having a shot clock in high school,” Amanda Kemezys (Belleville East Head Girls Basketball Coach) said. “I think it will make the game more fun and fast-paced, add a new level of strategy, and better prepare girls for that adjustment when they get to the college level.’’ (Belleville News Democrat)
Implementation Timeline:
- Year One (2020-21): planning, implementation, and shot clock training
- Year Two (2021-22): shot clock is optional for: shootouts, tournaments, showcase games with IHSA approval
- Year Three (2022-23): allow conferences to implement shot clock for league games. Shootouts, tournaments and showcase games no longer require special approval from the IHSA to use the shot clock.
- Year Four (2023-24): shot clock will be required for all varsity and lower level (SO/JV) contests. Shot clock will be fully implemented for IHSA State Tournament Series.
- Year Five (2024-25): shot clock added for freshman contests.
Alternate Implementation Timeline:
- Year One (2020-21): planning, implementation, and shot clock training
- Year Two (2021-22): shot clock is optional for: shootouts, tournaments, showcase games with IHSA approval
- Year Three (2022-23): conferences with majority (>51%) of 3A/4A schools will utilize the shot clock for all varsity and lower level (SO/JV) league games. Shot clock will be used in the IHSA 3A/4A State Tournament Series. Shootouts, tournaments and showcase games no longer require special approval from the IHSA to use the shot clock.
- Year Four (2023-24): shot clock will be used for all IHSA 1A/2A/3A/4A varsity and lower level (SO/JV) contests. Shot Clock will be utilized for all IHSA 1A/2A/3A/4A State Tournament Series.
- Year Five (2024-25): shot clock added for freshman contests.
“It helps prepare you for the next level,” Durell Robinson (Head Boys Basketball Coach, Danville High School) said. “But also at the high school level there’s been more shot clocks allowed in certain states now. Illinois ... is one of the elite states for basketball, and I just think it would be more exciting.” (The News-Gazette)
Articles Regarding the Shot Clock Movement:
- Auburn’s Bryan Ott part of a group of high school coaches pushing for a shot clock
- High school basketball coaches pushing for shot clock
- The debate rages: Is it time for a shot clock in Illinois?
- Robinson, Shot Clock Warriors trying to make history
- Vote revealed: Overwhelming majority of the state’s high school basketball coaches support shot clock
- A majority of coaches in Illinois want a shot clock
- Is a shot clock coming to high school basketball? Several area coaches hope so.
“Against probably popular opinion, I think the shot clock benefits us,” said Tom Livatino (Head Boys Basketball Coach, Loyola Academy). “I think as a coach it gives you more control of what happens in a game, both offensively and defensively.” (Chicago Sun-Times)
Other Reference Materials:
- Presentation for collaborative meeting with IHSA officials regarding the shot clock
- Proposed rules for the shot clock in Illinois with collaboration from several IHSA officials associations
- The National High School Basketball Coaches Association's position paper on the shot clock in high school basketball
- NCAA table crew reference sheet
- North Dakota shot clock situations guide
- South Dakota shot clock rules
- North Coast (CA) Officials Association shot clock rules
- New York shot clock rules
- USA Basketball's youth basketball guidelines, including their recommendation for a shot clock in grades 9-12