The Illinois High School Association has settled on the 35-second shot clock requirements for the 2026-27 varsity boys and girls basketball seasons.
During its June 15 meeting, the IHSA board of directors voted to accept the IHSA Basketball Advisory Committee’s recommendations. Those two approved endorsements are:
These rules don’t apply to junior varsity, sophomore and freshman games.
“It is important that we provide clearcut guidelines to our schools on the expectations for the shot clock as we move toward the 2026-27 season,” IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said in a release. “We believe our board was forward-thinking in providing significant planning time for schools to prepare for the shot clock.
“It is imperative that all schools are afforded the same competitive experience and that every student-athlete competes under consistent conditions. By establishing these expectations, schools have had ample opportunity to budget, plan, and install the necessary equipment, ensuring an equitable environment.”
Experimental shot clock use began in Illinois prep tournaments and shootouts for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. In June 2024, the IHSA board voted to implemented the 35-second shot clock for the 2026-27 season, while allowing the option for shot clock use during regular-season games in 2024-25 and 2025-26 if both teams agreed.
How many states use the shot clock in high school basketball?
Illinois and Oklahoma become the 30th and 31st states that will require shot clock use for the 2026-27 season. New Jersey (2027-28) and Pennsylvania (2028-29) will add the shot clock over the next two years.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Get ready for a new era in Illinois. IHSA finalizes shot clock rules for next season
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
