By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

A shot clock could be nearing its place in high school basketball in Ohio.

Back on March 19, the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association made a presentation to the Ohio High School Athletic Association to implement a shot clock beginning with the 2028-29 season.

The presentation recommended a 35-second shot clock for varsity games only.

The proposal indicates that school districts would be permitted to implement a shot clock in its gymnasiums for the 2027-28 season, largely to get accustomed to the procedures, then it would be mandatory for 2028-29.

The proposal said, “This phased approach will allow schools, officials and programs to prepare accordingly, while aligning Ohio with NFHS guidelines and the growing national movement toward the use of a shot clock in high-school basketball.”

Ohio is one of 19 states that does not have a shot clock, though that number will decrease as early as next season. Illinois will start using one in 2026-27, which will be followed by Kentucky (2027-28) and Pennsylvania (2028-29). Indiana’s proposal will be voted on in May for 2028-29 and Michigan is submitting a similar proposal.

The OHSBCA conducted a statewide survey in 2025 to gauge interest from high school basketball coaches on the idea of the shotclock.

That survey was returned by 1,120 coaches with the following results:

   • 781 (69.7 percent) voted in favor of the shot clock

   • 330 (30.3 percent) voted against the shot clock

   • 324 (28.9 percent) voted for the shot clock to be used in varsity games only

   • 249 (22.2 percent) voted for the shot clock to be used in varsity, JV and freshmen games

   • 968 (86.4 percent) opposed the shot clock for middle school

The OHSBCA’s proposal cited multiple reasons for its belief that the shot clock will improve the game flow and competitiveness, including continuous play that prevents stalling, more touches for both teams, offsets the new foul rules that eliminates one-and-one and goes straight to double-bonus free throws, supports the 10-second rule and eliminates the closely guarded rule.

The OHSBCA also proposed that the shot clock would reduce fouling at the end of games, while also enhancing the strategic decision making placed on players and coaches.

One of the primary sticking points among districts is the cost and game-day coordination.

It is estimated that shot clock systems would require an investment of around $3,000 to  $6,000 to purchase and between $1,500 and $3,000 to install. On game days, districts would need to make a decision to either pay a qualified individual to manage the system or have a volunteer step forward to do it.

The OHSAA is expected to survey its Athletic Directors and administrators this month to collect information and opinions about the possibility of following through with shot-clock implementation.