MECHANICSBURG – A shot clock at Pennsylvania high school varsity and junior varsity basketball games starting with 2028-29 season moved another step closer to reality.
The PIAA Board of Directors, at Wednesday’s agenda meeting, approved a second reading on approving a shot clock with a third and final reading likely in December.
In July, the state’s governing body on high school sports passed on a first reading the introduction of a 35-second shot clock.
Currently, 31 states and Washington D.C. are using or in the process of adding shot clocks in high school basketball.
The PIAA’s basketball steering committee met on Sept. 29 to discuss and advise on in the implementation of a shot clock.
A motion was made by Frank Majikes of District 2 at that meeting not to implement a shot clock, which failed by an 8-5 vote.
Minutes from the Sept. 29 basketball steering committee meeting, released during Wednesday’s meeting, states the board passed a motion on the shot clock in July, prompting further discussion.
Associate Executive Director Patrick Gebhart stated that a New Mexico study showed the high school shot clock expired at a 5% rate over a two-year period.
Gebhart also noted a study from Michigan that yielded similar results.
Committee members noted that District 7 changed its stance for implementation, along to with the Pennsylvania Basketball Coaches Association, to wait until the 2028-29 season.
Assistant Executive Director Jennifer Grassel noted the cost for purchase and installation of a shot clock ranged from $4,000 to $8,000, depending upon the model.
Discussions were also held concerning the use of current basketball officials to operate the shot clocks and uniformity in rule application.
Executive Director Dr. Robert Lombardi raised his concern about a 30-second shot clock, noting it could limit the PIAA’s influence on the National Federation of High Schools rules committee.
Lombardi also expressed reservations concerning different shot clock rules for junior varsity and varsity games.