Idaho takes first vote on adding a basketball shot clock. Here’s what it decided
Idaho took its first concrete step toward adding a shot clock to its high school basketball games Wednesday.
The long-debated rule change unanimously passed a first vote from the Idaho High School Activities Association’s board. To start using it at the 2023-24 boys and girls state tournaments, it would need to pass a second vote on June 8.
But schools may not have to wait that long. Clearing a second vote means teams could begin using a shot clock for their regular-season games next season. Some are trying to purchase and install them this summer.
“I’m excited. I think it’s great for the game,” Meridian boys basketball coach Jeff Sanor said. “It’s going to provide some unique opportunities in games for players to learn, and it’s going to force players to develop even faster.”
Wednesday’s vote follows multiple surveys showing overwhelming support for a shot clock. An IHSAA survey found 78% of Idaho’s coaches, referees, athletic directors, principals and superintendents favored adding a shot clock.
A separate Idaho Statesman survey showed 87% of players across the state also want a shot clock. Many players said coaches’ strategies of stalling for long periods hurt the sport and make it less fun.
“Stalling isn’t a skill in basketball,” Ririe senior Skylee Coles wrote. “Basketball should be about using skills to beat your opponent.”
Eight states used a shot clock in the 2021-22 season, including neighboring Washington. Another eight have finalized plans to add it soon, including Montana and Utah.
States long balked at installing shot clocks. But last spring, the national high school sports governing body removed a rule that barred shot-clock states from sitting on its rule committees. It now allows states to use a 35-second shot clock and stay within its rules.
The IHSAA initially targeted 2024-25 as its first season with a clock. But schools hungry for the change convinced it to move it forward a season.
“It’s going to improve the game, overall,” Mountain View boys basketball coach Jon Nettleton said. “It’s probably going to take a little while for players and coaches to adapt and understand it — not only how to play with it, but how to teach it, coach it and adapt to it. But at the end of the day, it’s better for the game.”
The IHSAA’s vote did not resolve what levels will use a shot clock. The IHSAA sponsors only varsity state tournaments. Schools and leagues will decide whether to use them for junior varsity or freshman teams.
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 11:24 AM.
