What did the IHSA decide?
| Shot clock | 35 seconds |
|---|---|
| From | 2026-27 |
| Who | Varsity boys and girls (required). Non-varsity optional. |
The IHSA voted in June 2024 to require the shot clock for varsity games from 2026-27, and set the details in June 2026. The clock is required for varsity boys and girls games and optional for non-varsity games.
A school may not host a varsity game if a shot clock is not installed. The host then has to find another gym or let the opponent host; if neither works, the home team forfeits.
In the primary gym the clock must be mounted on the backboard, following NFHS rules. In a secondary gym without permanent clocks, it must be mounted on the wall behind the basket, at or above the backboard, clearly visible.
Where a free screen shot clock fits
Varsity games need an installed shot clock that your state association approves. A screen in the browser does not replace that, and we do not claim it does.
Where it helps is everything around those games. Practice at 35 seconds this season, so players know the clock before it counts. Run JV, freshman, middle school, summer league and youth games with a clock where your league allows one. Put a screen at each end of a second gym that has no clocks. Free, no install, and the phone is the remote.
More about the high school clock: 35-second shot clock for high school basketball. Pro adds a game clock, score and drill mode.
Questions
Is the shot clock required for JV in Illinois?
No. The IHSA requires it for varsity games from 2026-27; for non-varsity games it is optional.
Can a varsity game be played without a shot clock?
Not at a host school without an installed clock. The game moves to another gym or to the opponent, or the home team forfeits.
Sources
Other states
- Oklahoma 2026-27
- Alabama 2026-27
- Florida 2026-27
- Kentucky 2027-28
- New Jersey 2027-28
- Pennsylvania 2028-29
FIBA, NBA, WNBA, NCAA, NFHS, IKF, KNKV, World Aquatics, NLL and other names are trademarks of their owners. Shot Clock is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.