It’s been a long time in the making, but the GHSA announced earlier this week that it will implement a 30-second shot clock in basketball starting this season. The motion passed 53-10.

In a long-debated topic, it lays to rest the days of holding the ball to slow down faster-paced teams and/or to run down the clock.

The decision to pass the motion means basketball sees a game-changing move in back-to-back years. Last season brought about the inception of the new bright orange EVIL basketballs.

The shot clock implementation will come in a phased approach, as follows:

• Year 1 (2020-2021): Shot clock used only in approved Holiday Tournaments and Showcase games. Not allowed in region games or postseason games.
• Year 2 (2021-2022): Shot clock used in approved tournaments and showcase games. Also used in region play as a region decision.
• Year 3 (2022-2023): Shot clock used in all varsity games including the State Playoffs.

OTHER GHSA CHANGES:

While the shot clock for basketball was arguably the biggest decision at the state executive meeting on June 23, there were other changes worth noting:

• All Cross Country area meets will be eliminated and be changed to region competitions. (passed 59-4)
• Track & Field will phase in a new event, the 4×800 Relay, by Spring 2022. (passed unanimously)
• Baseball eliminates the requirement for double-headers during the regular season. (passed unanimously)
• Wrestling eliminates the ability for a wrestler to substitute for another if the original wrestler is unable to wrestle at the time of weigh-in. (passed unanimously)