Colorado’s high school basketball programs are a bit closer to seeing a shot clock.
The Colorado High School Activities Association’s board of directors officially recommended the use of a 35-second shot clock, effective in the 2026-2027 school year.
This summer, CHSAA’s website said three in five athletic directors and district athletic directors wanted a shot clock. While more than half of the rural schools in the state didn’t want a shot clock, 70% of metro area schools wanted it.
More than 300 of the state’s 351 schools that field basketball programs participated in a survey, according to Commissioner Mike Krueger.
In October, Krueger said the discussion around using a shot clock focused on two issues. One was the cost of installation, and the other was finding people to train and, ultimately, run the shot clock.
“Another important consideration is the education that will be required for our officials and how that training will come about,” Krueger said. “The consensus opinion of member schools across the spectrum, especially of late, seems to be trending more toward supporting the use of the shot clock. However, there has been a specific emphasis on the need for an implementation timeline that would allow schools the opportunity to prepare for the changes.”
Krueger said the National Federation of High Schools adopted a 35-second shot clock two-and-a-half years ago, but not as a mandate. Last school year, nine state associations adopted the shot clock, according to Krueger.
Connecticut, Idaho, Minnesota, North Carolina and Oregon will start using the shot clock this season.
Several area coaches said using a shot clock would bring the game in line with college programs, including Byron Gray, the boys coach at Riverdale Ridge High School.
“Some other states already use a shot clock, and every level above high school uses a shot clock in some form. So, it will better align the high school game with the collegiate and pro game,” Gray said in 2020. “Adding a shot clock will also help develop a further understanding of the game. You will need to make good use of time and score.”
CHSAA’s legislative council will have the final say during its meeting on Jan. 30.