The Illinois High School Association has finalized guidelines for the 35-second shot clock, which will be required in all varsity boys and girls basketball games beginning with the 2026-27 season.
Under the new policy, schools hosting varsity contests must have properly functioning shot clocks installed and mounted according to National Federation of State High School Associations standards. Schools without working shot clocks will not be allowed to host varsity games.
If a host school is unable to provide a facility with a functioning shot clock and the visiting team cannot host the contest, the game will be forfeited by the home team.
The IHSA also approved provisions for tournaments and shootouts held in multiple gyms. In facilities where backboard-mounted shot clocks are not practical, clocks may be mounted on the wall behind the basket, provided they are clearly visible and unobstructed.
The shot clock requirement applies only to varsity competition. Its use will remain optional for lower-level games, including junior varsity, sophomore and freshman contests.
The IHSA voted in 2024 to adopt the statewide 35-second shot clock beginning with the 2026-27 season, giving schools additional time to budget for and install the required equipment. Illinois now joins a growing number of states that utilize a shot clock in high school basketball.