In some form of capacity in the upcoming season, the shot clock is making it’s way in the Lone Star State.
The UIL Legislative Council passed the motion of the adoption of the pilot program of the 35-second shot clock for all conferences, tournaments, showcases and by mutual agreement by coaches along with a superintendent survey.
The dataset coming from the program will be used to allow a full-vote in the October 18-19 Legislative Council meeting for potential state adoption by the 2028-29 season.
After four straight failed attempts in Legislative Council, this is the deepest the shot clock topic has progressed in the state of Texas, with the possibility of being next in line to adopt the game-changing tool.
Survey results
TABC & TGCA conducted recent surveys in regards to the shot clock
TGCA surveyed head girls basketball coaches in the respective conference & regions on the opinion of favoring a shot clock:
6A: 81% for
5A: 74% fort
4A: 73% for
3A: 61% for
2A: 53% against
1A: 57% against
In addition, a follow-up question was asked if the coach’s respective program’s facilities were equipped with a shot clock as of now (taking into account only one gym)?
6A: 51% Yes
5A: 52% No
4A: 68% No
3A: 78% No
2A: 85% No
1A: 89% No
TABC used a more broader audience for it’s respective members on the shot clock, asking for the use for varsity and JV teams (if JV teams play at the same site as varsity).
With this stipulation, 62% of TABC-member coaches voted for the shot clock.
Home-court advantage in the playoffs
The UIL standing committee on Athletics passed the proposal in concept and instructed UIL staff to draft appropriate language for home-court advantage for all team sports. This move follows the football postseason model with the team that finished in a higher district position in the bi-district round will determine whether the game is played on its own host field or playing the game at a neutral site.
Mileage and calendar will be big factors but another vote to officially adopt this topic will be voted on during the fall Legislative Council meeting.
72% of THSCA-member coaches were in favor of this topic along with the support of the TABC, TGCA & THSCA.
All passed amendments from the UIL Legislative Council are pending approval by the Commissioner of Education.
Other key proposals
Broadcast rights saw no action taken with their respective proposals in the standing committee on policy in regards to modify broadcast rights for local broadcasters to continue coverage of a team in the post-season and rights for all athletic contests.
In addition, the committee voted for the continuation to monitor live telecasts of Friday night football games.
Other topics from the standing committee on Athletics included a proposal to allow football coaches to coach 7-on-7 competitions, which saw no action taken.
