The UIL Legislative Council voted Monday, Oct. 19, to adopt a 35-second shot clock for varsity boys and girls games. It will be phased in by classification over five years, starting with the state’s largest schools.
The clock becomes mandatory for 5A and 6A schools no earlier than the 2028-29 season. If the commissioner of education approves the rule, that starts Aug. 1, 2028. Schools in 3A and 4A would follow no earlier than 2030-31, and 1A and 2A schools no earlier than 2032-33.
“I think it’s great for our level and our team. It allows players to play at a faster pace and prepare them for college,” Lady Roos basketball coach Caleb King said. “It will also make it more exciting for the fan who comes and watches to keep teams from slowing the pace. The monetary aspect will not affect us as much. The biggest challenge we will face will be training of shot-clock keepers and the training of officials. But I think for the player and fan it will make for a more exciting game.”
Teams can try the clock before then. This season, varsity showcases and invitationals may use it if both coaches agree. Beginning in 2027-28, the same is true for varsity non-district games. Once the mandate takes effect, varsity teams must use the clock in every game, including the playoffs. Sub-varsity teams may use it in non-district games and tournaments, or in district games with approval from the District Executive Committee. The UIL is not recommending a shot clock for middle school.
Districts will pay for the equipment, installation and operation. Under national federation guidelines, that means two countdown displays behind each backboard, a horn that sounds different from the game clock, and a dedicated operator at the scorer’s table.
Texas has resisted a shot clock since the National Federation of State High School Associations began letting states adopt one in 2021. Support has grown since then. In UIL surveys, 61% of 6A superintendents and 68% of 5A superintendents favored it.
The council took several other actions at its Oct. 18-19 meeting in Austin:
Starting in 2027-28, the first round of the playoffs in every conference will be played at one team’s home field or court, for all team sports. Until now, only 5A and 6A football worked that way.
The UIL will develop a pilot program for no more than two classifications, starting no earlier than 2028-29. Staff will draft rules and an implementation plan for a later council vote. In a fall survey, 52% of 5A and 6A superintendents favored sanctioning the sport, and 165 schools already field teams.
1A and 2A schools may compete in 4A team tennis starting next school year, as 3A schools already can.
The 4A girls race will lengthen to 5,000 meters in 2028-29. Junior high meets may now start in the morning.
Regular-season Friday night games may be shown on traditional (linear) TV if both schools agree. None of the changes take effect until the commissioner of education approves them.
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