(Columbia, MO) Board of Directors with the Missouri State High School Activities Association have approved an allowance for a 35-second shot clock at its board meeting on June 13, 2024.
A press release issued Wednesday, August 7th from MSHSAA Director of Communications Andrew Kauffman, states the shot clock can only be used in boys and girls regular season varsity tournaments and shootout-style events involving MSHSAA member schools, with prior approval.
MSHSAA Assistant Executive Director, Doug Fessler said in the statement:
“In past years, some schools and coaches have requested the use of a shot clock. We are now providing that opportunity, contingent upon compliance with our defined approval process. This also enables tournaments and shootout-style events involving out-of-state schools, where shot clocks are standard, to utilize them during games."
The recommendation came from the MSHSAA Basketball Advisory Committee.
Locally, the major tournaments that could be impacted by this decision are the MAAA Conference Tournaments, and Central Christmas Tournaments. Both locations that the aforementioned tournaments are held at possess the equipment for shot clock capabilities. The Bob Sechrest Fieldhouse is a college facility, and the T.J. Foulon Fieldhouse has a shot clock board above the backboards on each end of the floor.
When asked if attendees can expect to see the use of a shot clock at the MAAA Tournament, MSHSAA District 1 Southeast Director, and MAAA Director Craig Gibbs said, “(I have) no idea. I’m sure we will discuss it at some point.”
Central Athletic Director Jon Petty said there are no plans at this time to use a shot clock:
"(Adding a shot clock would) be a lot of planning and training, etc. Plus you would need a person to work it the whole (tournament) and let teams know. I don't see us implementing it until it's mandatory."