This could soon be the sound in gyms across the State of Kansas with the implementation of the shot clock for high school basketball.

 

The new rule is only on a trial basis for this season but could be something that is permanently changed. To prepare for the change a camp was held at Coffeyville Community College for area officials and teams to get used to this new rule. Event Organizer and Official Will Tunstall says throughout the camp players, coaches and officials got more and more used to it.

 

Tunstall says this camp wasn't just good for the teams and officials but also for school administration and the volunteers who help run the scorers table during basketball season.

 

Some opponents of the rule change argued that it could prove costly for smaller schools to add additional equipment. Tunstall says schools are flexible in what equipment they can use to implement the shot clock.

 

Some schools, like 3A Caney Valley, have already added the equipment to their gym. Those in favor of the rule change hope to see a positive change in the pace of play at the end of games. It should also reduce complaints from coaches, fans and announcers about the stall ball style play high school basketball sees now.

 

Locally, the Southeast Kansas League has agreed to use the 35 second shot clock for all league games. After this one season trial period for the possible rule change, KSHSAA will decide whether it becomes a permanent change.