During a recent meeting, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association's Board of Control voted on a suite of measures that will affect high school basketball across the state. The decisions encompassed a phased introduction of a shot clock, a shift to RPI-based seeding for Division I tournaments, updated coaching education requirements, and adjustments to student eligibility definitions.
Phased Shot Clock Rollout
The board elected to debut the shot clock first in Hall of Champions games, holiday tournaments, and summer competitions. This limited rollout is intended to gauge impact before a full implementation that is slated for the 2029-30 school year, covering both regular season and postseason play.
RPI Seeding for Division I
Starting with the 2027-28 season, the Division I state tournament will adopt a seeding system based on the Ratings Percentage Index. This metric, which incorporates wins, losses, and strength of schedule, is designed to produce a more competitive bracket and to reward teams that face tougher opposition.
Coaching Education and Student Definition
All coaches in Tennessee will now be required to complete a new Recruiting Rule course offered through the NFHS Learn platform as a condition of appointment. In addition, the board broadened the definition of "non‑traditional students" to align with recent state legislation, reflecting a more inclusive approach to eligibility.
Sportsmanship Funding and Classification Cycle
The board earmarked $40,500 in grants for 27 schools that earned recognition through the A.F. Bridges Sportsmanship Program. Separately, the board will use ADM figures from the 2025-26 TISA funding formula to determine Division I classifications for the 2027-2029 cycle, ensuring that enrollment data drives competitive balance.
Appeals and Membership Updates
Several appeals and membership applications were also addressed during the session, though specific outcomes were not detailed in the announcement. The board indicated that further decisions will be communicated as the implementation timeline progresses.