Shot Clock Rollout and Tournament Seeding Changes
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s Board of Control has given the green light to a multi‑year plan that will introduce a shot clock to high school basketball across the state.
The first use of the 30‑second shot clock will be limited to Hall of Champions games, holiday tournaments and summer league contests, giving coaches a controlled environment to test the new rule.
Full statewide adoption is scheduled for the 2029‑30 school year, after a period of evaluation and refinement.
In parallel, the board voted to replace traditional seeding methods with a Rating Percentage Index (RPI) system for the Division I state tournament beginning in the 2027‑28 season, aiming for a more data‑driven approach.
Classification procedures for Division I schools have also been finalized, using the TISA funding formula to determine enrollment thresholds and competitive brackets.
Coaches are now required to complete a new TSSAA Recruiting Rule course delivered through the NFHS Learn platform, ensuring that all mentors are up to date on eligibility and recruitment standards.
The board also broadened the definition of non‑traditional students to align with recent state legislation, opening pathways for alternative education participants to compete.
Finally, the board earmarked $40,500 in grant funding for 27 schools that have earned recognition through the A.F. Bridges Sportsmanship Program, rewarding exemplary conduct on and off the court.