The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) has voted to adopt a 35‑second shot clock for high school basketball, a move that will take full effect by the 2029‑30 season.
The board’s 8‑4 decision reflects a carefully negotiated compromise, with the clock initially being trialed during Hall of Champions games, holiday tournaments and summer sessions over the next three years.
A Balanced Path Forward
Bartlett High School was the first to propose a phased rollout, laying out a schedule that would allow schools to adjust gradually while still moving toward full implementation.
Coach Jody Wright of Fulton’s boys basketball team built on that idea, offering an extra year for schools to phase in the rule and positioning the plan as a middle ground for those both supporting and opposing the change.
“This is a good compromise for both schools in favor of and opposed to the shot clock,” Wright told The Tennessean, emphasizing the need to address the divisive nature of the issue.
Board President Grant Swallows underscored the importance of communicating that the decision is driven by what is best for all member schools, rather than a unilateral mandate.
With the vote, Tennessee joins a growing list of states embracing the shot clock, now ranking as the 33rd state to adopt the measure in high school hoops.