My concern has always been schools finding someone to run the clock.  I've been to enough games where the clock operator screws up several times and it has messed with possessions or the flow of the game.  Now we're going to compound that with another clock?  And running a shot clock isn't always easy either.

I get the side that wants it and in an ideal world, sure, that'd be fine but logistically I still have concerns.

54 minutes ago, 83wildcatFB said:

As far as point 2. I have seen some clock people that could probably do it but I think for the most part you will have to have a dedicated person. Between adding a score, managing the game clock, and some places have the fouls on the board. It could be a lot to add an extra task in there. 

I've ran the basketball clock for years and I wouldn't want to do both at the same time. Neither are that difficult, but in a sense you're watching two different things when running the game clock and the play clock.

35 minutes ago, gchs_uk9 said:

I've ran the basketball clock for years and I wouldn't want to do both at the same time. Neither are that difficult, but in a sense you're watching two different things when running the game clock and the play clock.

I think the easiest answer is having a ref do it.

Go back to 2 person crews with the 3rd running the clock OR remain at 3 person crews and have Frosh/JV ref run clock.

High school players that play mid to high level AAU have been playing tournaments with a shot clock already for the last few years.  In the 12th region the talent level has taken a major drop over the last several years and you see a lot of slow/boring basketball.  It will force coaches to have to coach.  They won't be able to rely on the stall ball against a better team which will cause everyone to step their game up. 

17 minutes ago, Falcon Pride said:

I think the easiest answer is having a ref do it.

Go back to 2 person crews with the 3rd running the clock OR remain at 3 person crews and have Frosh/JV ref run clock.

I think this is the likely solution.

If you have to pay the clock operator, using an official from the JV game before makes the most sense and will not be an issue getting that position filled every home game.

1 hour ago, Falcon Pride said:

I think the easiest answer is having a ref do it.

Go back to 2 person crews with the 3rd running the clock OR remain at 3 person crews and have Frosh/JV ref run clock.

18 minutes ago, Breds82 said:

If you have to pay the clock operator, using an official from the JV game before makes the most sense and will not be an issue getting that position filled every home game.

They will never go back to a 2-person crew for varsity games. Current officials would quit. I've already heard a few older officials say that they've got 2 more years and then they'll be done. The main issue for using a referee from the JV game is going to be many official associations are already so short on officials that they are using varsity officials to work the jv game. 

I don't necessarily mind the idea of officials running the clock but does that mean that now every varsity game needs a crew of 4 officials? And if so is that 4th official getting the same pay as the 3 on the floor? I can't imagine too many officials being thrilled with the idea of coming off the floor and making less money. Maybe some areas would be able to recruit some recently retired officials to come back and do this, but again the issue is going to be getting people to do it. 

It seems that with today’s technology it would be possible to develop a system that the officials could stop with their whistle.  One official could start it and any of the three could stop it.  They could have a control panel at the scorer’s table to reset it.  It might not work but it would be worth a look.  It would potentially save a lot of money and put the responsibility on the officials.

Should have happened years ago!!

From what I've seen, the cost for this can run anywhere from $3000 to well over $5000.  A lot depends on the age of the existing system and building.  Some older buildings will require all new electrical wiring. 

As for the operator, I would think the Official's Associations might want to see if they can recruit some new people.  I think this needs to be a paid job.  Many former refs or people who have thought about officiating might be interested in doing some training for this.  Like 911 operators, this job will be 99% boredom and 1% total chaos with a house full of people yelling at you.  

4 hours ago, gchs_uk9 said:

I've ran the basketball clock for years and I wouldn't want to do both at the same time. Neither are that difficult, but in a sense you're watching two different things when running the game clock and the play clock.

Could PA pick up part of the scoreboard and/or clock? That means you don't need a 3rd person there.

21 minutes ago, Voice of Reason said:

Could PA pick up part of the scoreboard and/or clock? That means you don't need a 3rd person there.

I wouldn't do that. If your PA is good, then he or she is focused on getting names and information right, which would distract them from running the clock. If your PA is bad, then you probably don't want them doing a second task!

6 minutes ago, gchs_uk9 said:

I wouldn't do that. If your PA is good, then he or she is focused on getting names and information right, which would distract them from running the clock. If your PA is bad, then you probably don't want them doing a second task!

If the PA is good, I  think he/she could do the score plus PA. Then clock is clock only. Scoreboard keeper adds a monitoring eye on scoreboard info.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 17, 2025

The KHSAA Board of Control conducted its second regularly scheduled meeting of the 2025-26 academic year on Wednesday, which will continue on Thursday in Lexington, with the Board of Control voting 13-5 to adopt a shot clock for boys and girls varsity basketball beginning in the 2027-28 high school season.

Thirty-two state associations throughout the country currently use a shot clock in some manner, and Kentucky will implement the use of a 35-second shot clock in two years. KHSAA member schools can continue getting accustomed to a shot clock for the 2025-2026, but it will not be used in postseason until 2028.

The Louisville Invitational Tournament and several other events experimented with a 35-second shot clock last season, and the reps from Louisville said it went off without any problems.

It has long been an area of discussion throughout the Commonwealth, with the board’s final decision backed by several members expressing the belief that using a shot clock will advance the game. The discussion also led the group to believe that waiting until 27-28 would allow for budgeting for the equipment and further training for the shot clock operators.

“The board considered a variety of viewpoints and takes very seriously its role as the stewards of the game,’ said Commissioner Julian Tackett. “Right down to the discussions around the implementation year, they discussed every aspect. With the full year after this season, schools can continue to use the shot clock on an experimental basis, as well as get clocks installed for a smooth transition.”

Other items discussed on Wednesday were expanding opportunities for regional tournaments and bracketing in several sports. The 15th region basketball tournament uses a ‘super regional’ format due to a variety of logistical reasons in basketball, while the 6th region piloted an alternative format for 2025 softball and baseball. 

Several topics were brought to the table for discussion concerning the growing numbers of student transfers, the possibility of returning the KHSAA baseball state tournament to Legends Field for one or more rounds, and the planned classification changes for football and track and field / cross country during this school year.

– KHSAA –

https://khsaa.org/09-17-25-board-of-control-conducts-second-meeting-of-2025-26/

My point was, if they will have to pay an individual it would be easier to retain one of the JV officials. They’ll get another game check, and you’ll guarantee there will be someone to work the clock every varsity game.