UIL approves a 35-second shot clock for high school basketball, starting with 5A and 6A no earlier than 2028-29

Texas high school basketball is set to get a shot clock, but not for at least two more seasons.

The University Interscholastic League's Legislative Council, which met Sunday and Monday, approved a 35-second shot clock for varsity boys and girls games, the league announced Monday. It will be phased in by conference:

• 5A and 6A: no earlier than 2028-29
• 3A and 4A: no earlier than 2030-31
• 1A and 2A: no earlier than 2032-33

The UIL said it will monitor each stage and may change the timeline. Star Local Media reported the measure still needs approval from the state commissioner of education.

Girls flag football

The council also endorsed the idea of girls flag football as a UIL pilot program. It would be offered in no more than two classifications and would begin no earlier than 2028-29. The league said it will gather information on rules and guidelines for the council to consider at later meetings.

Playoffs and other changes

Other measures approved Monday:

• Starting in 2027-28, the first round of playoffs in all team sports and all conferences will include home field advantage, according to the UIL's summary.
• Schools may broadcast regular-season football games on linear TV on Friday nights when both schools agree.
• The Class 4A girls cross country race will grow to 5,000 meters beginning in 2028-29.
• Junior high cross country meets may start in the morning.
• 1A and 2A schools may play in 4A team tennis starting next school year. Until now only 3A schools have been allowed to move up.

The league has posted the full list of rule changes approved at the meeting on its website.

Sources

uiltexas.org

Star Local Media