| Shot Clock Rules and California Modifications |
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| Introduction |
Rules governing the use of a shot clock for high school basketball in California are the same rules that govern the shot clock in NCAA.
The shot-clock periods are:
- 30 seconds for girls.
- 35 seconds for boys.
The following is guidance for high school officials to correctly manage and interpret the shot-clock rules. |
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| Violation Occurs |
The team in control shall attempt a try for field goal within the allotted shot-clock time.
The try shall leave the player’s hand before the expiration of the allotted shot-clock time. Following the release, the try subsequently shall strike the basket ring or enter the basket before or after the expiration of the allotted shot-clock time. |
Penalty |
The ball becomes dead when the violation occurs. The ball is awarded to the opponent for a throw-in at the out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation. |
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| Shot-Clock Operator |
The shot-clock operator shall control a separate timing device with a horn that shall have a sound distinct and different from that of the game clock.
The shot clock is used for the entire game, including overtime periods.
An alternate timing device shall be available. |
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Starting the
Shot Clock |
When stopped the shot clock will be started when:
- An inbounds player touches the ball following a throw-in.
- A team first gains possession of the ball following a:
- Jump ball.
- Rebound on a try that hits the rim.
- Loose ball.
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| Stopping and Continuing Time |
The shot clock will be stopped and the offensive team shall have the unexpired time remaining on the shot clock to attempt a shot when play continues:
- Following a time-out.
- Following a deflection out-of-bounds by a defensive player.
- Following an official’s time-out for an injured player.
- Following an official’s time-out for a player who loses a contact lens or glasses.
- Following a held ball and the offensive team retains possession of the ball by the AP arrow procedure.
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| Resetting the Shot Clock
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The shot clock will be reset when:
- Team control is established after the opponents lose possession of the ball.
- The mere touching of the ball by an opponent does not reset the shot clock if the same team remains in control of the ball.
- A foul occurs, exception: double foul, double technical, simultaneous foul.
- A held ball occurs and the defense is awarded the ball through the alternating-possession arrow procedure.
- A try for the goal is attempted and the ball hits the rim.
- A violation occurs.
Most violations are by the offensive team causing a change of possession and the shot clock is reset.
- The defense commits a violation by:
- Kicking the ball.
- Striking the ball with a fist.
- Knocking the ball through the underside of the basket.
NOTE: New College reset rules in regards to a kicked ball DO NOT apply to high school rules in California. |
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| Expiration of the Shot-Clock Period |
The horn shall sound at the expiration of the shot-clock period.
The horn does not stop play unless recognized by an official's whistle.
If the shot clock shows 00 but the horn has not sounded, time has not expired. |
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| Shot Clock Continues to Run |
The shot-clock will continue running:
- During a loose ball situation:
- When the offense regains possession.
- When the ball is thrown at the wrong basket.
- When a try is attempted but does not touch the rim.
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| Turn Off the Shot Clock |
The shot clock shall be turned off when the game clock shows less time than a shot-clock period. |
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| Doubt |
If there is doubt whether a try for goal was attempted before the horn, the final decision shall be made by the game officials. |
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| Shot Clock Official's Signals |
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...then... |
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...then... |
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| Stop Clock |
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Shot Clock Violation |
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Direction Signal |
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| Instructions to the Shot-Clock Operator |
(1) Boys’ Game: 35-seconds.
(2) Girls’ Game: 30-seconds.
(3) Four times the shot clock is reset:
- Try for goal hits rim.
- Foul.
- Change of possession: Defense must be holding or dribbling ball.
- Bad defensive play violations: Kicking ball, batting ball or knocking ball through bottom of basket.
(4) If you are not sure - do not reset the shot clock.
(5) Starting the shot clock:
- Throw-ins: When the ball is touched on the court.
- Free throws and Jump Ball: When a team gains control.
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| California High School Modifications |
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| Introduction |
Three rule modifications are used from the National Federation rulebook for high school basketball in the state of California. They are:
- “Closely guarded player” rules.
- No 10-second count applied to cross the division line.
- Mercy Rule.
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| Closely Guarded Rules for Girls |
In a Girls' game, a player shall not while closely guarded anywhere on the entire court:
- Hold the ball without dribbling for 5 seconds.
- Control, hold or dribble, the ball for 5 seconds in an area enclosed by screening teammates.
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| Division Line and Backcourt |
There is a division line.
The following rule is not in effect for Girls’ games:
- 10-second backcourt count.
The following rules are in effect for Girls’ games:
- Over-and-back.
- Frontcourt and backcourt definitions.
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| Mercy Rule |
When at the conclusion of the third quarter, or any point thereafter, if there is a point differential of forty (40) or more points, a running clock shall be instituted for the remainder of the game, regardless of the score.
Example: 4th quarter "mercy rule" in effect. Point differential drops below 40 points - clock keeps running.
- Clock will stop for time-outs and injuries.
- This applies to all levels of high school play.
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