Experimental Shot Clock Coming to High School Lacrosse in New York

Big changes are coming to boys’ and girls’ high school lacrosse in New York, at least on an experimental basis.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) voted January 31 in its quarterly Executive Committee meeting to approve the experimental use of a shot clock. It passed by a 20-2 vote, according to the Democrat & Chronicle’s Justin Ritzel.

Any of the state’s 11 sections can seek permission from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to experiment with a shot clock.

Per Newsday’s Owen O’Brien, Jim Amen Jr., the New York State chairperson for boys’ lacrosse, said that every section coordinator approved the shot clock for boys’ lacrosse. The use of the clock will begin in 2025.

The boys’ shot clock gives teams 20 seconds to clear the ball, 10 to enter the box after crossing the midline and 60 seconds to shoot on goal.

The specifics about the girls’ shot clock are still being finalized, according to Ritzel. Liz Parry, the state chairperson for girls’ lacrosse, said state officials will meet in the spring to go over the proposal.