AHSAA Mandates Shot Clock and Elects First Female President
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is ushering in a novel era for high school sports. During its April Central Board of Control (CBOC) meeting, the association announced two landmark decisions: the implementation of a shot clock for basketball and the election of the first female president in the organization’s 105-year history.
A New Pace for Alabama Basketball
Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, the AHSAA will mandate a 35-second shot clock for both boys’ and girls’ basketball. This rule change will apply to all regular season games as well as championship play. According to AHSAA News, the decision follows an extensive study and significant input from basketball coaches’ leadership.
AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon noted that the timing of the implementation is intentional, stating that the board felt the rule needed to be added at the start of a classification period rather than in the middle of one.
Historic Leadership Change
In a historic first, the CBOC unanimously elected Kim Kiel as president of the AHSAA. Kiel, a District 5 representative and Assistant Superintendent for Pelham City Schools, is the first woman to hold this position in the association’s 105-year existence. Her credentials include a diverse career in education as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal, as well as experience as a basketball official at the high school and college levels, including the NCAA Division II Final Four national championships.
Joining her in the new leadership team is Brian Jett, the Superintendent of Fort Payne City Schools and District 8 representative, who was unanimously elected as the CBOC vice president. Both officers are scheduled to officially begin their one-year tenures at the July CBOC meeting on July 29, 2026.
Expanded “Mercy Rule” for Post-Season Play
Beyond the shot clock and leadership changes, the Central Board voted to expand the “mercy rule” in post-season basketball. Previously used in various post-season stages, the rule will now be extended to include the state finals. As reported by WBRC, the mercy rule triggers a running clock whenever a team establishes a 30-point lead in the fourth quarter.
- Shot Clock: 35-second clock implemented for boys’ and girls’ basketball starting 2026-27.
- President: Kim Kiel becomes the first female president in AHSAA history.
- Vice President: Brian Jett elected as CBOC vice president.
- Mercy Rule: Now applies to state finals when a team leads by 30 points in the 4th quarter.
- Effective Date: New officers begin tenures on July 29, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the shot clock take effect?
The 35-second shot clock will be implemented beginning with the 2026-2027 basketball season.
Who is the new AHSAA president?
Kim Kiel of Pelham City Schools was unanimously elected as the first female president in the association’s history.
How does the basketball mercy rule work?
The mercy rule establishes a running clock if a team takes a 30-point lead during the fourth quarter of a game.