Zone Defense Policy

SEAJBL Zone defense policy

This document defines zone defence and outlines the rules regarding its permitted use. It aims to minimize complaints about teams illegally playing zone defence.

• Zone defence is strictly prohibited in Under-8 to Under-14 competitions.
• Coaches must not instruct their teams to play zone defence and must ensure their players adhere to Man-to-Man defensive principles.
• Even when the Mercy Rule is in effect, teams must continue playing Man-to-Man defence within the three-point line.

Enforcement of the rule

• Coaches must not instruct their team to play zone defence.
• If a team is playing zone defence despite the coach’s instructions, it remains the coach’s responsibility to correct their players’ positioning.
• There are no excuses for failing to play Man-to-Man defence, as coaches have the authority to substitute players who are not following instructions.
• A coach, team manager, or club representative should notify the venue supervisor / score table official if a team is suspected of playing zone defence.
• The venue supervisor / score table official will determine if a violation has occurred by assessing the following:
  • Players failing to maintain an appropriate Man-to-Man defensive position.
  • Cutters moving through the key without being properly defended.
  • Lack of effort to re-establish Man-to-Man positioning after trapping or help situations.
  • Zone pressing without transitioning to Man-to-Man defence in the half-court.

Penalties for violations

Penalties for violating the No Zone Rule are imposed at the venue supervisor / score table official’s discretion and will be applied as follows:

• First offence: Three-game suspension.
• Second offence: Six-game suspension.
• Third offence: Season suspension.

Technical fouls issued under this policy will be enforced according to FIBA regulations:

• A coach is disqualified from the game after receiving two personal technical fouls.
• A coach is also disqualified if they receive three technical fouls in total (including those assessed to the bench).

What is Zone defense?

Zone Defence differs from Man-to-Man Defence as defenders guard an area rather than a specific player. Defenders shift positions relative to the ball’s movement within their designated zone. Common alignments include:

• 1-2-2 Zone
• 3-2 Zone
• 2-3 Zone

Man-to-Man defense principles

In Man-to-Man Defence, each player is responsible for guarding a specific opponent. Defensive players must adjust their positioning based on the ball’s movement.

Key positions in Man-to-Man defense:

1. On-Ball Defence:
   • The defender directly guards the ball handler, influencing them toward the sideline or baseline.
2. Denial Defence:
   • Defenders one pass away from the ball use a denial stance to prevent their opponent from receiving a pass.
3. Help Defence:
   • Defenders two or more passes away from the ball provide backup for teammates and adjust their positioning based on the ball’s location.

Disputes and enquiries

• Club delegates are the primary contact for all matters related to this rule.
• Any questions, clarifications, or feedback must be submitted writing via email from the approved club delegate.
• SEAJBL reserves the right to dismiss concerns not raised through the club delegate channel.