Who releases the players in the substitution zone for an exchange?

The second referee is responsible for releasing the players in the substitution zone during an exchange. This role is crucial in maintaining the flow of the game, as the second referee manages the substitutions to ensure they occur within the rules and at the appropriate times. By overseeing the substitution process, the second referee ensures that the correct players enter and exit the court, which is essential for both team strategy and compliance with the regulations of the match.

The head coach does not directly release players; their role is more focused on strategy and decision-making regarding substitutions. The first referee oversees the overall match, including monitoring the conduct of the game and enforcing rules but does not handle the substitution process directly. The team captain, while they may have some influence on substitutions, does not have the authority to release players for substitutions in the official capacity required by the game’s regulations.