International
Handball
Federation
ix
Rules
of the Game
IHF hand signals
Clarifications to the
rules of the game
Updated 26.03.2001, by CA/KKS
IX - VIII/2001
2 IX - VIII/01
Table of contents Page
Playing Rules, IHF Hand Signals, Clarifications and
Substitution Area Regulations 3 – 82
Foreword 3
Rule 1 - Playing Court 4 – 8
Rule 2 - Playing Time, Final Signal and Time-Out 9 – 11
Rule 3 - The Ball 12
Rule 4 - The Team, Substitutions, Equipment 13 – 16
Rule 5 - The Goalkeeper 17 – 18
Rule 6 - The Goal Area 19 – 20
Rule 7 - Playing the Ball, Passive Play 21 – 23
Rule 8 - Fouls and Unsportsmanlike Conduct 24 – 26
Rule 9 - Scoring 27 – 28
Rule 10 - The Throw-Off 29
Rule 11 - The Throw-In 30
Rule 12 - The Goalkeeper-Throw 31
Rule 13 - The Free-Throw 32 – 35
Rule 14 - The 7-Meter-Throw 36 – 37
Rule 15 - General Instructions for the Execution of the
Throws (Throw-Off, Throw-In, Goalkeeper-
Throw, Free-Throw and 7-Meter-Throw) 38 – 39
Rule 16 - The Punishments 40 – 46
Rule 17 - The Referees 47 – 49
Rule 18 - The Timekeeper and the Scorekeeper 50
The IHF Hand Signals 51 – 60
Clarifications to the rules of the game 61 – 74
Substitution Area Regulations 75 – 78
Guidelines for Playing Courts and Goals 79 – 82
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FOREWORD
These Rules of the Game will take effect on August 1, 2001.
The Rules Text, the Comments, the IHF Hand Signals, the Clarifications
to the Rules of the Game, and the Substitution Area Regulations are all
Components of the overall Rules. This does not apply to the ‘Guidelines
for Playing Courts and Goals’, which are simply included in the rule book
for the convenience of the users of that text.
Remark
For the sake of simplicity, this rule book generally uses the male form
of words with respect to players, officials, referees and other persons.
However, the rules apply equally to male and female participants,
except as regards the rules for the size of the balls to be used (see
Rule 3).
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Rule 1 Playing Court
1:1 The playing court (see Diagram 1) is a 40 meters long and 20
meters wide rectangle, consisting of two goal areas (see Rule
1:4 and Rule 6) and a playing area. The longer boundary lines
are called side lines, and the shorter ones are called goal lines
(between the goal posts) or outer goal lines (on either side of the
goal).
There should be a safety zone surrounding the playing court,
with a width of at least 1 meter along the side lines and 2 meters
behind the outer goal lines.
The characteristics of the playing court must not be altered
during the game in such a way that one team gains an
advantage.
1:2 A goal (see Diagrams 2a and 2b) is placed in the center of each
outer goal line. The goals must be firmly attached to the floor or
to the walls behind them. They have an interior height of 2
meters and a width of 3 meters.
The goal posts are joined by a horizontal crossbar. The rear side
of the goal posts shall be in line with the rear edge of the goal
line. The goal posts and the crossbar must have an 8 cm square
cross-section. On the three sides which are visible from the
court they must be painted in bands of two contrasting colors,
which also contrast clearly with the background.
The goals must have a net, that should be attached in such a
way that a ball thrown into the goal normally remains in the goal.
1:3 All lines on the court are fully part of the area that they enclose.
The goal lines shall be 8 cm wide between the goal posts (see
Diagram 2a), whereas all other lines shall be 5 cm wide.
Lines between two adjacent areas may be replaced with a
difference in colors between the adjacent areas of the floor.
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1:4 In front of each goal there is a goal area (see Rule 6). The goal
area is defined by the goal-area line (6-meter line), which is
drawn as follows: (i) a 3 meters long line directly in front of the
goal; this line is parallel to the goal line and 6 meters away from it
(measured from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge
of the goal-area line); and (ii) two quarter-circles, each with a
radius of 6 meters (measured from the rear inner corner of the
goal posts), connecting the 3 meters long line with the outer goal
line (see Diagrams 1 and 2a).
1:5 The free-throw line (9-meter line) is a broken line, drawn 3
meters outside the goal-area line. Both the segments of the line
and the spaces between them measure 15 cm (see Diagram 1).
1:6 The 7-meter line is a 1 meter long line, directly in front of the
goal. It is parallel to the goal line and 7 meters away from it
(measured from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge
of the 7-meter line); (see Diagram 1).
1:7 The goalkeeper’s restraining line (the 4-meter line) is a 15 cm
long line, directly in front of the goal. It is parallel to the goal line
and 4 meters away from it (measured from the rear edge of the
goal line to the front edge of the 4-meter line); (see Diagram 1).
1:8 The center line connects the midpoints of the two side lines (see
Diagrams 1 and 3).
1:9 The substitution line (a segment of the side line) for each team
extends from the center line to a point at a distance of 4.5 meters
from the center line. This end point of the substitution line is
enhanced by a line which is parallel to the center line, extending
15 cm inside the side line and 15 cm outside the side line (see
Diagrams 1 and 3).
N.B. More detailed technical requirements for the playing court and
the goals can be found in the ‘Guidelines for Playing Courts and
Goals’, starting on page 79.
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Diagram 1: The Playing Court
Playing Court: See also Diagram 5 (page 82)
Dimensions indicated in cm
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Diagram 2a: The Goal
Center of quarter-circle
Goal line
Direction towards playing court
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Diagram 2b: The Goal –
seen from the side
Diagram 3: Substitution lines and substitution area
Substitution lines Side line
Substitute and suspended players and 4 officials
Table for timekeeper and scorekeeper
Substitute and suspended players and 4 officials
The table for timekeeper and scorekeeper and the benches for substitutes have to be
placed in such a way that the scorekeeper/timekeeper can see the substitution lines. The
table should be placed closer to the side line than the benches, but at least 50 cm outside
the side line.
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Rule 2 Playing Time, Final Signal and Time-Out
Playing Time
2:1 The normal playing time for all teams with players of age 16 and
above is 2 halves of 30 minutes. The half-time break is normally
10 minutes.
The normal playing time for youth teams is 2 x 25 minutes in the
age group 12-16 and 2 x 20 minutes in the age group 8-12. In
both cases the half-time break is normally 10 minutes.
2:2 Overtime is played, following a 5-minute break, if a game is tied
at the end of the regular playing time and a winner has to be
determined. The overtime period consists of 2 halves of
5 minutes, with a 1-minute half-time break.
If the game is again tied after a first overtime period, a second
period is played after a 5-minute break. This overtime period
also has 2 halves of 5 minutes, with a 1-minute half-time break.
If the game is still tied, the winner will be determined in
accordance with the rules for the particular competition.
Final Signal
2:3 The playing time begins with the referee’s whistle for the initial
throw-off. It ends with the automatic final signal from the public
clock or from the timekeeper. If no such signal comes, the
referee whistles to indicate that the playing time is over (17:10).
n Comment:
If a public clock with an automatic final signal is not available, the
timekeeper shall use a table clock or a stopwatch and end the
game with a final signal (18:2, 2 nd paragraph).
If a public clock is used, it should, if possible, be set to run from
0 to 30 minutes.
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2:4 Infractions and unsportsmanlike conduct that take place before,
or simultaneously with, the final signal (for half-time or end of
game) are to be punished, also if this cannot be done until after
the signal. The referees end the game only after the necessary
free-throw (except free-throws under Rule 13:4) or 7-meter throw
has been taken and its immediate result has been established.
(See also Clarification No. 1).
2:5 The throw must be retaken, if the final signal (for half-time or end
of game) sounds precisely when a free-throw or a 7-meter throw
is being executed or when the ball is already in the air. The
immediate result of the retaken throw is to be established before
the referees end the game.
2:6 Players and team officials remain subject to personal punishment
for infractions or unsportsmanlike conduct which take place
during the execution of a free-throw or 7-meter throw in the
circumstances described in Rules 2:4-5. An infraction during the
execution of such a throw cannot, however, lead to a free-throw in
the opposite direction.
2:7 If the referees determine that the timekeeper has given the final
signal (for half-time or end of game) too early, they must keep
the players on the court and play the remaining time.
The team that was in possession of the ball at the time of the
premature signal will remain in possession when the game
resumes. If the ball was out of play, then the game is restarted
with the throw that corresponds to the situation. If the ball was in
play, then the game is restarted with a free-throw in accordance
with Rule 13:4a-b.
If the first half of a game (or an overtime period) has been
terminated too late, the second half must be shortened
correspondingly. If the second half of a game (or an overtime
period) has been terminated too late, then the referees are no
longer in a position to change anything.
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Time-Out
2:8 The referees decide when and for how long the playing time is to
be interrupted (‘time-out’).
A time-out is obligatory when:
a) a 2-minute suspension, disqualification, or exclusion is
given;
b) a 7-meter throw is awarded;
c) a team time-out is granted;
d) there is a faulty substitution or an ‘extra’ player enters the
court;
e) there is a whistle signal from the timekeeper or the Technical
Delegate;
f) consultations between the referees are necessary in
accordance with Rule 17:8.
A time-out is normally also given in certain other situations,
depending on the circumstances (see Clarification No. 2).
Infractions during a time-out have the same consequences as
infractions during the playing time (16:13, 1 st paragraph).
2:9 The referees give the timekeeper a signal when the clock is to be
stopped and restarted in connection with a time-out.
The interruption of the playing time is to be indicated to the
timekeeper through three short blasts on the whistle and Hand
signal No. 16.
The whistle must always be blown to indicate the restart of the
game after a time-out (15:3b).
2:10 Each team has the right to receive one 1-minute team time-out in
each half of the regular playing time (Clarification No. 3).
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Rule 3 The Ball
3:1 The ball is made of leather or a synthetic material. It must be
spherical. The surface must not be shiny or slippery (17:3).
3:2 The ball sizes, i.e., the circumference and weight, to be used by
different categories of teams are as follows:
- 58-60 cm and 425-475 g (IHF Size 3) for Men and for male
youth (over age 16);
- 54-56 cm and 325-375 g (IHF Size 2) for Women, female
youth (over age 14), and male youth (age 12 to 16);
- 50-52 cm and 290-330 g (IHF Size 1) for female youth (age 8
to 14) and male youth (age 8 to 12).
§ Comments:
The technical requirements for the balls to be used in all official
international games are contained in the ‘IHF Ball Regulations’.
The size and weight of balls to be used for ‘Mini-Handball’ are
not regulated in the normal playing rules.
3:3 For every game, there must be at least two balls available. The
reserve balls must be immediately available at the timekeeper’s
table during the game. The balls must meet the requirements of
Rules 3:1-2.
3:4 The referees decide when to use a reserve ball. In such cases,
the referees should get the reserve ball into play quickly, in order
to minimize interruptions and avoid time-outs.
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Rule 4 The Team, Substitutions, Equipment
The Team
4:1 A team consists of up to 12 players.
No more than 7 players may be present on the court at the same
time. The remaining players are substitutes.
At all times during the game, the team must have one of the
players on the court designated as a goalkeeper. A player who is
recognized as a goalkeeper may become a court player at any
time. Similarly, a court player may become a goalkeeper at any
time (see, however, Rules 4:4 and 4:7).
A team must have at least 5 players on the court at the start of
the game.
The number of players on a team can be increased up to 12, at
any time during the game, including overtime. (For IHF and
Continental events, this is handled in accordance with applicable
regulations.)
The game may continue, even if a team is reduced to less than 5
players on the court. It is for the referees to judge whether and
when the game should be permanently abandoned (17:13).
4:2 A team is allowed to use a maximum of 4 team officials during
the game. These team officials may not be replaced during the
course of the game. One of them must be designated as “the
responsible team official.” Only this official is allowed to address
the timekeeper/scorekeeper and, possibly, the referees (see,
however, Clarification no. 3: Team time-out).
A team official is generally not allowed to enter the court during
the game. A violation of this rule is to be penalized as
Unsportsmanlike conduct (see Rules 8:4, 16:1d, 16:3d and
16:6b). The game is restarted with a free-throw for the
Opponents (13:1a-b; see, however, Clarification No. 9).
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4:3 A player or team official is entitled to participate if he is present
at the start of the game and is included in the score sheet.
Players and team officials who arrive after the game has started
must obtain their entitlement to participate from the
timekeeper/scorekeeper and must be entered into the
score sheet.
A player who is entitled to participate may, in principle, enter the
court through the team’s own substitution line at any time (see,
however, Rules 4:4 and 4:6).
A player who is not entitled to participate shall be disqualified if
he enters the court (16:6a). The game is restarted with a free-throw
for the opponents (13:1a-b; see, however, Clarification No.
9).
Player Substitutions
4:4 Substitutes may enter the game, at any time and repeatedly,
without notifying the timekeeper/scorekeeper, as long as the
players they are replacing have already left the court (4:5).
The players shall always leave and enter the court over their own
team’s substitution line (4:5). These requirements also apply to
the substitution of goalkeepers (see also 4:7 and 14:10).
The substitution rules apply also during a time-out (except during
a team time-out).
4:5 A faulty substitution shall be penalized with a 2-minute
suspension for the guilty player. If more than one player from
the same team is guilty of faulty substitution in the same
situation, only the first player committing an infraction is to be
penalized.
The game is restarted with a free-throw for the opponents
(13:1a-b; see, however, Clarification No. 9).
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4:6 If an additional player enters the court without a substitution, or if
a player illegally interferes with the game from the substitution
area, there shall be a 2-minute suspension for the player. Thus,
the team must be reduced by one player on the court for the next
2 minutes (apart from the fact that the entering additional player
must leave the court).
If a player enters the court while serving a 2-minute suspension,
he shall be given an additional 2-minute suspension. This
suspension shall begin immediately, so the team must be further
reduced on the court during the overlap between the first and the
second suspension.
The game is in both cases restarted with a free-throw for the
opponents (13:1a-b; see, however, Clarification No. 9).
Equipment
4:7 All the court players on a team must wear identical uniforms. The
combinations of colors and design for the two teams must be
clearly distinguishable from each other. A player who is being
used as goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish him from
the court players of both teams and the goalkeeper of the
opposing team (17:3).
4:8 The players must wear numbers that are at least 20 cm high in
the back of the shirt and at least 10 cm in the front. The
numbers used should be from 1 to 20.
The color of the numbers must contrast clearly with the colors
and design of the shirt.
The captain of each team must wear an armlet around the upper
arm. It should be about 4 cm wide and its color must contrast
with those of the shirt.
4:9 The players must wear sports shoes.
It is not permitted to wear objects that could be dangerous to the
players. This includes, for instance, head protection, face
masks, bracelets, watches, rings, necklaces or chains, ear-rings,
glasses without restraining bands or with solid frames, or
16 IX - VIII/01
any other objects which could be dangerous (17:3). Headbands
are allowed, as long as they are made of soft, elastic material.
Players who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to
take part until they have corrected the problem.
4:10 If a player is bleeding or has blood on the body or uniform, the
player must leave the court immediately and voluntarily (through
a normal substitution), in order to have the bleeding stopped, the
wound covered, and the body and uniform cleaned off. The
player must not return to the court until this has been done.
A player who does not follow the instructions of the referees in
connection with this provision is deemed guilty of
unsportsmanlike conduct (8:4, 16:1d and 16:3c).
4:11 In the case of an injury, the referees may give permission
(through Hand signals No. 16 and 17) for two of the persons who
are ‘entitled to participate’ (see 4:3) to enter the court during a
time-out, for the specific purpose of assisting an injured player
from their team (4:2, 16:1d, 16:3d, 16:6b).
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Rule 5 The Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper is allowed to:
5:1 touch the ball with any part of his body while in the act of
defense inside the goal area;
5:2 move with the ball inside the goal area, without being subject to
the restrictions applying to court players (Rules 7:2-4, 7:7); the
goalkeeper is not allowed, however, to delay the execution of the
goalkeeper-throw (Rules 6:5, 12:2 and 15:3b);
5:3 leave the goal area without the ball and participate in the game in
the playing area; when doing so, the goalkeeper becomes
subject to the rules applying to players in the playing area.
The goalkeeper is considered to have left the goal area as soon
as any part of the body touches the floor outside the goal-area
line;
5:4 to leave the goal area with the ball and play it again in the playing
area, if he has not managed to control it.
The goalkeeper is not allowed to:
5:5 endanger the opponent while in the act of defense (8:2, 8:5);
5:6 leave the goal area with the ball under control (13:1a);
5:7 touch the ball again outside the goal area following a goalkeeper-throw,
until after it has touched another player (13:1a);
18 IX - VIII/01
5:8 touch the ball when it is stationary or rolling on the floor outside
the goal area, while he is inside the goal area (13:1a);
5:9 take the ball into the goal area when it is stationary or rolling
on the floor outside the goal area (13:1a);
5:10 re-enter the goal area from the playing area with the ball (13:1a);
5:11 touch the ball with the foot or the leg below the knee, when it is
stationary on the floor in the goal area or moving out towards the
playing area (13:1a);
5:12 cross the goalkeeper’s restraining line (4-meter line) or its
projection on either side, before the ball has left the hand of the
opponent who is executing a 7-meter throw (14:9).
n Comment:
As long as the goalkeeper keeps one foot on the floor on or
behind the restraining line (4-meter line), he is permitted to move
the other foot or any other part of his body out over the line in
the air.
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Rule 6 The Goal Area
6:1 Only the goalkeeper is allowed to enter the goal area (see,
however, 6:3). The goal area, which includes the goal area line,
is considered entered when a court player touches it with any
part of the body.
6:2 When a court player enters the goal area, the decisions shall be
as follows:
a) free-throw, when a court player enters the goal area in
possession of the ball (13:1a);
b) free-throw, when a court player enters the goal area without
the ball but gains an advantage by doing so (13:1a-b; see,
however, 6:2c);
c) 7-meter throw, when a defending player enters the goal area
and because of this destroys a clear chance of scoring
(14:1a).
6:3 Entering the goal area is not penalized when:
a) a player enters the goal area after playing the ball, as long as
this does not create a disadvantage for the opponents;
b) a player enters the goal area without the ball and does
not gain an advantage by doing so;
c) a defending player enters the goal area during or after an
attempt to defend, without causing a disadvantage for
the opponents.
6:4 The ball belongs to the goalkeeper when it is in the goal area.
A court player is not permitted to touch the ball when it is
stationary or rolling in the goal area, or when it is held by the
goalkeeper (13:1a-b). It is permitted, however, to play the ball
when it is in the air above the goal area, except when a
goalkeeper-throw is being executed (12:2).
20 IX - VIII/01
6:5 The goalkeeper shall put the ball back into play through a
goalkeeper-throw (Rule 12), when it ends up in the goal area.
6:6 Play shall continue (through a goalkeeper-throw under rule 6:5)
if a player of the defending team touches the ball when in the act
of defense, and the ball is caught by the goalkeeper or comes to
rest in the goal area.
6:7 If a player plays the ball into his own goal area, the decisions
shall be as follows:
a) goal, if the ball enters the goal;
b) free-throw, if the ball comes to a rest in the goal area, or if the
goalkeeper touches the ball and it does not enter the goal
(13:1b);
c) throw-in, if the ball goes out over the outer goal line (11:1);
d) play continues, if the ball passes through the goal area back
into the playing area, without being touched by the
goalkeeper.
6:8 A ball that returns from the goal area out into the playing area
remains in play.
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Rule 7 Playing the Ball, Passive Play
Playing the Ball
It is permitted to:
7:1 throw, catch, stop, push or hit the ball, by using hands (open or
closed), arms, head, torso, thighs and knees;
7:2 hold the ball for a maximum of 3 seconds, also when it is Iying
on the floor (13:1a);
7:3 take a maximum of 3 steps with the ball (13:1a); one step is
considered taken when:
a) a player who is standing with both feet on the floor lifts
one foot and puts it down again, or moves one foot from one
place to another;
b) a player is touching the floor with one foot only, catches
the ball and then touches the floor with the other foot;
c) a player after a jump touches the floor with one foot only, and
then hops on the same foot or touches the floor with the other
foot;
d) a player after a jump touches the floor with both feet
simultaneously, and then lifts one foot and puts it down again,
or moves one foot from one place to another.
n Comment:
It counts as only one step, if one foot is moved from one place to
another, and then the other foot is dragged next to the first one.
22 IX - VIII/01
7:4 while standing or running:
a) bounce the ball once and catch it again with one or both
hands;
b) bounce the ball repeatedly with one hand (dribble), or roll the
ball on the floor repeatedly with one hand, and then catch it or
pick it up again with one or both hands.
As soon as the ball thereafter is held in one or both hands, it
must be played within 3 seconds or after no more than 3 steps
(13:1a).
The bouncing or dribbling is considered to have started when the
player touches the ball with any part of his body and directs it
towards the floor.
After the ball has touched another player or the goal, the player
is allowed to tap the ball or bounce it and catch it again.
7:5 move the ball from one hand into the other one.
7:6 play the ball while kneeling, sitting or lying on the floor.
It is not permitted to:
7:7 touch the ball more than once, unless it has touched the floor,
another player, or the goal in the meantime (13:1a).
Fumbling the ball is not penalized.
n Comment:
Fumbling means that a player fails to control the ball when trying
to catch it or stop it.
If the ball has already been controlled, then the player may not
touch it more than once after tapping or bouncing it.
IX - VIII/01 23
7:8 touch the ball with a foot or leg below the knee, except when the
ball has been thrown at the player by an opponent (13:1a-b);
7:9 Play continues if the ball touches a referee on the court.
Passive play
7:10 It is not permitted to keep the ball in the team’s possession
without making any recognizable attempt to attack or to shoot on
goal (see Clarification No. 4). This is regarded as passive play,
which is to be penalized with a free-throw against the team in
possession of the ball (13:1a).
The free-throw is taken from the spot where the ball was when
play was interrupted.
7:11 When a possible tendency to passive play is recognized, the
forewarning signal (Hand signal No. 18) is shown. This gives the
team in possession of the ball the opportunity to change its way
of attacking in order to avoid losing possession. If the way of
attacking does not change after the forewarning signal has been
shown, or no shot on goal is taken, then a free-throw is called
against the team in possession (see Clarification No. 4).
In certain situations the referees can call a free-throw against
the team in possession also without any prior forewarning signal,
e.g., when a player intentionally refrains from trying to utilize a
clear scoring chance.
24 IX - VIII/01
Rule 8 Fouls and Unsportsmanlike Conduct
It is permitted to:
8:1 a) use arms and hands to block or gain possession of the ball;
b) use an open hand to play the ball away from the
opponent from any direction;
c) use the body to obstruct an opponent, even when the
opponent is not in possession of the ball;
d) make body contact with an opponent, when facing him
and with bent arms, and maintain this contact in order to
monitor and follow the opponent.
It is not permitted to:
8:2 a) pull or hit the ball out of the hands of an opponent;
b) block or force away an opponent with arms, hands or legs;
c) restrain, hold, push, run or jump into an opponent;
d) interfere with, impede or endanger an opponent (with or
without the ball) in contravention of the rules.
8:3 Violations of rule 8:2 where the action is mainly or exclusively
directed at the opponent and not at the ball, are to be punished
progressively. Progressive punishment means that it is not
sufficient to penalize a particular foul solely with a free-throw or
7-meter throw, because the foul goes beyond the type of
infraction which normally occurs in the struggle for the ball.
Each infraction that meets the definition for progressive
punishment requires a personal punishment, beginning with a
warning (16:1b), and with a trend of increasingly severe
punishments (16:3b, and 16:6g).
Warnings and suspensions given for other violations are also to
be taken into account in the progressivity.
24 IX - VIII/01
Rule 8 Fouls and Unsportsmanlike Conduct
It is permitted to:
8:1 a) use arms and hands to block or gain possession of the ball;
b) use an open hand to play the ball away from the
opponent from any direction;
c) use the body to obstruct an opponent, even when the
opponent is not in possession of the ball;
d) make body contact with an opponent, when facing him
and with bent arms, and maintain this contact in order to
monitor and follow the opponent.
It is not permitted to:
8:2 a) pull or hit the ball out of the hands of an opponent;
b) block or force away an opponent with arms, hands or legs;
c) restrain, hold, push, run or jump into an opponent;
d) interfere with, impede or endanger an opponent (with or
without the ball) in contravention of the rules.
8:3 Violations of rule 8:2 where the action is mainly or exclusively
directed at the opponent and not at the ball, are to be punished
progressively. Progressive punishment means that it is not
sufficient to penalize a particular foul solely with a free-throw or
7-meter throw, because the foul goes beyond the type of
infraction which normally occurs in the struggle for the ball.
Each infraction that meets the definition for progressive
punishment requires a personal punishment, beginning with a
warning (16:1b), and with a trend of increasingly severe
punishments (16:3b, and 16:6g).
Warnings and suspensions given for other violations are also to
be taken into account in the progressivity.
IX - VIII/01 25
8:4 Physical and verbal expressions that are incompatible with the
spirit of good sportsmanship are regarded as constituting
unsportsmanlike conduct. (For examples, see Clarification No.
5). This applies to both players and team officials, on or outside
the playing court. Progressive punishment also applies in the
case of unsportsmanlike conduct (16:1d, 16:3c-d and
16:6b,g,h).
8:5 A player who endangers the opponent's health when
attacking him, shall be disqualified (16:6c), particularly if he:
a) from the side or from behind, either strikes or pulls back
the throwing arm of a player who is in the process of
throwing or passing the ball;
b) takes any action resulting in the opponent being struck
on the head or neck;
c) deliberately hits the body of an opponent with his foot or
knee or in any other way; this includes tripping;
d) pushes an opponent who is running or jumping, or
attacks him in such a way that the opponent loses control of
his body; this also applies when a goalkeeper leaves his
goal area in connection with a counterattack from the
opponents;
e) hits a defending player in the head with a free-throw taken as
a direct shot on goal, assuming that the defending player
was not moving; or similarly, hits the goalkeeper in the head
with a 7-meter throw, assuming that the goalkeeper was not
moving.
8:6 Seriously unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official,
on or outside the court (for examples, see Clarification No. 6),
shall be punished with disqualification (16:6d).
8:7 A player who is guilty of ‘assault’ during the playing time shall be
excluded (16:9-11). Assault outside the playing time leads to a
disqualification (16:6e; 16:13b,d). A team official who is guilty of
assault shall be disqualified (16:6f).
26 IX - VIII/01
n Comment:
Assault is, for the purposes of this rule, defined as a forceful and
deliberate attack against the body of another person (player,
referee, timekeeper/scorekeeper, team official, delegate,
spectator etc.) In other words, it is not simply a reflex action or
the result of careless and excessive methods. Spitting on another
person is specifically regarded as assault.
8:8 Violations against rules 8:2-7 lead to a 7-meter-throw for the
opponents (Rule 14:1), if the violation directly, or indirectly
because of the interruption it causes, destroys a clear chance of
scoring for the opponents.
Otherwise the violation leads to a free-throw for the opponents
(see Rules 13:1a-b, but see also 13:2 and 13:3).
IX - VIII/01 27
Rule 9 Scoring
9:1 A goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the entire width
of the goal line (see Diagram 4), provided that no violation of the
rules has been committed by the thrower or a teammate before
or during the throw. The goal-line referee confirms with two
short whistle signals and Hand signal No. 12 that a goal has been
scored.
A goal shall be allowed, if there is a violation of the rules by a
defender but the ball still goes into the goal.
A goal cannot be awarded, if a referee or the timekeeper has
interrupted the game before the ball has completely crossed the
goal line.
A goal shall be awarded to the opponents, if a player plays the
ball into his own goal, except in the situation where a goalkeeper
is executing a goalkeeper-throw (12:2, 2 nd paragraph).
n Comment:
A goal shall be awarded, if the ball is prevented from going into
the goal by someone or something not participating in the game
(spectators etc.), and the referees are convinced that the ball
would otherwise have entered the goal.
9:2 A goal that has been awarded can no longer be disallowed, once
the referee has blown the whistle for the subsequent throw-off to
be taken.
The referees must make clear (without a throw-off) that they
have allowed a goal, if the signal for the end of a half sounds
immediately after a goal is scored and before a throw-off can be
taken.
n Comment
A goal should be entered on the scoreboard as soon as it
has been awarded by the referees.
28 IX - VIII/01
9:3 The team that has scored more goals than the opponents is the
winner. The game is tied if both teams have scored the
same number of goals or no goals at all (see Rule 2:2).
Diagram 4: Scoring
goal
no goal
IX - VIII/01 29
Rule 10 The Throw-Off
10:1 At the start of the game, the throw-off is taken by the team that
wins the coin toss and elects to start with the ball in its
possession. The opponents then have the right to choose ends.
Alternatively, if the team that wins the coin toss prefers to choose
ends, then the opponents take the throw-off.
The teams change ends for the second half of the game. The
throw-off at the start of the second half is taken by the team that
did not have the throw-off at the start of the game.
A new coin toss is undertaken prior to each overtime period, and
all the regulations above under Rule 10:1 apply also to overtime.
10:2 After a goal has been scored, play is resumed with a throw-off
taken by the team that conceded the goal (see, however, Rule
9:2, 2 nd paragraph).
10:3 The throw-off is taken in any direction from the center of the
court (with a tolerance sideways of about 1.5 meter). It is
preceded by a whistle signal, following which it must be taken
within 3 seconds (13:1a). The player taking the throw-off must
stand with a foot on the center line until the ball has left his hand
(13:1a). (See also Clarification No. 7).
The teammates of the thrower are not allowed to cross the center
line prior to the whistle signal (15:1, 2 nd and 3 rd paragraphs).
10:4 For the throw-off at the start of each half (incl. any period of
overtime), all players must be in their own half of the court.
However, for the throw-off after a goal has been scored, the
opponents of the thrower are allowed to be in both halves of the
court.
In both cases, however, the opponents must be at least 3 meters
away from the player taking the throw-off (15:7).
30 IX - VIII/01
Rule 11 The Throw-ln
11:1 A throw-in is awarded when the ball has completely crossed the
side line, or when a court player on the defending team was the
last one to touch the ball before it crossed his team’s outer goal
line.
11:2 The throw-in is taken without whistle signal from the referees
(see, however, 15:3b), by the opponents of the team whose
player last touched the ball before it crossed the line.
11:3 The throw-in is taken from the spot where the ball crossed
the side line or, if it crossed the outer goal line, from the
intersection of the side line and the outer goal line on that side.
11:4 The thrower must stand with a foot on the side line until the ball
has left his hand. The player is not allowed to put the ball down
on the floor and then pick it up himself, or to bounce the ball and
then catch it again himself (13:1a).
11:5 While the throw-in is being taken, the opponents may not be
closer to the thrower than 3 meters.
They are, however, always allowed to stand immediately outside
their goal-area line, even if the distance between them and the
thrower is then less than 3 meters.
IX - VIII/01 31
Rule 12 The Goalkeeper-Throw
12:1 A goalkeeper-throw is awarded: when the goalkeeper has
controlled the ball in the goal area (Rule 6:5); or when the ball
crosses the outer goal line, after having been touched last by the
goalkeeper or a player of the opposing team.
This means that in both these situations the ball is considered out
of play, and that Rule 13:3 applies if there is a violation on the
part of the goalkeeper´s team after a goalkeeper-throw has been
awarded and before it has been executed.
12:2 The goalkeeper-throw is taken by the goalkeeper, without whistle
signal from the referee (see, however, 15:3b), from the goal area
out over the goal-area line.
The goalkeeper-throw is considered to have been taken, when
the ball thrown by the goalkeeper has crossed the goal-area line.
The players of the other team are allowed to be immediately
outside the goal-area line, but they are not allowed to touch the
ball until it has crossed the line.
12:3 The goalkeeper must not touch the ball again after a goalkeeper-throw,
until it has touched another player (5:7, 13:1a).
32 IX - VIII/01
Rule 13 The Free-Throw
Free-throw decision
13:1 In principle, the referees interrupt the game and have it restarted
with a free-throw for the opponents when:
a) the team in possession of the ball commits a violation of the
rules that must lead to a loss of possession (see Rules 4:2-3,
4:5-6, 5:6-11, 6:2a-b, 6:4, 7:2-4, 7:7-8, 7:10, 8:8, 10:3, 11:4,
12:3, 13:7-8, 14:4-7, and 15:2-5).
b) the defending team commits a violation of the rules that
causes the team in possession of the ball to lose it (see
Rules 4:2-3, 4:5-6, 5:5, 6:2b, 6:4, 6:7b, 7:8, 8:8).
13:2 The referees should allow continuity in the game by refraining
from interrupting the game prematurely with a free-throw
decision.
This means that, under Rule 13:1a, the referees should not call a
free-throw if the defending team gains possession of the ball
immediately after the violation committed by the attacking team.
Similarly, under Rule 13:1b, the referees should not intervene
until and unless it is clear that the attacking team has lost
possession of the ball or is unable to continue their attack, due to
the violation committed by the defending team.
If a personal punishment is to be given because of the rules
violation, then the referees may decide to interrupt the game
immediately, if this does not cause a disadvantage for the
opponents of the team committing the violation. Otherwise the
punishment should be delayed until the existing situation is over.
Rule 13:2 does not apply in the case of infringements against
rules 4:2-3 or 4:5-6, where the game shall be interrupted
immediately, normally through the intervention of the timekeeper.
13:3 If a violation that would normally lead to a free-throw under rule
13:1 a-b takes place when the ball is out of play, then the game
is restarted with the throw that corresponds to the reason for the
existing interruption.
IX - VIII/01 33
13:4 In addition to the situations indicated in Rule 13:1 a-b, a free-throw
is also used as the way of restarting the game in certain
situations where the game is interrupted (i.e., when the ball is in
play), even though no violation of the rules has occurred:
a) if one team is in possession of the ball at the time of the
interruption, this team shall retain possession;
b) if neither team is in possession of the ball, then the team that
last had possession shall be given possession again;
c) when the game is interrupted because the ball touched the
ceiling or a fixture above the court, the team which did not
last touch the ball shall be given possession.
The ‘advantage rule’ under 13:2 does not apply in the situations
covered by rule 13:4.
13:5 If there is a free-throw decision against the team that is in
possession of the ball when the referee whistles, then the player
who has the ball at that moment must immediately drop it or put it
down on the floor at the spot where he is (16:3e).
Free-throw execution
13:6 The free-throw is normally taken without any whistle signal from
the referee (see, however, 15:3b) and, in principle, from the
place where the infraction occurred. The following are
exceptions to this principle:
In the situations described under 13:4 a-b, the free-throw is
taken, after whistle signal, in principle from the place where the
ball was at the time of the interruption. In the case of 13:4 c, the
free-throw is taken, also after whistle signal, in principle from the
place below where the ball touched the ceiling or fixture.
If a referee or technical delegate (from IHF or a
continental/national federation) interrupts the game because of
an infringement on the part of a player or team official of the
defending team, and this results in a verbal caution or a personal
punishment, then the free-throw should be taken from the place
where the ball was when the game was interrupted, if this is a
more favorable location than the position where the infringement
took place.
34 IX - VIII/01
The same exception as in the previous paragraph applies if a
timekeeper interrupts the game because of a faulty substitution
or illegal entry under rules 4:2-3 or 4:5-6.
As indicated in rule 7:10, free-throws called because of passive
play shall be taken from the place where the ball was when the
game was interrupted.
Notwithstanding the basic principles and procedures stated in the
preceding paragraphs, a free-throw can never be taken inside
the throwing team’s own goal area or inside the free-throw line of
the opponents. In any situation where the location indicated by
the one of the preceding paragraphs involves either one of these
areas, the location for the execution must be moved to the
nearest spot immediately outside the restricted area.
n Comment:
If the correct position for the free-throw is at the free-throw line
of the defending team, then the execution must take place
essentially at the precise spot. However, the further away the
location is from the defending team’s free-throw line, the more of
a margin there is for allowing the free-throw to be taken a short
distance away from the precise spot. This margin gradually
increases up to 3 meters, which applies in the case of a free-throw
taken from just outside the throwing team’s own goal area.
The margin just explained does not apply following a violation
against Rule 13:5, if this violation is being punished in
accordance with Rule 16:3e. In such cases, the execution
should always be from the precise spot.
13:7 Once a player from the team that received the free-throw is in
the correct position for taking the throw, with the ball in hand, he
must not put it down on the floor and pick it up again, or bounce
it and catch it again (13:1a).
13:8 Players of the attacking team must not touch or cross the free-throw
line of the opponents before the free-throw has been taken
(15:1).
The referees must correct the positions of attacking players who
are between the free-throw line and the goal-area line during the
execution of the free-throw, if the incorrect positions have an
IX - VIII/01 35
influence on the game (15:1). The free-throw shall then be taken
following a whistle signal (15:3b).
In the case where the execution of a free-throw has been
authorized through a whistle signal, if players from the attacking
team touch or cross the free-throw line before the ball has left
the hand of the thrower, there shall be a free-throw awarded to
the defending team (13:1a).
13:9 When a free-throw is being taken, the opponents must remain at
a distance of at least 3 meters from the thrower. They are,
however, allowed to stand immediately outside their goal-area
line, if the free-throw is being taken at their free-throw line.
36 IX - VIII/01
Rule 14 The 7-Meter Throw
7-Meter Decision
14:1 A 7-meter throw is awarded when:
a) a clear chance of scoring is destroyed anywhere on the
court, by a player or a team official of the opposing team;
b) there is an unwarranted whistle signal at the time of a
clear chance of scoring;
c) a clear chance of scoring is destroyed through the
interference of someone not participating in the game (except
when Rule 9:1 Comment applies).
For the definition of ‘clear chance of scoring’, see Clarification
No.8.
14:2 If an attacking player retains full control of ball and body despite
a violation as in 14:1a, there is no reason give a 7-meter throw,
even if thereafter the player fails to utilize the clear scoring
chance.
Whenever there is a potential 7-meter decision, the referees
should always hold off on intervening until they can clearly
determine if a 7-meter decision is indeed justified and
necessary. If the attacking player proceeds to score a goal
despite the illegal interference from the defenders, then there is
obviously no reason to give a 7-meter throw. Conversely, if it
becomes apparent that the player really has lost ball or body
control because of the violation, so that a clear chance no longer
exists, then a 7-meter throw is to be given.
14:3 When awarding a 7-meter throw, the referees must give a time-out
(2:2).
IX - VIII/01 37
7-Meter Execution
14:4 The 7-meter throw is to be taken as a shot on goal, within 3
seconds after a whistle signal from the court referee (13:1a).
14:5 The player who is taking the 7-meter throw must not touch or
cross the 7-meter line before the ball has left his hand (13:1a).
14:6 The ball must not be played again by the thrower or a teammate
following the execution of a 7-meter throw, until it has touched an
opponent or the goal (13:1a).
14:7 When a 7-meter throw is being executed, the teammates of the
thrower must remain outside the free-throw line, until the ball has
left the thrower’s hand. If they do not do so, a free-throw will be
called against the team taking the 7-meter throw (13:1a)
14:8 When a 7-meter throw is being executed, the players of the
opposing team must remain outside the free-throw line and at
least 3 meters away from the 7-meter line, until the ball has left
the thrower’s hand. If they do not do so, the 7-meter throw will
be retaken if it does not result in a goal.
14:9 The 7-meter throw is to be retaken, unless a goal is scored, if the
goalkeeper crosses his restraining line, i.e., the 4-meter
line (1:7, 5:12), before the ball has left the thrower’s hand.
14:10 It is no longer permitted to change goalkeepers once the thrower
is ready to take the 7-meter throw, standing in the correct
position with the ball in hand. Any attempt to make a substitution
in this situation is to be penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct
(8:4, 16:1d and 16:3c).
38 IX - VIII/01
Rule 15 General Instructions for the Execution of
the Throws (Throw-Off, Throw-In,
Goalkeeper-Throw, Free-Throw and 7-Meter
Throw)
15:1 The ball must be in the hand of the thrower before a throw is
executed.
All players must be in the positions prescribed for the throw
in question. The players must remain in their correct positions
until the ball has left the hand of the thrower, except as under
10:3, 2 nd paragraph.
An incorrect initial position is to be corrected (see, however,
13:8 2 nd paragraph and 15:7).
15:2 Except in the case of the goalkeeper-throw, the thrower must
have one part of a foot in constant contact with the floor when a
throw is taken (13:1a). The other foot may be lifted and put down
repeatedly.
15:3 The referee must blow the whistle for the restart:
a) always in the case of a throw-off (10:3) or 7-meter throw
(14:4);
b) in the case of a throw-in, goalkeeper-throw or free-throw:
§ for a restart after a time-out;
§ for a restart with a free-throw under Rule 13:4;
§ when there has been a delay in the execution;
§ after a correction of the player positions;
§ after a verbal caution or a warning.
After the whistle signal, the thrower must play the ball within
3 seconds (13:1a).
15:4 A throw is considered taken when the ball has left the hand of the
thrower (see, however, 12:2).
IX - VIII/01 39
The ball may not be handed over to, or touched by, a teammate
of the thrower when the throw is being taken (13:1a).
15:5 The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has
touched another player or the goal (13:1a).
15:6 A goal may be scored directly from any throw (except in the
case of a goalkeeper-throw, where an ‘own goal’ is not possible,
12:2).
15:7 Incorrect positions on the part of the defending players in
connection with the execution of a throw-off, throw-in, or free-throw
must not be corrected by the referees, if the attacking
players are not at a disadvantage by taking the throw
immediately. If there is a disadvantage, then the positions are to
be corrected (15:3b).
If the referee blows his whistle for a throw to be taken, despite
incorrect positions on the part of defending players, then those
players are fully entitled to intervene.
A player is to be warned if he delays or interferes with the
execution of a throw by the opponents, by standing too close or
through other infractions. He is to be suspended if he repeats it
(16:1c and 16:3f).
40 IX - VIII/01
Rule 16 The Punishments
Warning
16:1 A warning can be given for:
a) fouls and similar infractions against an opponent (5:5 and
8:2), which do not fall under the category of ‘punished
progressively’ in Rule 8:3;
A warning shall be given for:
b) such fouls which are to be punished progressively (8:3);
c) infractions when the opponents are executing a formal throw
(15:7);
d) unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official (8:4).
n Comment:
An individual player should not be given more than one warning,
and a team should not be given more than 3 warnings.
A player who has already had a 2-minute suspension should not
subsequently be given a warning.
No more than one warning in total should be given to the officials
of a team.
16:2 The referee shall indicate the warning to the guilty player or
official and to the timekeeper/scorekeeper by holding up a yellow
card. (Hand Signal No. 13; the ‘yellow card’ should measure
about 9 x 12 cm).
IX - VIII/01 41
Suspension
16:3 A suspension (2 minutes) shall be given:
a) for a faulty substitution or illegal entering of the court (4:5-6);
b) for repeated fouls of the type that they are to be punished
progressively (8:3);
c) for repeated unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, on the
court or outside the court (8:4);
d) for the second occasion of unsportsmanlike conduct by any
one of the officials of a team, after one of them has
previously received a warning under Rule 16:1d (8:4);
e) for failure to drop or put the ball down on the floor when a
free-throw decision is taken against the team which is in
possession of the ball (13:5);
f) for repeated infractions when the opponents are executing a
formal throw (15:7);
g) as a consequence of a disqualification of a player or
team official during the playing time (16:8 2 nd paragraph);
h) for unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, before the game
has been restarted, after he has just been given a 2-minute
suspension (16:12).
n Comments:
Notwithstanding the indications in b), c) and d), that the
suspension is generally intended for cases of repeated fouls or
unsportsmanlike conduct, the referees have the right to
determine that a particular violation warrants an immediate
suspension, even if the player did not previously have a warning
and the team did not yet have a total of three warnings.
Similarly, a team official may be given a suspension even if the
officials of that team did not previously have a warning.
When a 2-minute suspension is called against a team official in
accordance with 16:3b, the official is allowed to remain in the
substitution area and carry out his functions; however, the
team’s strength on the court is reduced for 2 minutes.
42 IX - VIII/01
16:4 After calling time-out, the referee shall clearly indicate the
suspension to the guilty player and to the
timekeeper/scorekeeper through the prescribed hand signal, i.e.,
one arm raised with two fingers extended (Hand Signal No. 14).
16:5 A suspension is always for a playing time of 2 minutes; the third
suspension for the same player always leads to a disqualification
(16:6g).
The suspended player is not allowed to participate in the game
during his suspension time, and the team is not allowed to
replace him on the court.
The suspension period begins when play is restarted with a
whistle signal.
A 2-minute suspension carries over to the second half of the
game if it has not been completed by the end of the first half.
The same applies from regulation time to overtime and during
overtime.
Disqualification
16:6 A disqualification shall be given:
a) if a player who is not entitled to participate enters the court
(4:3);
b) for the third (or subsequent) occasion of unsportsmanlike
conduct by any one of the officials of a team, after one of
them has previously received a 2-minute suspension under
Rule 16:3d (8:4):
c) for fouls which endanger the opponent’s health (8:5);
d) for seriously unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or a team
official, on or outside the court (8:6);
e) for an assault by a player outside the playing time, i.e.,
before the game or during an intermission (8:7; 16:13b,d);
f) for an assault by a team official (8:7);
g) because of a third suspension to the same player (16:5);
IX - VIII/01 43
h) for repeated unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team
official during an intermission (16:13d).
16:7 After calling a time-out, the referees shall clearly indicate the
disqualification to the guilty player or official, and to the
timekeeper/scorekeeper, by holding up a red card. (Hand
Signal No. 13; the ‘red card’ should measure about 9x12 cm).
16:8 A disqualification of a player or team official is always for the
entire remainder of the playing time. The player or official must
leave the court and the substitution area immediately. After
leaving, the player or official is not allowed to have any form of
contact with the team.
The disqualification of a player or a team official, on or off the
court, during the playing time, always carries with it a 2-minute
suspension for the team. This means that the team’s strength on
the court is reduced by one (16:3g). The reduction on the court
will, however, last for 4 minutes, if a player has been disqualified
in the circumstances indicated in Rule 16:12.
A disqualification reduces the number of players, or officials,
which is available to the team (except as in 16:13b). The team is,
however, allowed to increase the number of players on the court
again following the expiration of the 2-minute suspension.
A disqualification applies, in principle, only to the remainder of
the game in which it is given. It is regarded as a decision by the
referees on the basis of their observations of facts. There shall
be no further consequences of a disqualification beyond the
game, except in the case of disqualifications due to assault
(16:6e-f), or when seriously unsportsmanlike conduct by a
player or team official (16:6d) falls under category a) or d) in
Clarification No. 6. Such disqualifications shall be explained in
the match report (17:11).
44 IX - VIII/01
Exclusion
16:9 An exclusion shall be given:
when a player is guilty of an assault (as defined in Rule 8:7)
during the playing time (see Rule 16:13, 1 st paragraph, and Rule
2:6), on or outside the playing court.
16:10 After calling a time-out, the referees shall clearly indicate the
exclusion to the guilty player and to the timekeeper/scorekeeper,
through the prescribed hand signal, i.e., the referee crosses his
arms above his head (Hand Signal No. 15).
16:11 An exclusion is always for the entire remainder of the playing
time, and the team must continue with one player less on the
court.
The excluded player must not be replaced and must leave both
the court and the substitution area immediately. After leaving,
the player is not allowed to have any form of contact with the
team.
An exclusion must be explained by the referees in the match
report to the relevant authorities (17:11).
More Than One Violation in the Same Situation
16:12 If a player or team official is guilty of more than one violation
simultaneously or in direct sequence, before the game has been
restarted, and these violations warrant different punishments,
then in principle, only the most severe one of the these
punishments shall be given. This is always the case when one of
the violations is an assault.
There are however the following specific exceptions, where in all
cases the team must play at reduced strength on the court for 4
minutes:
a) if a player who has just been given a 2-minute suspension is
guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct before the game restarted,
then the player is given an additional 2-minute suspension
IX - VIII/01 45
(16:3h); (if the additional suspension is the player’s third
one, then the player is disqualified);
b) if a player who has just been given a disqualification (directly
or because of a third suspension) is guilty of
unsportsmanlike conduct before the game is restarted, then
the team is given a further punishment, so that the reduction
will be for 4 minutes;
c) if a player who has just been given a 2-minute suspension is
guilty of seriously unsportsmanlike conduct before the game
is restarted, then the player is furthermore disqualified
(16:6d); these punishments combined lead to a 4-minute
reduction (16:8, 2 nd paragraph);
d) if a player who has just been given a disqualification (directly
or because of a third suspension) is guilty of seriously
unsportsmanlike conduct before the game is restarted, then
the team is given a a further punishment, so that the
reduction will be for 4 minutes.
Infractions Outside the Playing Time
16:13 The situations described in Rules 16:1, 16:3, 16:6, and 16:9
generally involve offenses during the playing time. For the
purpose of these rules ‘playing time’ includes overtime and time-outs
but not half-time breaks (see 2:8).
Unsportsmanlike conduct, seriously unsportsmanlike conduct, or
an assault on the part of a player or team official, taking place on
the premises where a game is played but outside the playing
time, shall be punished as follows:
Before the game:
a) a warning shall be given in the case of unsportsmanlike
conduct (16:1d);
b) a disqualification shall be given in the case of seriously
unsportsmanlike conduct or assault (16:6 d-f), but the team
is allowed to start with 12 players and 4 officials;
46 IX - VIII/01
During an intermission:
c) a warning shall be given in the case of unsportsmanlike con-duct
(16:1d);
d) a disqualification shall be given in the case of repeated
or seriously unsportsmanlike conduct or in the case of
an assault (16:6 b,d-f,h); in the case of repeated
unsportsmanlike conduct, this sets aside Rules 16:3 c-d,
which apply during the playing time.
After a disqualification during an intermission, the team is
allowed to continue on the court with the same number of
players as immediately before the intermission.
After the game:
e) a written report.
IX - VIII/01 47
Rule 17 The Referees
17:1 Two referees with equal authority shall be in charge of each
game. They are assisted by a timekeeper and a scorekeeper.
17:2 The referees monitor the conduct of the players from the
moment they enter the premises until they leave.
17:3 The referees are responsible for inspecting the playing court, the
goals, and the balls before the game starts; they decide which
balls will be used (Rules 1 and 3:1).
The referees also establish the presence of both teams in proper
uniforms. They check the score sheet and the equipment of the
players. They ensure that the number of players and officials in
the substitution area is within the limits, and they establish the
presence and identity of the ‘‘responsible team official“, for each
team. Any discrepancies must be corrected (4:1-2 and 4:7-9).
17:4 The coin toss is undertaken by one of the referees, in the
presence of the other referee and both team captains (10:1).
17:5 At the start of the game, one of the referees takes up the position
as ‘court referee’ behind the team that is taking the throw-off.
The court referee starts the game with a whistle signal for the
throw-off (10:3).
When subsequently the other team gains possession of the ball,
this referee takes up the position on the outer goal-line of the
now defending team.
The other referee starts as ‘goal-line referee’ at the outer goal
line of the initially defending team. He becomes court referee,
when this team gains possession.
The referees must change ends with each other from time to
time during the game.
17:6 In principle, the entire game shall be conducted by the same
referees.
48 IX - VIII/01
It is their responsibility to ensure that the game is played in
accordance with the rules, and they must penalize any
infractions (see, however, Rules 13:2 and 14:2).
If one of the referees becomes unable to finish the game, the
other referee will continue the game alone. (For IHF and
Continental events, this situation is handled in accordance with
the applicable regulations).
17:7 If both referees whistle for an infraction and agree about which
team should be penalized but have different opinions as to the
severity of the punishment, then the most severe of the two
punishments shall be given.
17:8 If both referees whistle for an infraction, or the ball has left the
court, and the two referees show different opinions as to which
team should have possession, then the joint decision that the
referees reach after consulting with each other will apply. If they
do not manage to reach a joint decision, then the opinion of the
court referee will prevail.
A time-out is obligatory. Following the consultation between the
referees, they give clear hand signals and the game is restarted
after whistle signal (2:8f, 15:3b).
17:9 Both referees are responsible for keeping the score.
They also take notes about warnings, suspensions, dis-qualifications,
and exclusions.
17:10 Both referees are responsible for controlling the playing time. If
there is any doubt about the accuracy of the timekeeping, the
referees reach a joint decision (see also Rule 2:3).
17:11 The referees are responsible for ensuring after the game that the
score sheet is completed correctly.
Exclusions (16:11) and disqualifications of the type indicated in
rule 16:8, 4 th paragraph, must be explained in the match report.
IX - VIII/01 49
17:12 Decisions made by the referees on the basis of their
observations of facts or their judgments are final.
Appeals can be lodged only against decisions that are not in
conformity with the rules.
During the game, only the respective “responsible team officials“
are entitled to address the referees.
17:13 The referees have the right to suspend a game temporarily or
permanently.
Every effort must be made to continue the game, before a
decision is taken to suspend it permanently.
17:14 The black uniform is primarily intended for the referees.
50 IX - VIII/01
Rule 18 The Timekeeper and the Scorekeeper
18:1 In principle, the timekeeper has the main responsibility for the
playing time, the time-outs, and the suspension time of
suspended players.
Similarly, the scorekeeper has the main responsibility for the
team rosters, the score sheet, the entering of players who arrive
after the game has started, and the entering of players who are
not entitled to participate.
Other tasks, such as the control of the number of players and
team officials in the substitution area, and the exit and entry of
substituting players, are regarded as joint responsibilities.
Generally, only the timekeeper should interrupt the game when
this becomes necessary.
See also Clarification No. 9 regarding proper procedures for the
interventions of the timekeeper/scorekeeper when fulfilling some
of the responsibilities indicated above.
18:2 If there is no public scoreboard clock available, then the
timekeeper must keep the responsible team official for each
team informed about how much time has been played or how
much time is left, especially following time-outs.
If there is no scoreboard clock with automatic signal available,
the timekeeper assumes the responsibility for giving the final
signal at half-time and at the end of the game (see Rule 2:3).
If the public scoreboard is not capable of displaying also the
suspension time (at least three per team during IHF games), the
timekeeper shall display a card on the timekeeper’s table,
showing the expiration time of each suspension, together with the
number on the player's shirt.
IX - VIII/01 51
The IHF Hand Signals
When a free-throw or throw-in is called, the referees must show
immediately the direction for the throw that is to follow (signals 7
or 9).
Thereafter, as applicable, the appropriate obligatory hand
signal(s) should be given, to indicate any personal punishment
(signals 13-15).
If it seems that it would also be useful to explain the reason for a
free-throw or 7-meter throw decision, then the applicable one of
signals 1-6 and 11 could be given for the sake of information.
(Signal 11 should, however, always be given in those situations
where a free-throw decision for passive play was not preceded
by signal 18).
Signals 12, 16 and 17 are mandatory in those situations where
they apply.
Signals 8, 10 and 18 are used as deemed necessary by the
referees.
The List of the Hand Signals:
1 Entering the goal area
2 Illegal dribble
3 Too many steps, or holding the ball more than 3 seconds
4 Restraining, holding, or pushing
5 Hitting
6 Offensive foul
7 Throw-in -- direction
8 Goalkeeper-throw
9 Free-throw -- direction
10 Keep the distance of 3 meters
11 Passive play
12 Goal
13 Warning (yellow); Disqualification (red)
14 Suspension (2 minutes)
15 Exclusion
16 Time-out
17 Permission for two persons (who are ‘entitled to
participate’) to enter the court during time-out
18 Forewarning signal for passive play
52 IX - VIII/01
1.
 |
Entering the goal area
Empiétement sur la surface
de but
Betreten des Torraums
2.
 |
Illegal dribble
Double dribble
Fang-, Prell-
oder Tippfehler
IX - VIII/01 53
3.
 |
Too many steps or holding
the ball more than three
seconds
Marcher ou 3 secondes
Schritt- oder Zeitfehler
4.
 |
Restraining, holding
or pushing
Ceinturer, retenir ou pousser
Umklammern, Festhalten
oder Sto
ß
en
54 IX - VIII/01
5.
 |
Hitting
Frapper
Schlagen
6.
 |
Offensive foul
Faute d’attaquant
Stürmerfoul
IX - VIII/01 55
7.
 |
Throw-in - direction
Remise en jeu – direction
Einwurf - Richtung
8.
 |
Goalkeeper-throw
Renvoi
Abwurf
56 IX - VIII/01
9.
 |
Free-throw - direction
Jet franc - Direction
Freiwurf - Richtung
10.
 |
Keep the distance
of 3 meters
Non-respect de la distance
des 3 mètres
Nichtbeachten des
3-Meter-Abstandes
IX - VIII/01 57
11.
 |
Passive play
Jeu passif
Passives Spiel
12.
 |
Goal
But
Torgewinn
58 IX - VIII/01
13.
 |
Warning (yellow)
Disqualification (red)
Avertissement (jaune)
Disqualification (rouge)
Verwarnung (gelb)
Disqualifikation (rot)
14.
 |
Suspension
(2 minutes)
Exclusion
(2 minutes)
Hinausstellung
(2 Minuten)
IX - VIII/01 59
15.
 |
Exclusion
Expulsion
Ausschluß
16.
 |
Time-out
Time-out
Time-out
60 IX - VIII/01
17.
 |
Permission for two persons
who are ‘entitled to participate’
to enter the court during time-out
Autorisation accordée à
deux personnes autorisées
à participer au jeu de pénétrer
sur l’aire de jeu pendant le time-out
Erlaubnis für zwei
teilnahmeberechtigte
Personen zum Betreten
der Spielfläche bei Time-out
18.
 |
Forewarning signal for
passive play
Geste d’avertissement pour
jeu passif
Warnzeichen für
passives Spiel
IX - VIII/01 61
International
Handball
Federation
Clarifications
to the
Rules of the Game
62 IX - VIII/01
Table of contents Page
1. Free-throw execution after the final signal (2:4-6) 63
2. Time-out (2:8) 64
3. Team time-out (2:10) 65 - 66
4. Passive Play (7:10-11) 67 - 69
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct (8:4, 16:1d) 70
6. Seriously unsportsmanlike conduct (8:6, 16:6d) 71
7. Throw-off (10:3) 72
8. Definition of ‘clear chance of scoring’ (14:1) 73
9. Interruption by the timekeeper (18:1) 74
IX - VIII/01 63
1. Free-Throw Execution after the Final Signal (2:4-6)
In many cases, the team that has the opportunity to execute a free-throw
after the playing time has expired is not really interested in trying to
score a goal, either because the outcome of the game is already clear
or because the position for the free-throw is too far away from the goal
of the opponents. Although technically the rules require that the free-throw
be executed, the referees should show good judgement and
consider the free-throw taken, if a player who is in the approximately
correct position simply lets the ball drop or hands it to the referees.
In those cases where it is clear that the team wants to try to score a
goal, the referees must try to find a balance between allowing this
opportunity (even though it is a very small one) and ensuring that the
situation does not deteriorate into a time-consuming and frustrating
‘theater’. This means that the referees should get the players from both
teams into correct positions firmly and quickly, so that the free-throw can
be executed without delay. The players of the throwing team must be
admonished and monitored so that only one player holds the ball. If
players want to leave the court to be substituted, they must do so at their
own risk. The referees have no obligation to wait with their execution
signal until the substitutes are in their correct positions.
The referees must also be very alert to punishable violations by the two
teams. Persistent encroachment by the defenders must be punished
(15:7, 16:1c, 16:3f). Moreover, the attacking players often violate the
rules during the execution, e.g., one or more players cross the free-throw
line after the whistle but before the throw (13:8, 3 rd paragraph), or
the thrower actually moves or jumps when throwing (15:2). It is very
important not to allow any goals scored illegally.
64 IX - VIII/01
2. Time-Out (2:8)
Apart from the situations indicated in Rule 2:8, where a time-out is
obligatory, the referees are expected to use their judgment regarding the
need for time-outs also in other situations. Some typical situations
where time-outs are not obligatory but nevertheless tend to be given in
normal circumstances are:
a) there are external influences, e.g., the court must be wiped;
b) a player seems to be injured;
c) a team is clearly wasting time, e.g., when the team is delaying
the execution of a formal throw, or when a player is throwing the
ball away or not releasing it;
d) if the ball touches the ceiling or a fixture above the court (13:4c),
and the ball is deflected so that it goes far away from the location
of the resulting free-throw, causing an unusual delay.
When determining the need for a time-out in these and other situations,
the referees should foremost take into consideration whether an
interruption of the game without a time-out would create an unfair
disadvantage for one of the teams. For instance, if a team is leading by
a very clear margin late in the game, then it might not be necessary to
make a time-out during a brief interruption to wipe the court. Similarly, if
the team that would be disadvantaged by the lack of a time-out is the
team that, for some reason, is itself causing a delay or wasting time,
then there is obviously no reason for a time-out.
Another important factor is the expected duration of the interruption. The
length of an interruption caused by an injury is often difficult to estimate,
so it may then be safer to call a time-out. Conversely, the referees
should not be too quick to call a time-out just because the ball has left the
playing court. In such cases the ball is often back and ready to be
played almost immediately. If not, the referees should concentrate on
getting a reserve ball into play quickly (3:4), precisely in order to make a
time-out unnecessary.
IX - VIII/01 65
3. Team Time-Out (2:10)
Each team has the right to receive one 1-minute team time-out in each
half of the regular playing time (but not in overtime).
A team that wishes to request a team time-out must do so by having a
team official place a ‘green card’ on the table in front of the timekeeper.
(It is recommended that the green card measure about 15x20 cm and
have a large “T” on each side).
A team may request their team time-out only when it has possession of
the ball (when the ball is in play or during an interruption). Provided that
the team does not lose possession before the timekeeper has time to
whistle (in which case the green card would be returned to the team), the
team will be granted the team time-out immediately.
The timekeeper then interrupts the game by blowing the whistle, gives the
hand signal for time-out (No. 16) and points with a stretched arm at the
team that requested the team time-out. (If necessary, due to noise and
commotion, the timekeeper stands up while doing so). The green card is
placed on the table, on the side of the team that requested the team time-out,
and remains there during the time-out.
The referees give a time-out and the timekeeper stops the clock. The
referees acknowledge the team time-out, and the timekeeper starts a
separate clock controlling the duration of the team time-out. The
scorekeeper enters the time of the team time-out in the score sheet for the
team that requested it.
During the team time-out, the players and team officials remain at the level
of their substitution areas, either on the court or in the substitution area.
The referees stay in the center of the court, but one of them may briefly
go to the timekeeper's table for consultation.
Infractions during a team time-out have the same consequences as
infractions during playing time. It is irrelevant in this context whether the
players concerned are on or off court; under rules 8:4 and 16: 3c, a
suspension may be given for unsportsmanlike conduct.
After 50 seconds the timekeeper gives an acoustic signal indicating that
the game is to be continued in 10 seconds.
66 IX - VIII/01
The teams are obliged to be ready to resume play when the team time-out
expires. The game is restarted either with the throw that corresponds to
the situation that existed when the time-out was granted or, if the ball was
in play, with a free-throw for the team requesting the team time-out from
the place where the ball was at the time of the interruption.
When the referee blows the whistle, the timekeeper starts the clock.
IX - VIII/01 67
4. Passive Play (7:10-11)
General Guidelines:
The application of the rules regarding passive play has the objective of
preventing unattractive methods of play and intentional delays in the
game. This requires that the referees throughout the game recognize and
judge passive methods in a consistent manner.
Passive methods of play may arise in all phases of a team’s attack, i.e.,
when the ball is moved down the court, during the build-up phase, or
during the finishing phase.
Passive ways of playing may be used relatively more frequently in the
following situations:
- a team is narrowly in the lead towards the end of the game;
- a team has a player suspended;
- when the defense of the opponents is superior;
The utilization of the forewarning signal:
The forewarning signal should be shown particularly in the following
situations:
1. When substitutions are made slowly or when the ball is moved slowly
down the court.
Typical indications are:
- players are standing around in the middle of the court waiting
for substitutions to be completed;
- a player is standing still bouncing the ball;
- the ball is played back into the team’s own half of the court,
even though the opponents are not putting on any pressure;
- delays in the execution of the throw-off or some other throw;
2. In connection with a late substitution after the build-up phase has
already started.
Typical indications are:
- all players have already taken up their attacking positions;
- the team starts the build-up phase with a preparatory passing
play;
- not until this stage does the team undertake a substitution;
68 IX - VIII/01
Comment: A team which has attempted a rapid counterattack from its
own half of the court, but has failed to get to an immediate scoring
opportunity after reaching the opponents’ half of the court, must be
allowed to undertake a quick substitution of players at that stage.
3. During an excessively long build-up phase.
In principle, a team must always be allowed a build-up phase with a
preparatory passing play, before they can be expected to start a targeted
attacking situation. Typical indications of an excessively long build-up
phase are:
- the team’s attack does not lead to any targeted attacking action;
(Comment: a ‘targeted attacking action’ exists particularly
when the attacking team uses tactical methods to move in such
a way that they gain spatial advantage over the defenders, or
when they increase the pace of the attack in comparison with
the build-up phase);
- players are repeatedly receiving the ball while standing still or
moving away from the goal;
- repeated bouncing of the ball while standing still;
- when confronted by an opponent, the attacking player: turns
away prematurely, waits for the referees to interrupt the game,
or gains no spatial advantage over the defender;
- active defensive actions: active defensive methods preventing
the attackers from increasing the pace, because the defenders
block the intended ball movements and running;
- the attacking team achieves no clear increase in pace from the
build-up phase to the finishing phase.
4. After showing the forewarning signal.
After showing the forewarning signal, the referees should allow a build-up
phase of at least 5 seconds. (The referees should recognize that younger
players and teams at lower levels may require more time). If after this
build-up phase there is no clear increase in pace and no targeted
attacking action can be recognized, then the referees must conclude that
the team in possession of the ball is guilty of passive play.
(Comment: The referees must be careful not to take action against
passive play precisely at the moment when the attacking team is actually
trying to shoot or undertake a move against the goal of the opponents).
How the Forewarning Signal should be shown:
If a referee (either the court referee or the goal-line referee) recognizes
the emergence of passive play, he lifts the arm (Hand Signal No.18) and
IX - VIII/01 69
keeps it up until the next interruption of the game to indicate the judgment
that the team in possession of the ball is not trying to get to a scoring
opportunity. The other referee should also give the forewarning signal.
(The referees should give the signal with the arm that is closest to the
team benches).
If the team in possession does not make a recognizable attempt to get into
position to take a shot on goal, then one of the referees whistles for
passive play and awards a free-throw to the opponents.
During an attack (which begins when the team gets into possession of the
ball and ends when it either scores a goal or loses possession) the
forewarning signal should be given only once.
However, at the first interruption of the game after the forewarning signal
has been shown, the referees should show the forewarning signal briefly
again as a reminder before the game is restarted.
If the attacking team were to request a team time-out after the forewarning
signal has been shown, then the forewarning signal should be shown
again when the game is being restarted after the team time-out, in order to
emphasize that the warning is still in effect.
70 IX - VIII/01
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct (8:4, 16:1d)
Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct are:
a) shouting at the player who is taking a 7-meter throw;
b) kicking the ball away during a stoppage, so that the opponent cannot
immediately execute the throw that has been awarded;
c) verbally abusing an opponent or a team-mate;
d) when a player or team official does not give up the ball when it has
ended up outside the side line;
e) delaying the execution of a formal throw;
f) grabbing the uniform of an opponent;
g) if a goalkeeper does not give up the ball when a 7-meter throw has
been awarded to the opponent;
h) if a court player is repeatedly blocking shots with a foot or lower leg;
i) if defending players repeatedly enter their goal area;
j) if a player tries to create the (incorrect) impression that an opponent
committed an infraction.
IX - VIII/01 71
6. Seriously unsportsmanlike conduct (8:6, 16:6d)
Examples of seriously unsportsmanlike conduct are:
a) insulting behavior (through speech, facial expressions, gestures or
body contact) directed at another person (referee,
timekeeper/scorekeeper, delegate, team official, player, spectator
etc.);
b) throwing or pushing the ball away after a decision by the referees, if
the ball goes so far that the action cannot be seen as just
unsportsmanlike conduct;
c) if the goalkeeper demonstrates such a passive attitude when a
7-meter throw has been awarded to the opponent, that the referee
must assume that he is not trying to stop the shot;
d) taking revenge after having been fouled (hitting back in a reflex
action);
e) deliberately throwing the ball at an opponent during a stoppage in the
game, unless it is done in such a way that it must be regarded as an
assault.
72 IX - VIII/01
7. Throw-Off (10:3)
As a guiding principle for the interpretation of Rule 10:3, the referees
should keep in mind the objective of encouraging teams to make use of a
quick throw-off. This means that the referees should avoid being pedantic
and should not search for opportunities to interfere with, or penalize, a
team trying to throw quickly.
For instance, the referees must avoid letting note-taking or other tasks
interfere with their readiness to check the player positions quickly. The
court referee should be ready to whistle at the very moment when the
thrower reaches the correct position, assuming that there is no clear need
for corrections of other player positions. The referees must also keep in
mind that the teammates of the thrower are allowed to move across the
center line as soon as the whistle is blown. (This is an exception from the
basic principle for the execution of formal throws).
Although the rule states that the thrower must step on the center line and
be within 1.5 meter from the center, the referees should not be
excessively precise and concerned about centimeters. The main thing is
to avoid unfairness and uncertainty for the opponents as regards when
and where the throw-off is taken.
Moreover, most courts do not have the center point marked, and some
courts may even have the center line interrupted due to advertising at the
center. In such cases, both the thrower and the referee will obviously
need to estimate the correct position, and any insistence on exactness
would then be unrealistic and inappropriate.
IX - VIII/01 73
8. Definition of ‘Clear Chance of Scoring’ (14:1)
For the purposes of Rule 14:1, a ‘clear chance of scoring‘ exists when:
(i) a player who already has ball and body control at the goal-area line
of the opponents has the opportunity to shoot on goal, without any
opponent being able to prevent the shot with legal methods;
(ii) a player who has ball and body control is running (or dribbling) alone
towards the goalkeeper in a counterattack, without any other opponent
being able to come in front of him and stop the counterattack;
(iii) a player is in a situation which corresponds to (i) or (ii) above,
except that the player does not yet control ball but is ready for an
immediate reception of the ball; the referees must be convinced that no
opponent will be able to prevent the reception of the ball with legal
methods;
(iv) a goalkeeper has left his goal area and an opponent with ball and
body control has a clear and unimpeded opportunity to throw the ball into
the empty goal; (this applies also if defenders are in positions between
the throwing player and the goal, but the referees must then take into
account the possibility for these players to intervene in a legal manner).
74 IX - VIII/01
9. Interruption by the timekeeper (18:1)
If a timekeeper interrupts the game due to a faulty substitution or illegal
entry under rules 4:2-3, 5-6, the game is restarted with a free-throw for
the opponents, normally at the place of the infringement. If, however, the
ball was at a more favorable position for the opponents at the time of the
interruption, then the free-throw should be taken from that place (see rule
13:6, 3 rd and 4 th paragraphs).
In the case of such infringements, the timekeeper shall interrupt the game
immediately, without regard for the general ‘advantage rules’ in 13:2 and
14:2. If a clear scoring chance is destroyed because of such an
interruption, when it is caused by an infringement on the part of the
defending team, then a 7-meter throw shall be awarded in accordance
with rule 14:1a.
In the event of other types of infringements that need to be reported to the
referees, the timekeeper should generally wait until the next interruption in
the game. If the timekeeper nevertheless interrupts the game, such an
intervention cannot lead to a loss of possession. The game will be
restarted with a free-throw for the team which had possession at the time
of the interruption. If, however, the interruption was caused by an
infringement on the part of the defending team, and the referees judge
that the premature interruption destroyed a clear chance of scoring for
the opponents, then a 7-meter throw shall be awarded in analogy with rule
14:1b. As a general principle, infringements observed and reported by
the timekeeper/scorekeeper (except as under Rules 4:2-3, 5-6) do not
lead to to personal punishments.
The provision for awarding a 7-meter-throw in accordance with Rule
14:1a, as indicated in the second paragraph above, applies also if a
referee or technical delegate (from the IHF or a continental/national
federation) interrupts the game for an infringement leading to a verbal
caution or a punishment against a player or an official of the defending
team, at a moment when the team in possession has a clear chance of
scoring.
IX - VIII/01 75
International
Handball
Federation
X.
Substitution
Area Regulations
76 IX - VIII/01
1. The substitution areas are situated outside the side line, to
the left and right of the extension of the center line, up to end
of the respective team benches, and also behind the
benches if there is space (Rules of the Game: diagram 1).
The regulations for IHF and Continental Federation events
prescribe that the team benches shall start at a distance of
3.5 meters from the center line. This is also a
recommendation for games at all other levels.
No objects of any kind may be placed at the side line in front
of the team benches (for at least 8 meters from the center
line).
2. Only the players and team officials entered in the scoresheet
are allowed to be in the substitution area (rules 4:1-2).
If an interpreter is needed, he must take up a position behind
the team bench.
3. The team officials in the substitution area must be fully
dressed in sportswear or civilian clothing.
4. The timekeeper and scorekeeper shall support the referees
in monitoring the occupancy of the substitution area before
and during the game.
If before the game there are any infringements of the rules
as regards the substitution area, the game may not start until
the infringements have been remedied. If these rules are
infringed during the game, the game may not be continued
after the next interruption until the matter has been resolved.
5. The team officials have the right and duty to guide and
manage their team also during the game, in a fair and
sporting spirit within the framework of the rules. In principle,
they should sit on the team bench.
However, the officials are permitted to move around within the
substitution area, specifically in order to:
- manage the substitution of players;
- give tactical advice to players on the court and on the
bench;
- give medical care;
- request a team time-out;
IX - VIII/01 77
- communicate with the timekeeper/scorekeeper; this
applies only to the “responsible team official” and only
in unusual situations (see rule 4:2).
At any given point in time, the permission to move around
applies to only one official per team. Moreover, the team
official who is moving must respect the limits of the
substitution area as defined in point no.1 above. Similarly,
the team offical must also respect the need for unrestricted
vision on the part of the timekeeper/scorekeeper.
In principle, players in the substitution area should sit on the
team bench.
The players are however permitted to:
- move around behind the bench to warm up, without ball,
provided that there is sufficient space and that it is not
disruptive.
It is not permitted for team officals or players to:
- interfere with or insult referees, delegates,
timekeeper/scorekeeper, players, team officials, or
spectators, by behaving in a provocative, protesting, or
otherwise unsportsmanlike manner (speech, facial
expression or gestures);
- leave the substitution area in order to influence the
game;
- stand or move along the side line while warming up.
6. If the Substitution Area Regulations are infringed, the
referees are obliged to act in accordance with rules 16:1d,
16:3c-d or 16:6 b,d,g (warning, suspension, disqualification).
7. If the referees fail to notice an infringement of the
substitution area regulations, they must be informed about it
by the timekeeper/scorekeeper during the next interruption of
the game.
Technical Delegates of the IHF (or the Continental
Federation) who are on duty at a game are allowed to draw
the attention of the referees (at the next interruption of the
game) to a possible violation of the rules or a failure to
comply with the substitution area regulations (except in the
78 IX - VIII/01
case of decisions made by the referees on the basis of their
observations of the facts).
In such cases the game must be restarted with the
appropriate throw depending on the game situation.
However, if the Technical Delegate of the IHF (or the
Continental Federation) has found it necessary to interrupt
the game immediately because of an infringement by one
team, then the game is resumed with possession of the ball
for the opponents (free-throw or, in the case of a clear
scoring opportunity, 7-meter throw).
The player or official who committed an infringement shall be
punished by the referees; the details shall be recorded in the
score sheet.
8. If the referees do not take action regarding an infringement
of the substitution area regulations, even after they have
been made aware of it, then the Technical Delegate of the
IHF (or Continental Federation) must submit a report to the
appropriate authority (e.g., disciplinary committee). This
authority shall rule on the events in the substitution area and
on the attitude of the referees.
IX - VIII/01 79
International
Handball
Federation
Guidelines for
Playing Courts and Goals
80 IX - VIII/01
a) The playing court (diagram 1) consists of a rectangle which measures 40
x 20 m. It should be checked by measuring the length of the two
diagonals. From the outer side of one corner to the outside of the
opposite corner they should measure 44,72 m. The length of the
diagonals for one half of the court should measure 28,28 m. from the
outside of each of the corners to the opposite outer middle of the center
line.
The playing court is provided with marking lines which are called ”lines”.
The width of the goal lines (between the goal posts) is 8 cm like the goal
posts, all other lines have a width of 5 cm. Lines which separate adjacent
areas of the playing court can be replaced by a change in colors
between the adjacent areas.
b) The goal area in front of the goals consists of a 3 x 6 m rectangle and
two connecting quarter circle sectors each with a radius of 6 m. It is
constructed by drawing a 3 m long line parallel to the goal line at a
distance of 6 m from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge of
the goal-area line. On both sides this line continues in two quarter circle
arcs with the center at the rear inside edge of the respective goal posts
and with a radius of 6 m. The lines and arcs which enclose the goal area
are called the goal area line. The outer distance between the points
where the two arcs meet the outer goal line in this way will measure 15 m
(diagram 5).
c) The broken free-throw line (9 m-line) is made parallel and concentric to
the goal area line with a 3 m larger distance from the goal line. The
segments as well as the spaces between them measure 15 cm. The
segments should be cut off right-angled and radially respectively. The
measurement of the curved segments are taken over the outer chord
(diagram 5).
d) The 1 m long 7-m line is drawn directly in front of the goal, parallel to the
goal line, at a distance of 7 m from the rear edge of the goal line to the
front edge of the 7-m line (diagram 5).
e) The goalkeeper’s restraining line (the 4-m line) directly in front of the
goal is 15 cm long. It is parallel to, and 4 m away from, the goal line
measured from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge of the 4-m
line, which means that the widths of both lines are included in this
measure.
f) The playing area should be surrounded by a safety zone of at least 1 m
along the side lines and 2 m behind the outer goal lines.
g) The goal (diagram 2) is placed in the center of each outer goal line. The
goals must be firmly attached to the floor or to the wall behind them. The
interior measures are 3 m in width and 2 m in height. The goal frame
IX - VIII/01 81
must be a rectangle, which means that the inside diagonals will measure
360,5 cm (max. 361 cm – min. 360 cm, in one and the same goal the
difference must be maximum 0,5 cm). The rear side of the goal posts
shall be in line with the rear edge of the goal line (and the outer goal line)
which means that the front side of the goal posts is placed 3 cm in front
of the outer goal line.
The goal posts and the horizontal crossbar which joins them shall be
made of a uniform material (e.g. wood, light metal or synthetic material)
and have a square cross section of 8 cm with rounded edges with a
rounding radius of 4±1 mm. On the three sides which are visible from
the court, the goal posts and the crossbar must be painted in bands of
two colors which contrast clearly with each other and with the
background; the two goals on one and the same playing court must have
the same colors.
The color bands of the goals measure in the corner between posts and
bar 28 cm in each direction in the same color. All other color bands shall
be 20 cm long. The goals must have a net, called goal net, which must
be attached in such a way that a ball thrown into the goal cannot
immediately rebound or pass through the goal. If necessary, an
additional net, placed in the goal behind the goal line can be used. The
distance from the goal line to this additional net should be approximately
70 cm, but minimum 60 cm.
h) The depth of the goal net should at the top be 0,9 m behind the goal line,
and at the bottom 1,1 m, both measures with a tolerance of ± 0,1 m. The
size of the meshes should not be more than 10 x 10 cm. The net must be
fixed to the post and the crossbar at least at every 20 cm. It is allowed to
bind together the goal net and the additional net in such a way that no
ball can go between the two nets.
i) Behind the goal in the middle of the outer goal line at a distance of
approximately 1,5 m, there should be a vertical barrage net with a length
of 9 – 14 m and a height of 5 m from the floor.
j) In the middle of the substitution area at one of the side lines the table for
the time-keeper is placed. The table of a length of max. 4 m should be
placed 30-40 cm above the floor of the playing court in order to secure
the field of vision.
k) All measurements without specification of a tolerance must correspond
to the ISO-Norm (International Standard Organization - ISO 2768-1 :
1989).
82 IX - VIII/01
l) Handball goals are standardized by the European Committee for
Standardization, CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) as EN 749 in
connection with EN 202.10-1.
Diagram 5: The Goal Area and surrounding
(s. Skizze E. Larsen)