Here’s a more detailed overview of the main handball rules based on the IHF:
1. Court Layout and Positions:
- The court measures 40×20 meters, with designated areas for goals and a 6-meter line for the goal area. Each team has seven players, including one goalkeeper, and can substitute freely.
2. Game Timing:
- Matches are split into two 30-minute halves, with a halftime break. Teams are allowed up to three one-minute timeouts per game, used strategically.
3. Ball Handling and Movement:
- Players can hold the ball for up to three seconds and are allowed to take three steps. After dribbling, they must pass, shoot, or resume dribbling within three seconds.
4. Scoring:
- Goals are scored by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal. Only the goalkeeper may be within the goal area, defined by the 6-meter line.
5. Defense and Fouls:
- Defensive players can use body contact within limits but cannot push, hold, or endanger opponents. Fouls result in a free throw or 7-meter penalty shot. Repeated fouls lead to 2-minute suspensions, and three such suspensions result in a player’s disqualification.
6. Goalkeeper Rules:
- Goalkeepers can block the ball within the goal area using any part of their body but cannot carry it outside the goal area.
Rule 7 – Playing the Ball
Players can throw, catch, and dribble, but may not hold the ball for more than three seconds or take more than three steps without dribbling. Illegal actions include double-dribbling, kicking, or blocking with any part of the leg below the knee (except the goalkeeper).
Rule 8 – Fouls and Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Physical fouls are assessed based on severity. Holding, hitting, or endangering other players is illegal and leads to penalties. Unsportsmanlike behavior includes taunting and aggressive conduct, warranting warnings, suspensions, or disqualification for repeat offenses.
Rule 9 – Scoring Goals
A goal is awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line within the goalposts. The goal counts unless a player committed a foul, the time expired, or the whistle was blown before the ball crossed the line.
Rule 10 – Throw-Off
The game starts with a throw-off at the centerline, following a coin toss. This is also used to resume play after goals, with the thrower passing the ball to a teammate.
Rule 11 – Throw-In
A throw-in occurs when the ball crosses the sidelines. The team that didn’t touch the ball last takes the throw-in from where it crossed the line, with opponents keeping a 3-meter distance.
Rule 12 – Goalkeeper Throw
The goalkeeper throws to restart play when the ball crosses the goal line last touched by an opponent. Goalkeepers throw from within the goal area.
Rule 13 – Free Throw
Free throws are awarded for minor violations and taken from the spot of the foul or the 9-meter line. Opponents must stand 3 meters away.
Rule 14 – 7-Meter Throw
Awarded for serious fouls in clear scoring situations. This penalty throw is taken from the 7-meter line with only the goalkeeper defending.
Rule 15 – Referee Throw
This occurs if play is stopped for reasons other than fouls or out-of-bounds, such as injuries. The ball is dropped by the referee to restart play.
Rule 16 – Passive Play
Passive play, or stalling, is discouraged. Referees can signal “passive play” if a team isn’t actively attempting to score, allowing only a few passes before requiring a shot.
