Handball

Rules of the Game (Indoor Handball) Edition 1 July 2010

Amendments to the Rules of the Game

The following documents outline the amendments that were made to the Rules of the Game Edition 1 August 2005 which are now in the Rules of the Game Edition 1 July 2010.  A summary of the rule chnages is also provided below.

Rule 8 - Fouls and Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Rule 16 - The Punishments

Rule 7:11-12 - Passive Play

Rule 18:1 - Interruption by the Timekeeper

Summary
 
Decisions and Advice Regarding Rules Interpretation

Following the World Championships in QAT, CZE and HUN, in the summer of 2005, during which the Rules of the Game Edition 1 August 2005 were applied, the International Handball Federation's Playing Rules and Referees Commission (PRC) deemed it reasonable to provide another supporting document in this regard.  Click here to view the document.

Official Rules Interpretation: Face Protection and Knee Braces

In response to numerous requests for clarifications regarding Rule 4:9 on prohibited equipment and, specifically, the issue of different forms of face (and head) protection, all the relevant IHF Commissions (Coaching and Methods, Medical, and Playing Rules & Refereeing) have investigated the issue together and have reached the decision indicated in the following joint statement:

The correct interpretation of Rule 4:9 is that all types and sizes of face (and head) protection are prohibited. In other words, the prohibition concerns not only complete masks but also any protection for a part of the face.

Continental and national federations are asked to adhere to this official interpretation of the playing rules and to inform clubs and referees as a matter of priority. It is not the prerogative of a federation, or a referee, to make subjective judgments in individual cases.

Similarly, it is hereby made clear that knee braces made of hard, solid material are prohibited. The safe, modern approach is to use braces of soft material or, alternatively, the special form of taping that serves the same purpose.

In principle, the above interpretations take effect immediately, and must be applied at both the international and the national level as soon as the information has been forwarded to the parties concerned.

2005 Rules of the Game - Interpretation November 2005

2005 Rules of the Game - Interpretation October 2007

Catalog of Questions on the Rules of the Game - Based on Edition 1 August 2005

Beach Handball