Senior Clubs Senior Handball Index Fixtures 1999/2000 League Info 1999/2000 Senior Rules National Squad

Senior Handball Rules - Page 3

The goalkeeper throws the ball out from inside the goal area if the ball crossing the goal line was last played by an attacker or the goalkeeper himself.

Opponents must be outside the 9 metre free throw line. The ball is considered in play when it crosses the goal area line.

This is awarded when the whole of the ball crosses the side line. The throw is taken from where the ball crosses the line by a member of the team in opposition to that of the player who last touched the ball.

A corner throw is awarded when a defender (other than the goalkeeper) last touched the ball before it crossed the goal line. The throw is taken at the junction of the sideline and the goal line, on the side that the ball went out of play. The player throwing must keep one foot on the sideline and may not play the ball until it touches another player or the goal. Opponents must be at least 3 metres from the ball.

A free throw is awarded for a variety of offences, including :

• illegally entering or leaving the court
• illegally playing the ball
• illegal defence, obstruction or tackling
• deliberately playing the ball out of play
• stepping into the goal area
• minor infringements by the goalkeeper
• ungentlemanly conduct
• infringements at set throws
• passive play

The free throw may be taken immediately from the place of the offence, without waiting for the referee’s whistle. For offences committed between the 6 and 9 metre lines, the resultant free throw is taken from the nearest point outside the free throw line. No attackers may cross the 9 metre line until the throw is taken. Defenders, as always, must be at least 3 metres from the ball. If the throw is delayed then it must be executed within three seconds of the referee’s whistle. The taker must keep one foot on the floor and may not touch the ball again until it has touched the goals or another player. A goal may be scored direct from a free throw.

A penalty is awarded for :

• destroying a clear chance of the opposition scoring a goal
• intentionally entering the goal area for defensive purposes
• intentionally playing the ball to one’s own goalkeeper
• the goalkeeper carrying the ball in to his own area

One foot of the thrower must remain in contact with the floor during the execution of the throw, which is taken from the 7 metre penalty line (fig 1). The thrower may not touch or cross this 7 metre line until the ball has left his hand. The throw must be taken within 3 seconds of the referee’s whistle. The goalkeeper may move in his area but must remain at least 3 metres from the thrower. Attackers stand outside the 9 metre free throw line and be at least 3 metres from the thrower. Defenders must also stand outside the 9 metre line.

The game is restarted by a referee’s throw if :

• both teams commit an offence simultaneously
• the game is interrupted for any reason
• the ball touches the ceiling or any fixture above the playing area

The referee throws the ball vertically into the air between two players - one from each team. All other players must be at least 3 metres from the ball. The throw is taken from the spot the interruption took place. If the interruption took place between the 6 and 9 metre lines, the throw is taken from the nearest point outside the 9 metre line.

Usually there are four officials to control a game of handball

• two referees operating a dual system, responsible for enforcing the laws and for the smooth running of the game
• a time keeper for controlling the timing of the game, suspensions and entry of players
• a score keeper who keeps a record of the game.

Senior Handball Rules - Page 3

This page created and maintained by Stephen Healy Last updated 25-11-98