What are the rules for the game Handball?

Question

The handball I'm talking is the game were you use a tennis ball in a square court

the court is split into 4 smaller squares with painted line on the grond

Answer 1

A standard match duration consists of two periods of 30 minutes each during which each team may call one time-out. Normal league games are usually allowed to end in a draw, but in knockout tournaments, such as the of the Olympics, two extension periods of 5 minutes are played, and if they also end in a draw another two times 5 minutes has to be played. If each of these ends in a tie after the extra time the winner is determined by an individual shootout from the 7-meter line, where each team is given five shots. The rules of the shootout are similar to soccer shootouts, where, if a winner is not found within the first ten shots, the players return to the shooting, until one team has missed and the other scored. In two Olympic Finals of women's handball penalty shootout had to be used - both of them with Denmark participating (against Hungary in 1996 and South Korea in 2004); and both of them with Denmark as the winner.

The game is quite fast and includes body contact as the defenders try to stop the attackers from approaching the goal. Only frontal contact by the defenders is allowed; when a defender stops an attacker with his or her arms instead of his or her torso, the play is stopped and restarted from the spot of the infraction or on the nine meter line, with the attacking team in possession.

The usual formations of the defense are the so-called 6-0, when all the defense players are within the 6 meter and 9 meter lines; the 5-1, when one of the players cruises outside the 9 meter perimeter, usually targeting the center forwards; and the least common 4-2 when there are two such defenders. The usual attacking formation includes two wingmen, a center-left and a center-right which usually excel at high jumps and shooting over the defenders, and two centers, one of which tends to intermingle with the defense (also known as the pivot or try line player, somewhat similar to the hole set (2 m) in water polo), disrupting the defense formation, and the other being the playmaker (similar to basketball and tennis). Also the players may use the "box plus one" defense in which the players line up in a box form and the extra player will attack the other team's player who has the ball while the others guard the goal area and try to intercept passes. The formations vary greatly from country to country. The most common formation for the central European teams as well as the Scandinavian teams is 6-0. This formation can be altered to 5-1 by placing a player--usually the far wing--in the middle in front of the 9-meter perimeter to disturb the play of the other team. The Ukrainian team "HC Motor Zaporyshe" plays a 3-3 formations with man marking all over their defensive area. This formation is used by teams outside Eastern Europe only when behind with a few goals with a few minutes left, in the attempt to steal the ball faster.

Goals are much more common in handball than in most other sports; usually, both teams score at least 20 goals each, and it is not uncommon to have a match end (say) 33-31. This was not true in the earliest days, when the scores were more akin to that of ice hockey, but as offensive play (in particular in terms of counterattacks after a failed attack from the other team) has improved, more and more goals have been scored after each match.

[edit] Penalties

Penalties are given to players, in progressive format, if the contact between the players is particularly rough (even if it is indeed frontal) the referees may award a nine-meter free throw to the attacking team, or if the infraction was during a clear scoring opportunity, a seven-meter penalty shot is given. In more extreme cases they give the defender a yellow card (warning), a 2-minute penalty, or a red card (disqualification). For rough fouls they can also order two-minute expulsions or a red card without having to warn the player. A player who is disqualified may be substituted with another player after two minutes. If a player assaults a referee, an opponent or any other person severely and deliberately, the referee can expel the player forming a cross over his head with his arms, which will tell the player that he/she will have to leave the game completely and can't be substituted for the rest of the game. An expulsion results in a quarantine for the player shown out. Disqualifications may also lead to a quarantine for the respective player. A team can only get three warnings (yellow cards); after that they will only be able to be penalized with 2-minute suspensions. One player can only get three 2-minute suspensions; after that he/she will be shown the red card, and cannot participate in that game anymore. A red card from three 2-minute suspensions does not result in a quarantine. A Coach/Official can also be penalized progressively. After a yellow card and a 2-minute suspension, the red card is shown straight out, and unlike players, coaches cannot be shown a complete expulsion, but of course also be given a match quarantine. When shown a 2-minute suspension a coach will have to pull out one of his players for two minutes - note: the player is not the one punished and can be substituted in again, because the main penalty is the team playing with a man less than the other.

After having lost the ball during an attack, the ball has to be laid down quickly or else the player not following this rule will face a 2-minute suspension. Also gesticulating or verbally rejecting to follow the referee's order, as well as arguing with the officials decisions, will normally result in a 2-minute suspension. Alternatively, if it is done in a very provocative way, a player can be given a 2-minute suspension if he/she does not walk straight off the field to the bench after being given a suspension, or if the referee deems the tempo deliberately slow.

Answer 2

Rule 2.1 Courts. The specifications for the standard four-wall handball court are:

A. Dimensions. The court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with back wall recommended minimum height of 14 feet.

B. Lines and Zones. Handball courts shall be divided and marked on the floors with 2-inch-wide lines. Recommended colors are white or red. The lines shall be marked as follows:

Short Line. The short line is parallel to the front and back walls. Its outside edge is 20 feet from the front wall.

Service Line. The service line is parallel to the short line and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the outside of the short line.

Service Zone. The service zone is the area between the outer edges of the short and service lines.

Service Boxes. A service box is located at each end of the service zone by lines whose outside measurements are 18 inches from and parallel to each side wall.

Receiver's Restraining Lines. Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending 6 inches from the side wall. These lines are parallel to the short line. (See Rule 4.4 A.)

Rule 2.2 Ball

A. Specifications.

Material. The material should be rubber or synthetic material.

Color. Color is optional.

Size. 1 7/8-inch diameter, with 1/32-inch variation.

Weight. 2.3 ounces, with a variation of .2 ounces. A lighter ball may be used for any division provided it is specified on the entry blank.

Rebound. Rebound from freefall, 70-inch drop to a hardwood floor is 46 to 50 inches at a temperature of 68 degrees F.

B. Selection. A new ball must be selected by the referee for use in each match in all tournaments. During a game the referee has the authority to change balls if he deems it necessary. Though it is the referee's decision, he should honor request when made by both sides or when he detects erratic bounces.

Rule 2.3 Gloves

A. General. Gloves must be worn.

B. Style. Gloves must be light in color and made of a soft material or leather. The fingers may not be webbed, connected or removed.

C. Foreign Substances. No foreign substance, tape or rubber bands shall be used on the fingers or on the palms on the outside of the gloves. Metal or hard substances may not be worn under the glove if, in the opinion of the referee, it creates an unfair advantage.

D. Wet Gloves. Gloves must be changed when they become sufficiently wet to moisten the ball. This is the referee's decision. Gloves with holes that expose the skin may not be worn. It is the player's responsibility to have an ample supply of dry gloves.

Rule 2.4 Clothing

A. General. All clothing, consisting of a shirt, shorts, socks and shoes, must be clean at the beginning of a match. Only customary handball attire, in the referee's judgment, can be worn. Players may not play without shirts. Shirts must be full length, not cut off in the torso.

B. Color. Color is optional. Unusual patterns or colors that affect the opposing player's view of the ball or distract him may not be worn.

C. Wet Shirts. Referee may demand that a wet shirt be changed. Players must have an ample supply of dry shirts.

D. Lettering and Insignia. Lettering or insignia in poor taste is not allowed.

E. Shoes. Shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the floor.

Rule 2.5 Eye Protection

A. General. Protective eyewear must be properly worn at all times during play. Lensed eye protection designed for court sports with polycarbonate lenses of at least 3mm center thickness is recommended.

B. Violations. Failure to wear appropriate protective eyewear properly will result in a technical (See Rule 4.9), and the player will be charged a time-out to secure eyewear. The second violation in the same match will result in a forfeit.

Part 3. Officials and Officiating

Rule 3.1 Tournament Director. All tournaments shall be managed by a Tournament Director, who shall designate the officials. The officials shall include a referee, and linesmen whenever possible.

A. Responsibilities. The Tournament Director is responsible for overseeing the entire tournament. He, or his delegated representative, shall be present at all times.

B. Rules Briefing. Before all tournaments, all officials and players should be briefed on 4-Wall Handball Rules and on local court hinders or other regulations. This briefing should also be in writing. Any modifications made by the Tournament Director should be stated on the entry form, and be available to all players at registration. It is also recommended that referee clinics be held before the tournament.

Rule 3.2 Referee Director. The Referee Director is in charge of assigning referees to all tournament matches.

Rule 3.3 Removal of Referee. One or more players may request that a referee be replaced. The decision to do so is at the sole discretion of the Tournament Director or Referee Director. Special consideration should be given to such a request if all players are in agreement.

Rule 3.4 Referee

A. Pre-Match Duties. Before each match begins, it shall be the duty of the referee to:

Playability. Check on adequacy of preparation of the handball court with respect to playability.

Equipment. Check on availability and suitability of all materials necessary for the match, such as handballs, towels, scorecards, pencils and a timepiece.

Assisting Officials. Check readiness and provide instructions to assisting officials.

Court Hinders. Explain court hinders, if any, to players. (See Rule 4.G.1.a).

Inspect Gloves, Clothing and Eye Protection. Remind players to have an adequate supply of extra gloves and shirts. Inspect compliance of gloves and hands with rules. Remind players that failure to wear eye protection properly will result in a technical, and a second violation in a forfeit.

Start Game. Introduce players, toss coin to determine order of serve and signal start of game.

Time. The assigned referee should be present 15 minutes before match time.

Two-Minute Warning. Give a two-minute warning before the match and before each game.

Scoring. Announce the scores before each rally (See Rule 4.A.5.).

B. Decisions. The referee shall make all decisions with regard to the rules. Where line judges are used, the referee shall announce all final judgments. In the absence of line judges, if both players in singles or three out of four in a doubles match disagree with a call made by the referee, the referee should consider reversing his call.

Spectators. The referee shall have jurisdiction over the spectators, as well as the players, while the match is in progress.

C. Protests. Any decision involving a rule's interpretation may be protested before the next Serve. It will then be resolved by the head referee or Tournament Director. Judgment calls may not be protested. If the player's protest is upheld, the proper ruling will be made. If the player's protest is not upheld, the player shall be charged with a time-out. If the player is out of time-outs, he will be charged with a technical.

D. Forfeitures. A match may be forfeited by the referee when:

Flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct. Any player refuses to abide by the referee's decision or engages in flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct.

Three Technicals. A player receives three technicals in a match.

Leaving the Court. Any player leaves the court at a time not allowed by these rules without permission of the referee.

Failure to Report.

a. No Show. Any player for a singles match, or any team for a doubles match, fails to report to play.

b. Late Start Penalty. The opponent shall be awarded one point for each full minute of delay of game up to 10 minutes. The match shall then be forfeited. This applies to the start of the match, between-game time-outs, time-outs during a game and glove-change time-outs. Players should stay within earshot of the referee to help prevent the delay-of-game penalty. It is the obligation of the players to be ready to resume play on time even if the referee fails to give time warnings. If the matches are on, or ahead of, schedule, the players must be in the court warming up at least 10 minutes before the assigned match time to assure a prompt start. If running behind, the players must be dressed and ready to enter the court for a maximum 10-minute, in-court warm up.

If a player shows up less than 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time, his warm-up time will be reduced accordingly. The Tournament Director may permit a longer delay if circumstances warrant.

E. Defaults. A player or team may be forfeited by the Tournament Director or official in charge for failure to comply with the tournament or host facility's rules while on the tournament premises, for failure to referee or for any other improper conduct on the tournament premises.

F. Other Rulings. The referee shall rule on all matters not covered in the 4-Wall Handball Rules. However, the referee may be overruled by the Referee Director or Tournament Director, who shall have final authority.

Rule 3.5 Line Judges

A. Linesmen. If possible, two linesmen will be used in all matches, positioned at the most advantageous viewpoints. A linesman's opinion is based on his agreement or disagreement with the referee's call. If a linesman is uncertain, he should abstain from expressing an opinion.

B. Duties and Responsibilities. Linesmen are designated to help decide appealed calls. In the event of an appeal, and after a very brief explanation of the appeal by the referee, the linesmen must indicate their opinions of the referee's call. The signal to show agreement with the referee is arm extended with thumb up; disagreement is shown by thumb pointing down. The signal to show no opinion or that the line judge is unsure or his view was blocked is arm extended with an open hand and palm down. Line judges should not signal until the referee acknowledges the appeal and asks for a