Senior Rules IOHA Refereeing Information Index Mini-Handball Rules Guide To Refereeing Refereeing Handsignals

Guide To Refereeing

The complete laws of handball are published by the International Handball Federation. What follows is a simplified version explaining the basic rules and regulations.

Two referees with equal authority shall be in charge of each game. They are assisted by a timekeeper and a scorekeeper.

The referees monitor the conduct of the players and officials from the moment they enter the premises until they leave.

The referees are responsible for

• Inspecting the playing court, the goals, and the balls
• Deciding which balls shall be used (two balls must be available for each match)
• Ensure both teams have the proper uniforms
• Ensure the number of players and officials in the substitution area is within the set limits
• Establish the presence and identity of the ‘responsible team official’
• Conduct the coin toss to establish choice of sides.

At the start of the game the second named referee takes up the position as Court Referee behind the team which is taking the throw-off. He starts the game with a whistle signal for the throw-off.

The first named referee starts as Goal-line Referee and positions himself at the end line, beside the goal of the defending team.

This referee becomes the Court Referee, when the defending team subsequently gains possession of the ball. The other referee then becomes the Goal-line Referee on the end line of the other team.

Referees must change ends with each other from time to time during the game.

Both referees are responsible for :

• Ensuring the game is played in accordance with the rules, and penalising any infractions.
• Keeping note of the score., and also any warnings, suspensions, disqualifications and exclusions.
• Controlling the playing time
• Ensuring that after the game the scoresheet is completed correctly.

Both referees have the right to suspend a game temporarily or permanently.

In principle , the court referee whistles for

• The execution of formal throws (free throw, penalty throw etc.).
• The expiration of the playing time

In principle , the goal-line referee whistles

• When a goal has been scored

If both referees whistle for an infraction and agree as to which team should be penalised but have different opinions as to the severity of the punishment, then the most severe of the two punishments should be given.

If both referees whistle for an infraction but have different opinions as the which team should be penalised, then the opinion of the Court referee always prevails. In such cases the game is restarted following clear hand signals from the Court referee and a whistle signal.

Decisions made by the referees on the basis of their observations of facts are final. However appeals can be lodged against decisions which are not in conformity with the rules.

During the game, the team captains are entitled to address the referee.

A warning can be given for :

• Minor infractions related to tackling an opponent.

A warning must be given for :

• Non minor infractions related to tackling an opponent
• Infractions when opponents are executing a formal throw (i.e. free throw, throw-off etc.)
• Unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official

The referee indicates a warning to the guilty player or official by holding up a yellow card. A player may not be given more than one warning and a team should not be given more that 3 warnings. A player who has already had a 2 minute suspension may not subsequently be given a warning.

A 2 minute suspension must be given for :

• Faulty substitutions or illegal entering of the court
• Repeated infractions related to tackling an opponent
• Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct by a player on the court
• Failure to put the ball down on the floor when a decision is taken against the attacking team
• Repeated infractions when opponents are executing a formal throw (i.e. free throw, throw-off etc.)
• Abusive or disparaging comments being made to the referees

A suspension may be given without a prior warning.

The referee indicates a suspension to the guilty player through the prescribed handsignal.. A third suspension for the same player implies an automatic disqualification.

A suspension is always for a playing time of 2 minutes. The suspension period begins when play is restarted with a whistle signal. A suspension carries over to the second half of a game if it has not been completed by the end of the first half.

A disqualification must be given :

• If a player who is not entitled to participate enters the court
• For serious infractions regarding tackling an opponent
• For repeated unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official who is outside the court
• For seriously unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official
• Because of a third 2 minute suspension to the same player
• For an assault by a team official

A player who, in attacking an opponent endangers the opponent’s health, shall be disqualified particularly if he :

• Strikes or pulls the throwing arm of a player who is in the process of shooting on goal
• Performs any action resulting in the opponent being struck on the head or neck
• Strikes the body of an opponent with his foot or knee or in any other way
• Pushes an opponent who is in the process of running or jumping, thus making the opponent loose control of his body

The referee indicates a disqualification to the guilty player or official by holding up a red card.

A disqualification of a player or team official always applies for the remaining playing time. The player or official must leave the court and substitution area immediately.

The disqualification of a player or team official during playing time always leads to a 2 minute suspension i.e. the team’s strength on court is reduced by one. The number of players and official available to the team is reduced but the team is allowed to increase the number of players on court following the expiration of the 2 minute suspension.

An exclusion must be given :

• In the event of an assault during the playing time.

An assault is defined as a deliberate and particularly forceful physical action against the body of another person (player, referee, official etc.). Spitting is regarded as an assault for the purpose of this rule.

The referee shall call a ‘time out’ and inform the guilty player or team official directly, using the prescribed handsignal . An exclusion always applies for the remaining playing time and the team must continue with one player less on the court.

When infractions are called, the referees must show immediately the direction for the throw which is to follow. Only when there is some doubt about the reason for the call shall the referee indicate the reason for his decision. Click here for a list of handsignals (with images) .

This page created and maintained by Stephen Healy Last updated 18-08-1999