The International Handball Federation (IHF) continues its commitment to developing and elevating all forms of handball, ensuring the sport reflects the dynamic nature of modern competition while upholding fairness, clarity, and accessibility. As part of this ongoing evolution, amendments to the Rules of the Game for both Beach Handball and Wheelchair Handball will come into effect on 1 July 2026. These updates were unanimously approved by the IHF Council during its meeting held on 4 June 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.

The amendments were proposed by the IHF Beach Handball Working Group and the IHF Wheelchair Handball Working Group, respectively, following extensive discussions, practical evaluations, and input from experts and stakeholders across the handball community. While these modifications do not alter the fundamental structure of either discipline, they focus on fine-tuning and clarifying existing regulations to enhance understanding and facilitate smoother game administration.

For Beach Handball, the revisions aim to ensure consistency in the interpretation and application of rules, aligning with the sport’s rapid development and the increasing competitiveness seen at both international and grassroots levels. Similarly, the adjustments to the Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Four-a-Side, along with corresponding adaptations to the Six-a-Side version, are designed to promote inclusivity and provide a more unified playing framework.

Through these updates, the IHF reaffirms its mission to maintain a transparent, progressive approach to rule governance, working hand in hand with its commissions, working groups, and continental confederations. By continuously reviewing and refining the rules, the IHF ensures that every participant, from players and coaches to referees and fans, can experience handball in its most enjoyable form.

Fresh updates for Beach handball

The latest updates to the Beach Handball Rules of the Game, effective from 1 July 2026, introduce clearer definitions and stricter procedures concerning passive play to ensure continuous, active engagement and fair competition. A new provision has been set in the rules (Rule 7, Article 10), which states that “it is not allowed to delay repeatedly the execution of free throw, throw-in or goalkeeper throw for one team”. 

Teams are not permitted to retain possession without making a visible attempt to attack or shoot at the goal. When referees detect a possible tendency toward passive play, they will display the forewarning signal (Hand Signal No. 16), giving the attacking team one last chance to adjust their play. From this point, the team has a maximum of four passes to attempt a shot on goal. Failure to shoot within these passes results in a free throw against the team in possession.

Additionally, when a player deliberately avoids taking an obvious scoring opportunity by passing instead, their teammate receiving the ball must attempt the shot. If no shot is taken, possession is again lost. These clarifications aim to maintain the sport’s fluid rhythm and reinforce Beach Handball’s dynamic, action-oriented character.

The upcoming rule changes for the final moments of Beach Handball matches significantly reduce the applicable timeframe while imposing harsher, more immediate sporting penalties. These updates aim to directly compensate the attacking team for intentional interference during critical scoring moments rather than relying solely on administrative punishments.

The revised Beach Handball Rules of the Game, effective 1 July 2026, introduce stronger penalties for unsporting actions in the closing moments of a match to ensure fair play until the final whistle. These updates apply both during the last 15 seconds of each period and in the “Golden Goal” stage.

If the ball is out of play and a player or team official deliberately interferes with or delays the execution of a throw by the opposing team, thereby preventing a potential shot on goal or a clear scoring chance, the offender must be disqualified, and the opponents are awarded a 6‑metre throw. Such interference may include actions like intercepting a pass, holding the ball, or obstructing a throw’s execution, even without significant physical contact.

If the ball is in play during these final 15 seconds and a player or team official violates Rules 8:5, 8:6, 8:7, or 8:10 to prevent a scoring opportunity, the same sanction applies: automatic disqualification for the offender and a 6‑metre throw for the opponents. However, if the attacking team scores before play is stopped, the goal counts and the throw is not awarded.
   
A new rule in the Beach Handball Rules of the Game, effective 1 July 2026, addresses dangerous shots hitting the goalkeeper’s head. A suspension is mandatory when an unhindered player, in an open-play situation with no defender between the shooter and goalkeeper, throws a shot that strikes the goalkeeper’s head first. This applies only to open-play scenarios where the head is the initial contact point and excludes cases where the goalkeeper moves their head toward the ball. Conversely, if the goalkeeper feigns injury to provoke a call, such as after chest contact, they face punishment instead.

The updated Rules of the Game for Beach Handball, effective from 1 July 2026, introduce several clarifications regarding player equipment to ensure uniformity, safety, and consistency across all competitions. Each player must wear a clearly visible number between 1 and 99, measuring at least 12 x 10 centimetres. The numbers must contrast distinctly with the colour and design of the uniform to guarantee visibility for referees, officials, and spectators alike.

All players are required to play barefoot; however, they may wear regular, cloth-made sport socks or support bandages for comfort or protection. Sand socks or any form of synthetic or rubber footwear remain prohibited. If more than one player chooses to wear socks, they must all match in colour.

Further refinements specify that only soft protective gear may be used—no hard plastic or metal elements are allowed. Compression sleeves are permitted if identical in colour for all players, and thermal pants may be worn provided they match the shorts and end at least 10 centimetres above the knee. Medical coverings such as kinesio tape and finger taping are also allowed, ensuring both safety and unified team appearance.

The updated versions of the Rules of the Game for Beach Handball can be accessed in English, French and German.

Wheelchair handball

In Four-a-side wheelchair handball, a key new rule clarification ensures fairness when teams face challenges with gender balance. If no female player can continue playing due to injuries or disqualifications, the affected team must operate with one fewer player for the remainder of the match. Additionally, their maximum team points total is capped at 8, preventing any scoring advantage.

This amendment, approved by the IHF Council on 4 June 2025 and effective from 1 July 2026, maintains competitive equity and upholds the mixed-gender format essential to the discipline. It reflects the IHF's commitment to inclusive, balanced play across all levels, protecting the sport's integrity while accommodating unforeseen circumstances. Coaches and teams should note this for strategic planning in tournaments.

The updated Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Four-a-Side (effective 1 July 2026) provide enhanced clarity on court dimensions and specifications. The entire surface must be at least 48 m long and 28.5 m wide, encompassing the playing court—a 40 m long by 20 m wide rectangle—divided into two goal areas and a central playing area. Side lines form the longer boundaries, while goal lines sit between goalposts and outer goal lines flank the goals.

The substitution area measures 4.5 m long, with a safety area of 4 m along team benches and 2 m on other sides. A maximum of four chairs are permitted for team officials per side. Balls must comply with IHF regulations for resin-free handballs, matching indoor and six-a-side wheelchair standards. These specifications ensure safe, standardised competition environments.

The updated Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Four-a-Side (effective 1 July 2026) include precise clarifications on what constitutes a two-pointer, elevating spectacular plays while maintaining fairness.

A two-point goal is awarded for:

• A complete 360° spin turn executed with one hand only, without touching the wheelchair wheel during rotation (the player may stop the wheel post-360° and shoot immediately, without stabilising or adjusting position).
• A goal scored by the goalkeeper from their own goal area.
• Any goal from a 7-metre throw.
• Spectacular goals during shoot-outs, per Rule 8:4a criteria.

Detailed clarifications for shoot-outs to resolve tied matches, ensuring fair and efficient procedures were also added.

Each team nominates 5 eligible players (not suspended/disqualified) for one throw each, alternating with opponents - no predetermined order required. Players can act as both throwers and goalkeepers. Referees select the goal via coin toss; the winner chooses to throw first or last. After 5 throws per team, if still tied, teams renominate 5 players (all or some repeats allowed), switching the starting team. The shoot-out ends immediately when a goal difference emerges after equal throws.

Players can be disqualified for significant/repeated unsportsmanlike conduct; affected teams must nominate replacements from their group of 5. These rules promote strategic flexibility and sportsmanship.

The updated Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Four-a-Side (effective 1 July 2026) specify strict wheelchair construction standards prioritising safety and fairness. All wheelchairs undergo pre-tournament inspection by officials; only verified ones are permitted. Teams bear full responsibility for maintenance.

Key requirements:

• No electronic wheelchairs.
• Front horizontal bar (~11 cm above floor) with complete wing covering front/sides for protection.
• 1-2 anti-tip devices.
• Max height (floor to seat top): 63 cm.
• 5-6 wheels (2 large rear ≤71 cm diameter, 2 front, 1-2 rear safety); 1 hand rim per wheel.
• Wheels fully covered (uniform team design, unless carbon fibre spokes).
• 15 mm padding on backrest bar.

IHF Supervisors can ban unsafe/unfair wheelchairs. If a chair becomes non-functional/unsafe mid-match, the player must leave for repairs. These measures ensure consistent, protected competition.

The updated versions of the Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Four-a-Side can be accessed in English, French and German.

Similar rules we be observed in the Six-a-Side Wheelchair Handball Six-a-Side. The updated versions of the Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Six-a-Side can be accessed in English, French and German.