The IHF have chosen to mark the fifth edition of the International Handball Week also digitally, with a new update delivered to the IHF Rule Interpretation app. 

Launched on 1 July 2022, the app was designed for a targeted use of media not only to educate and train referees and delegates but also to motivate coaches, players, journalists and handball fans to explore interpretations, guidelines, and clarifications of the handball rules.

The IHF Rule Interpretation app was developed with five clear goals in mind: 

• Uniform rule interpretation, common line for all (IHF, Continental Confederations, Member Federations)
• More precise and easier to understand decision criteria for different game situations 
• Uniform training of referees in National Federations, Continental Confederations and the IHF
• More detailed information and understanding for referees, coaches, delegates, players, and spectators
• Information made available in an appealing way for journalists, media, spectators

The new update, launched in July 2024, includes several new features for all the stakeholders interested. 

In the IHF Virtualy Academy, a new variety of courses and seminars are now available, with the users being able to take online tests, which can be either self-assesments or normal tests. 

The notification system of the app has also been improved, as users are now alerted about new updates in the app based on their selected interests. Moreover, for a free-flowing experience and an enhanced functionality, the search feature has been redesigned to help users find everything they need easier.

Last, but not least, the updated Materials Library provides access to the latest photos and videos available, specially curated and uploaded.