Rules of the Game (Indoor Handball)

The Rules Text, the Comments, the IHF Hand Signals, the Clarifications to the Rules of the Game, and the Substitution Area Regulations are all components of the overall rules. The integrated “Guidelines and Interpretations” give additional guidance on the application of certain rules. The “Guidelines for Playing Courts and Goals”, which are simply included in the rule book for the convenience of the users of that text, are not an integral part of the rules.

Regulations on Protective Equipment & Accessories

These regulations provide additional explanations to the IHF Rules of the Game and include a comprehensive list of protective equipment and accessories that athletes are or are not allowed to use in official indoor handball matches.

Electronic Team Time-Out Regulations

A team may request the Team Time-Out directly through pushing a button (buzzer) on an electronic device instead of using green cards. The buzzer is directly connected to the official scoreboard system. Once the buzzer has been pushed, the time will be directly stopped, and the Team Time-Out automatically begins. In order to make all parties aware of the Team Time-Out, it is also indicated by an audio signal.

Video Replay Regulations

Video replay offers the possibility to the referees to immediately watch a situation on a TV screen if they were not able to see the complete action on the court and if they wish to check again before reaching a decision. This specifically refers to key-match situations where the referees decide to consult the TV picture in addition to their view on the court.

Rules of the Game (Beach Handball)

Please also note the appendices Referee Hand Signals, Clarifications to the Rules of the Game, Substitution Area Regulations, Athlete Uniform Regulations, and Sand Quality and Lighting Regulations.

Rules of the Game (Wheelchair Handball Four-a-Side)

Wheelchair handball four-a-side is practised by two teams of four players each. The aim of each team is to score goals and prevent the other team from scoring. Wheelchair handball shall be based on the spirit of fair play and aimed at physically disabled players.

Rules of the Game (Wheelchair Handball Six-a-Side)

The IHF Rules of the Game for Wheelchair Handball Six-a-Side basically follow the IHF Rules of the Game for Indoor Handball. No special rules shall apply despite having mixed teams. However, due to the different capabilities of players, the amendments listed shall be implemented and will be used for the upcoming IHF Wheelchair Handball events.

Wheelchair Handball Classification Rules & Regulations Six-a-Side and Four-a-Side

The Wheelchair Handball Classification Rules and Regulations have been prepared by the International Handball Federation (IHF) to implement the requirements of the 2024 IPC Classification Code and International Standards. The Classification Rules and Regulations refer to a number of appendices, which form an integral part of the Classification Rules and Regulations.