Handball

Handball (also known as team handball, European

handball or Olympic handball)[3] is a team sport in
Handball
which two teams of seven players each (six outcourt
players and a goalkeeper) pass a ball using their hands
with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the other team.
A standard match consists of two periods of 30 minutes,
and the team that scores more goals wins.

Modern handball is played on a court of 40 by 20 metres

(131 by 66 ft), with a goal in the middle of each end. The
goals are surrounded by a 6-meter (20 ft) zone where only
the defending goalkeeper is allowed; goals must be scored
by throwing the ball from outside the zone or while
"diving" into it. The sport is usually played indoors, but A handball game in progress at SAP Arena in
outdoor variants exist in the forms of field handball, Czech Mannheim, Germany
handball (which were more common in the past) and Highest IHF
beach handball. The game is fast and high-scoring: governing body
professional teams now typically score between 20 and 35 First played 2 December 1917 in
goals each, though lower scores were not uncommon until Berlin, Germany.[1]
a few decades ago. Players may score hat tricks. Body Registered > 27 million (2016)[2]
contact is permitted for the defenders trying to stop the players
attackers from approaching the goal. No protective Characteristics
equipment is mandated, but players may wear soft
Contact Limited
protective bands, pads and mouth guards.[4]
Team members 7 per side (including
The game was codified at the end of the 19th century in goalkeeper)
Denmark. The modern set of rules was published on 29 Mixed gender separate competitions
October 1917 in Berlin, which is seen as the date of birth Type Team sport, ball sport
of the sport,[1][5] and had several revisions since. The first Equipment Ball and goals
official handball match was played in the same year in
Venue Indoor court
Germany.[1] The first international games were played
under these rules for men in 1925 and for women in 1930. Presence
Men's handball was first played at the 1936 Summer Country Worldwide (most popular
Olympics in Berlin as outdoors, and the next time at the or region in Europe)
1972 Summer Olympics in Munich as indoors, and has Olympic Part of Summer Olympic
been an Olympic sport since. Women's team handball was programme in 1936.
added at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Demonstrated at the 1952
Summer Olympics.
The International Handball Federation was formed in Returned to the Summer
1946 and, as of 2016, has 197 member federations.[6] The Olympic programme in
sport is most popular in Europe, and European countries 1972.
have won all medals but one in the men's world World Games Beach handball: 2001 –
championships since 1938. In the women's world present (invitational sport
championships, only two non-European countries have before 2013)
won the title: South Korea and Brazil. The game also
enjoys popularity in East Asia, North Africa and parts of South America.
Contents
Origins and development
Rules
Summary
Playing court Play media
Duration Handball game highlights video
Referees
Team players, substitutes, and officials
Ball
Awarded throws
Penalties
Gameplay
Formations
Offensive play
Defensive play
Organization
International body
International competitions
National competitions
Attendance records
Commemorative coins
See also
References
External links

Origins and development

Games similar to handball were played in Ancient Greece and are
represented on amphoras and stone carvings. Although detailed
textual reference is rare, there are numerous descriptions of ball games
being played where players throw the ball to one another; sometimes
this is done in order to avoid interception by a player on the opposing
team. Such games were played widely and served as both a form of
A picture copied from an amphora
exercise and a social event.[7]
shows youths playing a version of
There is evidence of ancient Roman women playing a version of handball, circa 500 B.C.
handball called expulsim ludere.[8] There are records of handball-like
games in medieval France, and among the Inuit in Greenland, in the
Middle Ages. By the 19th century, there existed similar games of håndbold from Denmark, házená in the
Czech Republic, handbol in Ukraine, and torball in Germany.[9]

The team handball game of today was codified at the end of the 19th century in northern Europe: primarily in
Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden. The first written set of team handball rules was published in 1906
by the Danish gym teacher, lieutenant and Olympic medalist Holger Nielsen from Ordrup grammar school,
north of Copenhagen. The modern set of rules was published on 29
October 1917 by Max Heiser, Karl Schelenz, and Erich Konigh from
Berlin, Germany; this day is therefore seen as the "date of birth" of
the sport.[1][5] The first ever official handball match was played on 2
December 1917 in Berlin.[1] After 1919 the rules were improved by
Karl Schelenz. The first international games were played under these
rules, between Germany and Austria by men in 1925 and between
Germany and Austria by women in 1930.
A postage stamp from East
In 1926, the Congress of the International Amateur Athletics Germany depicting handball at the
Federation nominated a committee to draw up international rules for 1972 Olympics
field handball. The International Amateur Handball Federation was
formed in 1928 and later the International Handball Federation was
formed in 1946.

Men's field handball was played at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. During the next several decades,
indoor handball flourished and evolved in the Scandinavian countries. The sport re-emerged onto the world
stage as team handball for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Women's team handball was added at the
1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Due to its popularity in the region, the Eastern European countries that
refined the event became the dominant force in the sport when it was reintroduced.

The International Handball Federation organised the men's world championship in 1938 and every four
(sometimes three) years from World War II to 1995. Since the 1995 world championship in Iceland, the
competition has been held every two years. The women's world championship has been held since 1957. The
IHF also organizes women's and men's junior world championships. By July 2009, the IHF listed 166 member
federations - approximately 795,000 teams and 19 million players.

Rules
The rules are laid out in the IHF's set of rules.[10]

Summary

Two teams of seven players (six court players plus one goalkeeper) take the court and attempt to score points
by putting the game ball into the opposing team's goal. In handling the ball, players are subject to the following
restrictions:

After receiving the ball, players can pass, keep possession, or shoot the ball.
Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their feet, the goalkeeper is the only one allowed
to use their feet but only within the goal area
If possessing the ball, players must dribble (not similar to a basketball dribble), or can take up
to three steps for up to three seconds at a time without dribbling.
No attacking or defending players other than the defending goalkeeper are allowed to touch the
floor of the goal area (within six metres of the goal). A shot or pass in the goal area is valid if
completed before touching the floor. Goalkeepers are allowed outside the goal area, but are not
allowed to cross the goal area boundary with the ball in their hands.
The ball may not be passed back to the goalkeeper when they are positioned in the goal area.

Notable scoring opportunities can occur when attacking players jump into the goal area. For example, an
attacking player may catch a pass while launching inside the goal area, and then shoot or pass before touching
the floor. Doubling occurs when a diving attacking player passes to another diving teammate.
Playing court

Handball is played on a court 40 by 20 metres (131 ft 2.80 in × 65 ft

7.40 in), with a goal in the centre of each end. The goals are
surrounded by a near-semicircular area, called the zone or the crease,
defined by a line six meters from the goal. A dashed near-semicircular
line nine metres from the goal marks the free-throw line. Each line on
the court is part of the area it encompasses. This implies that the
middle line belongs to both halves at the same time.

Goals

The goals are two meters high and three meters wide. They must be
securely bolted either to the floor or the wall behind.

The goal posts and the crossbar must be made out of the same
material (e.g., wood or aluminium) and feature a quadratic cross
section with sides of 8 cm (3 in). The three sides of the beams visible
from the playing field must be painted alternatingly in two contrasting
colors which both have to contrast against the background. The colors
on both goals must be the same. Schematic diagram of a handball
court
Each goal must feature a net. This must be fastened in such a way that
a ball thrown into the goal does not leave or pass the goal under
normal circumstances. If necessary, a second net may be clasped to
the back of the net on the inside.

Crease

The goals are surrounded by the crease, also called the zone. This
area is delineated by two quarter circles with a radius of six metres
around the far corners of each goal post and a connecting line parallel
to the goal line. Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed inside this
An outdoor handball field
zone. However, court players may catch and touch the ball in the air
within it as long as the player starts their jump outside the zone and
releases the ball before they land (landing inside the perimeter is allowed in this case as long as the ball has
been released).

If a player without the ball contacts the ground inside the goal perimeter, or the line surrounding the perimeter,
they must take the most direct path out of it. However, should a player cross the zone in an attempt to gain an
advantage (e.g., better position) their team cedes the ball. Similarly, violation of the zone by a defending player
is penalized only if they do so in order to gain an advantage in defending.

Substitution area

Outside of one long edge of the court to both sides of the middle line are the substitution areas for each team.
Team officials, substitutes, and suspended players must wait within this area. A team's area is the same side as
the goal the team is defending; during halftime, substitution areas are swapped. Any player entering or leaving
the play must cross the substitution line which is part of the side line and extends 4.5 metres (15 ft) from the
middle line to the team's side.
Duration

A standard match has two 30-minute halves with a 10- or 15-minute

(major Championships/Olympics) halftime intermission. At half-time,
teams switch sides of the court as well as benches. For youths, the
length of the halves is reduced—25 minutes at ages 12 to 15, and 20
minutes at ages 8 to 11; though national federations of some countries
may differ in their implementation from the official guidelines.[11]

If a decision must be reached in a particular match (e.g., in a

tournament) and it ends in a draw after regular time, there are at
maximum two overtimes, each consisting of two straight 5-minute Team timeout
periods with a one-minute break in between. Should these not decide
the game either, the winning team is determined in a penalty shootout
(best-of-five rounds; if still tied, extra rounds are added until one team wins).

The referees may call timeout according to their sole discretion; typical reasons are injuries, suspensions, or
court cleaning. Penalty throws should trigger a timeout only for lengthy delays, such as a change of the
goalkeeper.

Since 2012, teams can call 3 team timeouts per game (up to two per half), which last one minute each. This
right may only be invoked by the team in possession of the ball. Team representatives must show a green card
marked with a black T on the timekeeper's desk. The timekeeper then immediately interrupts the game by
sounding an acoustic signal to stop the clock. Before 2012, teams were allowed only one timeout per half. For
the purpose of calling timeouts, overtime and shootouts are extensions of the second half.

Referees

A handball match is adjudicated by two equal referees. Some national bodies allow games with only a single
referee in special cases like illness on short notice. Should the referees disagree on any occasion, a decision is
made on mutual agreement during a short timeout; or, in case of punishments, the more severe of the two
comes into effect. The referees are obliged to make their decisions "on the basis of their observations of
facts".[12] Their judgements are final and can be appealed against only if not in compliance with the rules.

The referees position themselves in such a way that the

team players are confined between them. They stand
diagonally aligned so that each can observe one side line.
Depending on their positions, one is called field referee
and the other goal referee. These positions automatically
switch on ball turnover. They physically exchange their
positions approximately every 10 minutes (long
exchange), and change sides every five minutes (short The referees (blue shirts) keep both teams
exchange). between them.

The IHF defines 18 hand signals for quick visual

communication with players and officials. The signal for
warning is accompanied by a yellow card.[13] A disqualification for the game is indicated by a red card,[14]
followed by a blue card if the disqualification will be accompanied by a report.[15] The referees also use
whistle blows to indicate infractions or to restart the play.
The referees are supported by a scorekeeper and a timekeeper who attend to formal things such as keeping
track of goals and suspensions, or starting and stopping the clock, respectively. They also keep an eye on the
benches and notify the referees on substitution errors. Their desk is located between the two substitution areas.

Team players, substitutes, and officials

Each team consists of seven players on court and seven substitute players on the bench. One player on the
court must be the designated goalkeeper, differing in his clothing from the rest of the field players. Substitution
of players can be done in any number and at any time during game play. An exchange takes place over the
substitution line. A prior notification of the referees is not necessary.

Some national bodies, such as the Deutsche Handball Bund (DHB, "German Handball Federation"), allow
substitution in junior teams only when in ball possession or during timeouts. This restriction is intended to
prevent early specialization of players to offence or defence.

Field players

Field players are allowed to touch the ball with any part of their bodies above and including the knee. As in
several other team sports, a distinction is made between catching and dribbling. A player who is in possession
of the ball may stand stationary for only three seconds, and may take only three steps. They must then either
shoot, pass, or dribble the ball. Taking more than three steps at any time is considered travelling, and results in
a turnover. A player may dribble as many times as they want (though, since passing is faster, it is the preferred
method of attack), as long as during each dribble the hand contacts only the top of the ball. Therefore, carrying
is completely prohibited, and results in a turnover. After the dribble is picked up, the player has the right to
another three seconds or three steps. The ball must then be passed or shot, as further holding or dribbling will
result in a double dribble turnover and a free throw for the other team. Other offensive infractions that result in
a turnover include charging and setting an illegal screen. Carrying the ball into the six-meter zone results either
in ball possession by the goalkeeper (by attacker) or turnover (by defender).

Goalkeeper

Only the goalkeepers are allowed to move freely within the goal perimeter, although they may not cross the
goal perimeter line while carrying or dribbling the ball. Within the zone, they are allowed to touch the ball with
all parts of their bodies, including their feet, with a defensive aim (for other actions, they are subject to the
same restrictions as the field players). The goalkeepers may participate in the normal play of their teammates.
They may be substituted by a regular field player if their team elects to use this scheme in order to outnumber
the defending players. Earlier, this field player become the designated goalkeeper on the court; and had to wear
some vest or bib to be identified as such. That shirt had to be equal in colour and form to the goalkeeper's shirt,
to avoid confusion. A rule change meant to make the game more offensive now allows any player to substitute
with the goalkeeper. The new rule resembles the one used in ice hockey. This rule was first used in the
women's world championship in December 2015 and has since been used by the men's European
championship in January 2016 and by both genders in the Olympic tournament in Rio in 2016.

If either goalkeeper deflects the ball over the outer goal line, their team stays in possession of the ball, in
contrast to other sports like football. The goalkeeper resumes the play with a throw from within the zone
("goalkeeper throw"). Passing to one's own goalkeeper results in a turnover. In a penalty shot, throwing the
ball against the head of a goalkeeper who is not moving risks a direct disqualification ("red card").

Outside of own D-zone, the goalkeeper is treated as a current field player, and has to follow field players'
rules; holding or tackling an opponent player outside the area risks a direct disqualification. The goalkeeper
may not return to the area with the ball.
Team officials

Each team is allowed to have a maximum of four team officials seated on the benches. An official is anybody
who is neither player nor substitute. One official must be the designated representative who is usually the team
manager. Since 2012, representatives can call up to 3 team timeouts (up to twice per half), and may address the
scorekeeper, timekeeper, and referees (before that, it was once per half); overtime and shootouts are considered
extensions of the second half. Other officials typically include physicians or managers. Neither official is
allowed to enter the playing court without the permission of the referees.

Ball

The ball is spherical and must be made either of leather or a synthetic

material. It is not allowed to have a shiny or slippery surface. As the
ball is intended to be operated by a single hand, its official sizes vary
depending on age and gender of the participating teams.

A size III handball

Circumference Circumference Weight Weight

Size Class
(cm) (in) (g) (oz)
III Male over-16s 58–60 23–24 425–475 15.0–16.8
II Women, male over-12s, and female over-14s 54–56 21–22 325–375 11.5–13.2
I Over-8s 50–52 20–20 290–330 10–12

Awarded throws

The referees may award a special throw to a team. This usually happens after certain events such as scored
goals, off-court balls, turnovers and timeouts. All of these special throws require the thrower to obtain a certain
position, and pose restrictions on the positions of all other players. Sometimes the execution must wait for a
whistle blow by the referee.

Throw-off
A throw-off takes place from the center of the court. The thrower must touch the middle line
with one foot, and all the other offensive players must stay in their half until the referee
restarts the game. The defending players must keep a distance of at least three meters from
the thrower until the ball leaves his hand. A throw-off occurs at the beginning of each period
and after the opposing team scores a goal. It must be cleared by the referees.

Modern handball introduced the "fast throw-off" concept; i.e., the play will be immediately
restarted by the referees as soon as the executing team fulfills its requirements. Many teams
leverage this rule to score easy goals before the opposition has time to form a stable defense
line.

Throw-in
The team which did not touch the ball last is awarded a throw-in when the ball fully crosses
the side line or touches the ceiling. If the ball crosses the outer goal line, a throw-in is
awarded only if the defending field players touched the ball last. Execution requires the
 thrower to place one foot on the nearest outer line to the cause. All defending players must
keep a distance of three metres (9.8 ft). However, they are allowed to stand immediately
outside their own goal area even when the distance is less than three meters.

Goalkeeper-throw
If the ball crosses the outer goal line without interference from the defending team or when
deflected by the defending team's goalkeeper, or when the attacking team violates the D-
zone as described above, a goalkeeper-throw is awarded to the defending team. This is the
most common turnover. The goalkeeper resumes the play with a throw from anywhere within
the goal area.

Free-throw
A free-throw restarts the play after an interruption by the referees. It takes places from the spot
where the interruption was caused, as long as this spot is outside of the free-throw line of the
opposing team. In the latter case, the throw is deferred to the nearest spot on the free-throw
line. Free-throws are the equivalent to free-kicks in association football; however, conceding
them is typically not seen as poor sportsmanship for the defending side, and in itself, they
carry no major disadvantages. (In particular, being awarded a free throw while being on
warning for passive play will not reset the warning, whereas a shot on goal will.) The thrower
may take a direct attempt for a goal which, however, is rarely feasible if the defending team
has organised a defense. However, if a free throw is awarded and the half or game ends, a
direct throw at the goal is typically attempted, which occasionally goes in.

Seven-meter throw
A seven-meter throw is awarded when a clear chance of
scoring is illegally prevented anywhere on the court by
an opposing team player, official, or spectator. It is
awarded also when the referees have interrupted a
legitimate scoring chance for any reason. The thrower
steps with one foot behind the seven-metre (23 ft) line
with only the defending goalkeeper between him and the
goal. The goalkeeper must keep a distance of three
metres (9.8 ft), which is marked by a short tick on the
A seven-metre throw
floor. All other players must remain behind the free-throw
line until execution and the defending field players must
keep a distance of three meters. The thrower must await
the whistle blow of the referee. A seven-meter throw is the equivalent to a penalty kick in
association football; however, it is far more common and typically occurs several times in a
single game.

Penalties

Penalties are given to players, in progressive format, for fouls that

require more punishment than just a free-throw. Actions directed
mainly at the opponent and not the ball (such as reaching around,
holding, pushing, tripping, and jumping into opponent) as well as
contact from the side, from behind a player or impeding the
opponent's counterattack are all considered illegal and are subject to
penalty. Any infraction that prevents a clear scoring opportunity will
result in a seven-meter penalty shot.
Yellow card shown in a handball
Typically the referee will give a warning yellow card for an illegal match
action; but, if the contact was particularly dangerous, like striking the
opponent in the head, neck or throat, the referee can forego the
warning for an immediate two-minute suspension. Players are warned once before given a yellow card; they
risk being red-carded if they draw three yellows.

A red card results in an ejection from the game and a two-minute penalty for the team. A player may receive a
red card directly for particularly rough penalties. For instance, any contact from behind during a fast break is
now being treated with a red card; as does any deliberate intent to injure opponents. A red-carded player has to
leave the playing area completely. A player who is disqualified may be substituted with another player after the
two-minute penalty is served. A coach or official can also be penalized progressively. Any coach or official
who receives a two-minute suspension will have to pull out one of their players for two minutes; however, the
player is not the one punished, and can be substituted in again, as the penalty consists of the team playing with
one fewer player than the opposing team.

After referees award the ball to the opponents for whatever reason, the player currently in possession of the
ball has to lay it down quickly, or risk a two-minute suspension. Also, gesticulating or verbally questioning the
referee's order, as well as arguing with the officials' decisions, will normally risk a yellow card. If the
suspended player protests further, does not walk straight off the field to the bench, or if the referee deems the
tempo deliberately slow, that player risks a double yellow card. Illegal substitution (outside of the dedicated
area, or if the replacement player enters too early) is prohibited; if they do, they risk a yellow card.

Gameplay

Formations

Players are typically referred to by the positions they are

playing. The positions are always denoted from the view
of the respective goalkeeper, so that a defender on the
right opposes an attacker on the left. However, not all of
the following positions may be occupied depending on
the formation or potential suspensions.

Offense
Left and right wingman. These typically are fast
players who excel at ball control and wide
jumps from the outside of the goal perimeter in
order to get into a better shooting angle at the
goal. Teams usually try to occupy the left
position with a right-handed player and vice
versa. Positions of attacking (red) and defending players
Left and right backcourt. Goal attempts by these (blue), in a 5-1 defense formation
players are typically made by jumping high and
shooting over the defenders. Thus, it is usually
advantageous to have tall players with a powerful shot for these positions.
Centre backcourt. A player with experience is preferred on this position who acts as playmaker
and the handball equivalent of a basketball point guard.
Pivot (left and right, if applicable). This player tends to intermingle with the defence, setting
picks and attempting to disrupt the defence's formation. This position requires the least jumping
skills; but ball control and physical strength are advantages.

Sometimes, the offense uses formations with two pivot players.

Defense

There are many variations in defensive formations.

Usually, they are described as n:m formations, where n is
the number of players defending at the goal line and m
the number of players defending more offensive.
Exceptions are the 3:2:1 defense and n+m formation (e.g.
5+1), where m players defend some offensive player in
man coverage (instead of the usual zone coverage).

Far left and far right. The opponents of the

wingmen.
Half left and half right. The opponents of the left
and right backcourts.
Back center (left and right). Opponent of the
pivot.
Front center. Opponent of the center backcourt, Positions of attacking (red) and defending players
may also be set against another specific (blue), in a 6-0 defense formation
backcourt player.

Offensive play

Attacks are played with all field players on the side of the defenders. Depending on the speed of the attack,
one distinguishes between three attack waves with a decreasing chance of success:

First wave
First wave attacks are characterised by the absence of
defending players around their goal perimeter. The
chance of success is very high, as the throwing player is
unhindered in his scoring attempt. Such attacks typically
occur after an intercepted pass or a steal, and if the
defending team can switch fast to offence. The far left or
far right will usually try to run the attack, as they are not
as tightly bound in the defence. On a turnover, they
immediately sprint forward and receive the ball halfway
to the other goal. Thus, these positions are commonly Women's handball - a jump shot
held by quick players. completes a fast-break
Second wave
If the first wave is not successful and some defending
players have gained their positions around the zone, the second wave comes into play: the
remaining players advance with quick passes to locally outnumber the retreating defenders. If
one player manages to step up to the perimeter or catches the ball at this spot, he becomes
unstoppable by legal defensive means. From this position, the chance of success is naturally
very high. Second wave attacks became much more important with the "fast throw-off" rule.

Third wave
The time during which the second wave may be successful is very short, as then the
defenders closed the gaps around the zone. In the third wave, the attackers use standardised
attack patterns usually involving crossing and passing between the back court players who
either try to pass the ball through a gap to their pivot, take a jumping shot from the backcourt
at the goal, or lure the defence away from a wingman.
The third wave evolves into the normal offensive play when all
defenders not only reach the zone, but gain their accustomed
positions. Some teams then substitute specialised offence players.
However, this implies that these players must play in the defence
should the opposing team be able to switch quickly to offence. The
latter is another benefit for fast playing teams.

If the attacking team does not make sufficient progress (eventually

releasing a shot on goal), the referees can call passive play (since
about 1995, the referee gives a passive warning some time before the
actual call by holding one hand up in the air, signalling that the
attacking team should release a shot soon), turning control over to the Men's handball - a jump shot (Kiril
other team. A shot on goal or an infringement leading to a yellow card Lazarov, world record-holder for the
or two-minute penalty will mark the start of a new attack, causing the number of goals scored in one world
hand to be taken down; but a shot blocked by the defense or a normal championship)
free throw will not. If it were not for this rule, it would be easy for an
attacking team to stall the game indefinitely, as it is difficult to
intercept a pass without at the same time conceding dangerous openings towards the goal.

Defensive play

The usual formations of the defense are 6–0, when all the defense players line up between the 6-metre (20 ft)
and 9-metre (30 ft) lines to form a wall; the 5–1, when one of the players cruises outside the 9-metre (30 ft)
perimeter, usually targeting the center forwards while the other 5 line up on the 6-metre (20 ft) line; and the
less common 4–2 when there are two such defenders out front. Very fast teams will also try a 3–3 formation
which is close to a switching man-to-man style. The formations vary greatly from country to country, and
reflect each country's style of play. 6–0 is sometimes known as "flat defense", and all other formations are
usually called "offensive defense".

Organization
Handball teams are usually organised as clubs. On a national level, the clubs are associated in federations
which organize matches in leagues and tournaments.

International body

The International Handball Federation (IHF) is the administrative and controlling body for international
handball. Handball is an Olympic sport played during the Summer Olympics.[16]

The IHF organizes world championships, held in odd-numbered years, with separate competitions for men and
women.[17] The IHF World Men's Handball Championship 2019 title holders are Denmark.[18] The IHF
World Women's Handball Championship 2019 title holders are Netherlands.[19]

The IHF is composed of five continental federations: Asian Handball Federation, African Handball
Confederation, Pan-American Team Handball Federation, European Handball Federation and Oceania
Handball Federation. These federations organize continental championships held every other second year.
Handball is played during the Pan American Games,[20] All-Africa Games,[21] and Asian Games.[16] It is also
played at the Mediterranean Games. In addition to continental competitions between national teams, the
federations arrange international tournaments between club teams.[22]
International competitions
Pan American Championship (men, women), Nor.Ca. Handball Championship

National competitions

Europe
Austria: Handball Liga Austria, Bundesliga Männer (men), Women Handball Austria,
Bundesliga Frauen (women), Österreichischer Cup (men, women)
https://web.archive.org/web/20141218002607/http://oehb.sportlive.at/
Belgium: BENE-League Handball (shared competition with the Netherlands)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Handball Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia: Croatian First League of Handball
Czech Republic: Czech Handball Extraliga
Denmark: Damehåndboldligaen, Jack & Jones Ligaen
England: England Handball Association
France: Ligue Nationale de Handball
Germany: Handball-Bundesliga, Handball-Bundesliga (women)
Greece: Greek Men's handball championship
Hungary: Nemzeti Bajnokság I (men), Nemzeti Bajnokság I (women)
Iceland: Olís deildin
Israel: Ligat Winner
Macedonia: Macedonian Handball Super League
Montenegro: First League (men), First League (women), Second League (men), Second
League (women)
Netherlands: BENE-League Handball (shared competition with Belgium), Eredivisie (women)
Norway: Eliteserien (men's handball), Eliteserien (women's handball)
Poland: Polish Superliga (men's handball), Ekstraklasa (women's handball)
Portugal: Andebol 1 (men), 1ª Divisão Feminino (women)
Romania: Liga Națională (men), Liga Naţională (women)
Russia: Men's Championship, Women's Championship, Women's Handball Cup, Men's
Handball Cup, Women's Handball Super Cup, Men's Handball Super Cup
Scotland: Scottish Handball League
Serbia: Serbian First League of Handball
Slovakia: Slovenská hadzanárska extraliga
Slovenia: Slovenian First League of Handball, Handball Cup of Slovenia
Spain: Liga ASOBAL, División de Plata de Balonmano
Sweden: Handbollsligan (men)/Svensk handbollselit (women)

Other
Angola: Angola Men's Handball League (men), Angola Women's Handball League (women)
Australia: Australian Handball Club Championship, Handball League Australia, Australian
National Handball Championship (States)
Tahiti (French Polynesia): Tahitian Handball League
 Turkey: Turkish Handball Super League
United States: USA Team Handball Nationals, USA Team Handball College Nationals
Japan Japan Handball League
Argentina Confederación Argentina de Handball
Egypt: Egyptian Handball League

Attendance records
The current worldwide attendance record for seven-a-side handball was set on 6 September 2014, during a
neutral venue German league game between HSV Hamburg and the Mannheim-based Rhein-Neckar
Lions.[23] The matchup drew 44,189 spectators to Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, exceeding the previous
record of 36,651 set at Copenhagen's Parken Stadium during the 2011 Danish Cup final.[23]

Commemorative coins
Handball events have been selected as a main motif in numerous
collectors' coins. One of the recent samples is the €10 Greek Handball
commemorative coin, minted in 2003 to commemorate the 2004
Summer Olympics. On the coin, the modern athlete directs the ball in
his hands towards his target, while in the background the ancient
athlete is just about to throw a ball, in a game known as cheirosphaira,
in a representation taken from a black-figure pottery vase of the
Archaic period.[24]

The most recent commemorative coin featuring handball is the British

50 pence coin, part of the series of coins commemorating the London
2012 Olympic Games.[25]
Handball commemorative coin

See also
Beach handball
Handball at the Summer Olympics
Handball in the United States
Handball-Bundesliga
Water polo a similar sport played in water

References
Notes UK 2012 Olympics commemorative
coin

1. Pazen, Björn (31 October 2017). "Handball in Germany

celebrates 100th anniversary" (http://www.eurohandball.co
m/article/029539/Handball+in+Germany+celebrates+100th
+anniversary). European Handball Federation. Retrieved
5 March 2020.
 2. "8 Things You Didn't Know About Handball" (https://www.o
lympic.org/athlete365/es/noticias/8-things-you-didnt-know-
about-handball/). Olympics. IOC. 10 June 2016. Archived
(https://web.archive.org/web/20180719152012/https://www.
olympic.org/athlete365/es/noticias/8-things-you-didnt-know
-about-handball/) from the original on 19 July 2018.
Retrieved 19 July 2018.
3. Barbara Schrodt (6 October 2011). "Team Handball" (http
s://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/team-hand
ball). The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica-Dominion
Institute.
4. "IHF Rules of the Game: Regulations on Protective
Equipment and Accessories" (https://www.handbal.nl/userfi
les/Scheidsrechters/170801_Clarifications_equipment_IH
F.pdf) (PDF). Nederlands Handbal Verbond. Retrieved
3 January 2019.
5. Nestler, Stefan (24 January 2019). "Handball: Will the
winter fairytale last?" (https://www.dw.com/en/handball-will-
the-winter-fairytale-last/a-47219129). DW.com. Retrieved
5 March 2020.
6. "Member Federations" (https://archive.ihf.info/TheIHF/Mem
berFederations/tabid/161/Default.aspx). International
Handball Federation.
7. Gardiner, E. Norman, 'Ball play' in Athletics of the Ancient
World, Oxford: OUP, 1967, pp. 230–238
8. John Anthony Cuddon, The Macmillan Dictionary of Sports
and Games, p. 393, Macmillan, 1980, ISBN 0-333-19163-3
9. Serinex.NET, SegaAlex in. "Handball History : HAND-
BALL.ORG" (http://www.hand-ball.org/historia/).
www.hand-ball.org. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
10. "The official Handball rules (PDF)" (https://archive.ihf.info/u
pload/Manual/IHF_STATUTS_CHAP_9A_GB.pdf) (PDF).
Retrieved 30 July 2012.
11. "Rules of the Game" (https://archive.ihf.info/files/Uploads/N
ewsAttachments/0_New-Rules%20of%20the%20Game_G
B.pdf) (PDF).
12. Official rules, rule 17:11
13. Official rules, hand signal 16:2
14. Official rules 16:7
15. Official rules 16:8
16. "Handball The Official Website of the 16th Asian Games"
(http://www.gz2010.cn/08/0821/16/4JSPNB190078007E.ht
ml). Guangzhou Asian Games. 21 August 2008. Retrieved
2 February 2009.
17. "Regulations for IHF Competitions" (https://archive.ihf.info/
upload/Manual/IHF_STATUTS_CHAP_05_GB.pdf) (PDF).
International Handball Federation. September 2007. p. 10.
Retrieved 2 February 2009.
18. "Flawless Denmark claim first world title" (https://competitio
n.ihf.info/competitions/mens-world-championships/308/201
9-ihf-mens-world-championship/147/news/931). 27
January 2019.
19. "Netherlands Take First World Title With Last-Second
Penalty" (https://www.ihf.info/competitions/women/307/24th
-ihf-womens-world-championship-2019/7819/news/20203).
Retrieved 15 December 2019.
20. "Deportes Panamericanos - Balonmano" (https://web.archi
ve.org/web/20090204195817/http://guadalajara2011.org.m
x/esp/03_deportes/deportes_origen_historia.asp?id_dep=
4) (in Spanish). Guadalajara 2011. Archived from the
original (http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/esp/03_depor
tes/deportes_origen_historia.asp?id_dep=4) on 4 February
2009. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
21. "Handball at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algiers" (https://
web.archive.org/web/20081115182135/http://www.ihf.info/f
ront_content.php?idcat=189&idart=751). International
Handball Federation. 20 July 2007. Archived from the
original (http://www.ihf.info/front_content.php?idcat=189&id
art=751) on 15 November 2008. Retrieved 2 February
2009.
22. "Bylaws" (https://archive.ihf.info/upload/Manual/IHF_STAT
UTS_CHAP_01_GB.pdf) (PDF). International Handball
Federation. September 2007. p. 7. Retrieved 2 February
2009.
23. cie. "World record: 44,189 spectators in Frankfurt" (http://w
ww.handball-world.com/o.red.c/news-2-1-1-61382.html).
www.handball-world.com. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
24. "Athens 2004 - Series F coins" (https://www.fleur-de-coin.c
om/currency/olympic-euros-series-f). Fleur de Coin.
Retrieved 3 September 2016.
25. "London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games" (https://we
b.archive.org/web/20160331142251/http://www.royalmint.c
om/discover/uk-coins/coin-design-and-specifications/londo
n-2012-coins). RoyalMint.com. 2012. Archived from the
original (http://www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/coin-d
esign-and-specifications/london-2012-coins) on 31 March
2016. Retrieved 3 September 2016.

The editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, ed. (3 May 2017). "Team handball" (https://www.britan
nica.com/sports/team-handball). Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

External links
Media related to Handball at Wikimedia Commons

International Handball Federation (IHF) (http://www.ihf.info/)

Team Handball News - Handball news and commentary (http://www.teamhandballnews.com/)
Basic Rules (http://usadth.tripod.com/rules.html/)

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