Question

Explain the functional rules of Handball.

Answer 1

1. Court and teams

1. The court is a rectangle measuring [40,\text{m} \times 20,\text{m}], divided into two halves by the centre line.
2. A team has 16 players, including substitutes. Seven play at a time: six court players and one goalkeeper. Substitutions may be made repeatedly through the team’s substitution area, provided the player being replaced has left the court.
3. Only the goalkeeper may stand in the goal area. Court players must not enter it to gain an advantage or remain there while playing the ball.

2. Match duration and time-outs

1. For players aged 16 and above, a match consists of two halves of 30 minutes, with a 10-minute interval. Shorter playing times apply to younger age groups.
2. Each team may take one one-minute time-out in each half. If required, overtime consists of two five-minute periods with a one-minute break.

3. Starting and restarting play

1. A throw-off begins play, restarts it after a goal, and starts the second half. The teams begin on their own sides, with opponents at least [3,\text{m}] from the ball.
2. A throw-in is awarded when the ball crosses a sideline or goes over the end line after last touching a court player from the defending team. The thrower must keep one foot on the sideline; opponents must be [3,\text{m}] away.
3. A goal-throw is taken by the goalkeeper from inside the goal area when the ball goes over the end line after last touching the goalkeeper.

4. Playing the ball and scoring

1. Players may play the ball with their hands, arms, head, torso, thighs or knees. They may hold it for up to three seconds and take up to three steps without dribbling.
2. A player may dribble and take up to three steps before and after dribbling, but may not dribble again after catching the ball (double-dribble).
3. A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line inside the goal. A goal may be scored from any type of throw.
4. A team must make a recognisable attempt to attack and shoot; deliberately delaying play is passive play.

5. Fouls and penalties

1. Players may defend with the torso, but may not hold, push, trip, hit or obstruct an opponent with outstretched arms or legs. Charging into a defender is not allowed.
2. A free-throw is awarded for a minor foul or violation, normally from the place of the offence. If it occurs between the goal-area line and the free-throw line, the throw is taken from the nearest point outside the free-throw line. The thrower must keep one foot on the floor.
3. A 7-metre throw is awarded when an illegal action destroys a clear scoring chance or when a defensive player enters the goal area to gain an advantage. Other players must remain outside the free-throw line when it is taken.
4. Serious or repeated fouls may lead to a warning, a two-minute suspension or disqualification. A disqualified player must leave the competition area, and the team continues with one fewer player for the remainder of the match.