The beginning of the sport is quite old. But Handball rules originated in ancient and ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome. But it developed into a modern sport in the late 19th century and early 20th century, which includes some countries such as Denmark, Germany and Sweden. Handball is one of the interesting and useful sports. When handball started, it was played by 11 players per side. Then when it was added to the Olympics, the game was played by seven players per side. The game was changed to an indoor version which became much more interesting and popular.
Handball in the Olympics
The sport that was popularized and liked and was later included in the Olympics. The story of handball is similar. It was introduced as an outdoor sport in the 1936 Olympics. Then included in the Olympics. Handball was then removed from the Olympics and then not reintroduced as an indoor sport for men in the 1972 Olympics and for women in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Rules and Regulations
- As the game is played with two teams of seven players each including a goalkeeper.
- Players pass, dribble, and shoot the ball to score goals, while defenders attempt to block shots.
- Only the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with their feet.
- Players can take up to three steps without dribbling and hold the ball for a maximum of three seconds.
- Physical contact is allowed, but excessive force or dangerous play is penalized.
Role of the Referee in Handball
Referees in handball play an important role in ensuring fair play and enforcing the rules of the game so that the game is played according to the rules. All sports in the world involve referees or umpires. In handball there are two referees, code referees and goal line referees who work together to monitor the game and make the game interesting.
They use whistle or hand signals to control the moments and decide on foul penalties and infringements. And monitor all the players during the game, if any player commits a foul, they can signal and give a penalty. And the referee has an important role to make the game useful and interesting, which makes the game more interesting by following the rules.
When a rule is broken, referees issue appropriate punishments, including:
- In handball, yellow cards are given for minor infringements.
- In handball, if a player hits a player of the opposing team
- or argues with the referee, he is given a two-minute suspension before being reinstated.
- In handball, if a player commits too many violations and tries to spoil the game, the referee is entitled to give him a red card.
- Blue card for extreme misconduct, leading to post-match disciplinary action.
Referees also ensure correct substitutions, proper timing, safety and proper equipment. They allow the advantage that a foul does not stop the chance to score. If a player appeals, they re-check with the referee and make a decision by talking to a third referee or by looking at CCTV photos.
Number of Players
In handball, each team consists of seven players, six outfield players and a goalkeeper. Teams can have seven substitutes with a substitute squad of 14 players.
Game Duration
A perfect handball game lasts 60 minutes. Each is divided into two halves of 30 minutes. Each played with a 10-minute half-time interval. If a game is tied, extra time is allowed to determine the winner.
Player Disqualification
- A player can be disqualified if they:
- Receive three two-minute suspensions.
- Commit a serious foul or violent conduct.
- Use unsportsmanlike behavior, such as verbal abuse toward referees or opponents.
- A red card results in immediate disqualification, and the team must play with one fewer player for two minutes before a substitute can enter.
Uses of Handball rules
Competitive sport:
Played in leagues, clubs, and international tournaments.
Physical fitness: Improves endurance, agility, coordination, and teamwork.
Recreational play:
Played in schools and communities worldwide.
Court Dimensions
A standard handball court is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. The goal area, or D-zone, extends 6 meters from the goal.
Ball Specifications
The weight of the ball varies for men and women:
Men’s ball Handball rules:
Weighs 425–475 grams and has a circumference of 58–60 cm.
Women’s ball:
Weighs 325–375 grams and has a circumference of 54–56 cm.
Ball Symmetry
The handball must be perfectly spherical to ensure consistent bouncing and handling. It is typically made of leather. synthetic material with a textured surface for better grip.
