FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

Rules - History - Olympic Values - USA

Key Team Handball Rules

Team Composition: Each team has 7 players — 6 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper.
Match Duration: A game comprises two halves of 30 minutes each, separated by a 10-minute halftime break.
Objective: Teams aim to score by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal.
Three-Step Rule: Players are allowed a maximum of three steps with the ball without dribbling.
Holding the Ball: Players can hold onto the ball for up to 3 seconds without dribbling, passing, or shooting.
Goal Area: Only the goalkeeper can be inside the 6-meter (goal area) line. Outfield players cannot step into this area.
Substitution: Unlimited substitutions are permitted, but they must take place in the designated substitution area.
Passive Play: Teams are prohibited from keeping the ball without making an attempt to score, to prevent stalling tactics.
Fouls and Penalties: Physical play is part of the game, but actions like hitting, pushing, or blocking with hands result in fouls. Severe or repeated fouls can lead to penalties or suspensions.
Penalty Throws: Awarded for major fouls inside the 6-meter line or when a clear scoring chance is denied. Taken from a mark 7 meters from the goal.
Warnings & Suspensions: After a player commits several fouls, they can be given a 2-minute suspension. Three 2-minute suspensions result in a red card and disqualification.
Goalkeeper's Restrictions: While goalkeepers can touch the ball with any part of their body inside the goal area, they are considered an outfield player if they venture outside and have the same restrictions.
Throw-ins: When the ball goes out of bounds on the side, the team that didn't touch it last gets a throw-in from the spot where it went out.
Goal Throw: If a defending player last touches the ball before it crosses the outer goal line, the opposing team's goalkeeper resumes play with a goal throw.
Timeouts: Each team can call one timeout per half, lasting one minute.