FOR PARENTS

What is Handball? - Training Plan - USATH Membership - NYC Permission Slip - USATH Permission Slip

What is Team Handball?

Dear Parents,

As a parent of a child who has joined our team handball program at MS217, you may be wondering about the Olympic sport your child is playing. To help answer these questions, I have created a simple bullet point explanation of the sport for you to review.

• Team handball is an Olympic sport that originated in Europe in the early 20th century.

• The game is played by two teams of seven players, including a goalkeeper.

• The objective of the game is to throw the ball into the opposing team's goal and prevent the other team from scoring.

• Players can only touch the ball with their hands, arms, or torso. Kicking, hitting, or using other body parts is not allowed.

• The game is played in two 30-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime break.

• If the game is tied after regulation time, it may go into overtime or a shootout to determine the winner.

• The court is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide, with a goal area at each end.

• The ball used in team handball is round and made of leather or synthetic materials. It’s a little smaller than soccer ball.

• Players can dribble the ball, but they can only take three steps without dribbling before they must pass or shoot.

• A player cannot hold onto the ball for more than three seconds.

• Fouls can be committed by players, and the opposing team is awarded a free throw or penalty shot, depending on the severity. Severe or unsportsmanlike fouls result in a 2-minute suspension for the player and a 1-player advantage for the opposing team. Dangerous or intentional fouls result in a red card and direct ejection from the game.

• The game requires speed, agility, coordination, communication and teamwork.

• The goalkeeper is the only player who can use their feet to touch the ball within their own goal area.

• There are several different types of shots in team handball, including the jump shot, the pivot shot, and the lob shot.

• Team handball is a popular sport worldwide and is played at both amateur and professional levels.

• The sport globally is governed by the International Handball Federation (IHF), while USATH is the National Governing Body in the USA.

• The IHF organizes several international tournaments, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

• The 2028 Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles and TEAM USA has guaranteed qualification spots in the handball competition for both men and women.

• Some of the best teams in team handball include France, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Croatia, and Germany.

• The sport is played by both men and women.

• There are different versions of handball: Beach Handball, Mini Handball, Street Handball and Indoor Handball.

• Finally, team handball is a fun, exciting, and challenging sport that requires a combination of physical and mental skills, making it an excellent choice for both athletes and casual players.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Shkumbin Mustafa 
President, New York City Team Handball Club 

At New York City Team Handball Club, we proudly offer team handball services to NYC public schools, ensuring full compliance with New York State and New York City policies. We uphold guidelines on gender inclusivity, ability-based groupings, and student participation according to gender identity. Our mission is to provide equitable and inclusive handball experiences for all students.