• Two teams of 7 players each (six outfield and one goalkeeper) compete to score points by throwing the ball into each other’s net.
• Team with most goals win.

Rules of the game

Duration of the Game: For players 18 years and over, the game consists of 2, 30-minute halves with 10-minute half-time. For tournament and youth games 2, 15-minute or 2, 20- minute halves. The teams change benches at half-time. The game can never end in a draw until it is demanded for.

Passive Play: It is against the rule to keep the ball in a team's possession without making a recognizable attempt to attack and try to score. In other words, a team cannot pause (free-throw awarded to the other team).

Throw-Off: A throw-off is taken by the team that wins the coin toss and chooses to start the game with the ball. Each team must be in its own half of the court with the defence 3 meters away from the ball. Following a whistle, the ball is passed from centre court to a teammate and play begins. Throw-off is repeated after every goal scored and after half-time.

Scoring: A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line inside the goal. A goal may be scored from any throw (free-throw, throw-in, throw-off, and goal-throw).

Playing the Ball

A player is allowed to run with the ball for 3 steps -To hold the ball for 3 seconds -unlimited dribble with 3 steps allowed before and after dribbling (no double-dribble).

A player has to keep in mind the following

• To endanger an opponent with the ball.
• To pull, hit or punch the ball out of the hands of an opponent.
• To contact the ball below the knee.
• To dive on the floor for a rolling or stationary ball.

Defending the opponent: A player is allowed to use the upper part of the body to obstruct an opponent with or without the ball. However, using the outstretched arms or legs to obstruct, push, hold, trip or hit is not allowed. The attacking player is not allowed to charge into a defensive player.

Throw-In: A throw-in is awarded when ball goes out of the sideline. The throw-in is taken from the spot where the ball crossed the sideline, or if it crossed the end line, from the nearest corner. The thrower must place one foot on the sideline to execute the throw. All opposing players must stay 3 meters away from the ball.

Referee Throw: A referee throw is awarded when the ball touches anything above the court after a simultaneous infringement of the rules after simultaneous possession of the ball.

The Referee throws the ball vertically between two opposing players. The jumping players may grab the ball or tap it to a teammate. All other players must be 3 meters away from the throw. The referee throw is always taken at center court.

Free-Throw: For a minor foul or violation, a free-throw is awarded to the opponent at the exact spot it took place. If the foul or violation occurs between the goal area line and the 9-meter line, the throw is taken from the nearest post outside the 9-meter line. The thrower must keep one foot in contact with the floor, then pass or shoot.

7-Meter Throw: The 7-meter throw is awarded when

• A foul destroys a clear chance to score
• The goalie carries the ball back into his or her own goal area
• A court player intentionally plays the ball to his or her own goalie in the goal area and the goalie touches the ball
• A defensive player enters his or her goal area to gain an advantage over an attacking player in possession of the ball.

All players must be outside the free-throw line when the throw is taken. The player taking the throw has 3 seconds to shoot after referee's whistle. Any player may take the 7-meter throw.

Goal-Throw: A goal-throw is awarded when . . . The ball rebounds off the goalkeeper over the end line. The ball is thrown over the end line by the attacking team.

The goalie takes the throw inside the goal area and is not restricted by the 3-step/3-second rule

Equipments

The Ball: Team handball is played with a 32-panel leather ball. For women, the ball is 54 to 56 centimeters and 325 to 400 grams. For men, it is 58 to 60 centimeters and 425 to 475 grams.

Jersey: Player numbers are 1 to 20. Uniform shirts and shorts are the same color. The goalkeeper must wear a different color shirt from teammates and opponents. No jewelry is allowed.

Officials

There are two referees, a court referee and a goal line referee.
The referees are assisted by a timer and a scorer.

Playing field

The court measures 20 meters (65' 7") by 40 meters (131' 3").
The goal area line is of 6-meter (19' 8").
The goal opening is 2 meters by 3 meters.

Governing body:

International Handball Federation (IHF)

Major Tournament:

World Men's Handball Championship
World Women's Handball Championship