RULE 1 - THE PLAYING COURT

1:1 The playing court is a 40 meters long and 20 meters wide rectangle, consisting of two goal areas and a playing area. The longer boundary lines are called side lines, and the shorter ones are referred to as goal lines (between the goal posts) or "outer goal lines" (on either side of the goal). The condition of the playing court must not be altered in such a way that one team gains an advantage. Note Surrounding the playing court there should be a safety zone, at least 1 meter wide along the side lines and 2 meters wide behind the outer goal lines . !lic" on the picture below to get the full si#e drawing (2$%&').

(iagram $ ) *andball !ourt

1:2 + goal is placed in the centre of each goal line. The goals must be firmly attached to the floor. They have an interior height of 2 meters and a width of , meters, (e-cept in mini)handball where the height is $.%0 meter and the width , meters). The goal posts are .oined by a hori#ontal crossbar. The rear side of the goal posts shall be in line with the rear edge of the goal line. The goal posts and the crossbar must have a / cm s0uare cross section and consist of a uniform material (e.g., wood, light metal, or synthetic material). 1n the three sides which are visible from the court they must be painted in bands of two colors which also contrast clearly with the bac"ground. The goal posts and the crossbar shall be painted in the same color where they .oin. This color shall e-tend for 2/ cm in each direction. +ll other rectangles of color shall be 20 cm long. The goals must have a net, attached in such a way that a ball thrown into the goal cannot

immediately rebound out of

it.

(iagram 2 ) The 2oal 1:3 The goal area is defined by the goal)area line, which is drawn as follows i. ii. 1:4 The free)throw line (4)meter line) is a bro"en line, where both the segments and the spaces between them measure $5 cm. The line is drawn , meters outside, and parallel to, the goal)area line. a , meters long line in front of the goal, parallel to, and % meters away from, the goal line3 and 0uarter)circles .oining its ends to the goal line, each with a radius of % meters measured from the rear inner corner of the goal posts.

1:5 The 6)meter line is $ meter long. 7t is parallel to, and 6 meters away from the rear edge of, the goal line, right in front of the goal. 1:6 The goal"eeper8s restraining line (the 4)meter line) is $5 cm long. 7t is parallel to, and 4 meters away from the rear edge of, the goal line, right in front of the goal. 1:7 The center line connects the midpoints of the two side lines. 1:8 9ach of the two substitution lines is limited at a distance of 4.5 meters from the center line by a line which is parallel to the center line and e-tends $5 cm into the court. +s guidance to the teams, these lines also e-tend $5 cm outside the court. 1:9 +ll lines on the court are part of the area which they enclose. They shall be 5 cm wide (e-cept as in $ $0) and shall always be clearly visible. 1:10 The goal lines shall be / cm wide between the goalposts, so that they match the width of the posts. The table for time"eeper and score"eeper and the benches for substitutes have to be placed in such a way that the score"eeper:time"eeper can see the substitution lines. The table should be placed closer to the sideline than the benches, but at least 50 cm outside the sideline.

(iagram , ) ;ubstitution +rea and e0uipment

RULE 2 - THE PLAYING TIME

2:1 The playing time for all male and female teams with players of age $% and above is 2 halves of ,0 minutes with a half)time brea" of $0 minutes. The playing time for youth teams is 2 - 25 minutes in the age group $2)$% and 2 - 20 minutes in the age group /)$2, in both cases with a half)time brea" of $0 minutes. <or "=inis", i.e., basically children under age /, the playing time is 2 $0 or 2 - $5 minutes with a half)time brea" of $0 minutes. Note The cut-off dates for the age groups at youth tournaments are announced in the invitations to such tournaments and should be noted . 2:2 The playing time begins with the court referee8s whistle for the initial throw)off. 7t ends with the automatic final signal from the public cloc" or the final signal from the time"eeper. 7nfractions and unsportsmanli"e conduct which ta"e place before, or simultaneously with, the final signal are to be punished, also if this cannot be done until after the signal. The court referee ends the game only after the necessary free)throw or 6)meter throw has been ta"en and its result has been established. +n infraction during the e-ecution of such a throw cannot, however, lead to a free)throw in the opposite direction. Note: If a public clock with an automatic final signal is not available, the timekeeper shall use a table clock or a stopwatch and end the game with a final signal 7f a public cloc" is used, it should, if possible, be set to run from 0 to ,0 minutes. 2:3 The teams change ends for the second half of the game.

2:4 The referees decide if and when the playing time is to be interrupted and when it is to be restarted. They give the time"eeper a signal when the playing time is to be interrupted (time)out) and restarted. 7nterruption of playing time is to be indicated to the time"eeper through three short blasts on the whistle and the "T" hand signal. The whistle must always be blown to indicate the restart of the game after a time) out ($% ,a). 2:5 The throw must be reta"en, if the final signal sounds when a free)throw or a 6) meter throw is being e-ecuted or when the ball is already in the air. The immediate result of the reta"en throw is to be established before the referees end the game. 7nfractions or unsportsmanli"e conduct which ta"e place during the e-ecution of such a free)throw or 6)meter throw must be punished. 2:6 7f the referees determine that the time"eeper has given the final signal too early, they must "eep the players on the court and play the remaining time. The team which was in possession of the ball at the time of the premature signal will remain in possession when the game resumes. 7f the first half of a game has been terminated too late, the second half must be shortened correspondingly. 2:7 1vertime is played, following a 5)minute brea", if a game is tied at the end of the normal playing time and a winner has to be determined. + coin toss determines ball possession and the right to choose ends. The overtime period always consists of 2 halves of 5 minutes. The teams change ends at half)time but there is no half)time brea".

7f the game is again tied after a first overtime period, a second period is played after a 5)minute brea" and coin toss. This overtime period also has 2 halves of 5 minutes. 7f the game is still tied, the winner will be determined in accordance with the rules for the particular competition.

RULE 3 - THE BALL

3:1 The ball is made of leather or a synthetic material. 7t must be spherical. The surface must not be shiny or slippery ($/ ,). 3:2 +t the start of the game, the ball used in a game for men or male youth (over age $%) must have a circumference of 5/) %0 cm and a weight of 425)465 grams (si#e ,). <or women, male youth ($2)$% years), and female youth (over $4 years) the circumference of the ball must be 54)5% cm and the weight ,25)400 grams (si#e 2). <or male youth (/)$2 years) and female youth (/)$4 years) the circumference of the ball must be 50)52 cm and the weight at least ,$5 grams (si#e $). <or "minis" (basically under / years) the circumference of the ball must be 4/ cm and the weight at least 240 grams (si#e 0). 3:3 +t every game, there must be two balls available that conform with the rules. 3:4 1nce the game has started, the ball must not be changed unless this becomes absolutely necessary. 3:5 7t is obligatory to use official 7*< balls, mar"ed with the 7*< logo in all international games (see the regulations for balls in the 7*< ;tatutes).

RULE 4 - THE TEAM

4:1 + team consists of $2 players. The players must be listed in the scoresheet. The team must use a goal"eeper at all times. >o more than 6 players (% court players and $ goal"eeper) may be present on the court at the same time. The remaining players are substitutes. (7n mini) handball e-ceptions are allowed.) 1nly the substitutes, any suspended players, and 4 team officials are allowed in the team?s substitution . The team officials must be listed in the scoresheet and may not be replaced during the course of the game. 1ne of them must be designated as "the responsible team official." 1nly this official (see, however, team time)out ) !larification no. 2) is allowed to address the time"eeper:score"eeper and, possibly, the referees. 4:2 + team must have at least 5 players ready on the court at the start of the game. The number of players on a team can be increased up to $2, at any time during the game, including overtime. The game may continue, even if a team is reduced to less than 5 players on the court. 4:3 + player is entitled to participate if he is present at the start of the game and is included in the scoresheet. + player who is entitled to participate may, at any time, enter the court over the team8s own substitution line. @layers and team officials who arrive after the game has started must obtain their entitlement to participate from the time"eeper: score"eeper. + player who is not entitled to participate shall be dis0ualified if he enters the court ($6

5a), and the opponents shall be awarded a free)throw.

4:4 ;ubstitutes may enter the game, at any time and repeatedly, without notifying the time"eeper:score"eeper, as long as the players they are replacing have already left the court (4 5). This also applies to the substitution of goal"eepers. The players shall always leave and enter the court over their own team?s substitution line (4 5, $, $a). (uring a time)out, it is permitted to enter the court from the substitution area for a normal substitution or else with e-plicit permission from one of the referees (hand Note: !nyone leaving or entering the court incorrectly shall be penalized for faulty substitution, e"cept in the case of someone leaving the court unintentionally 4:5 + faulty substitution shall be penali#ed with a free)throw for the opponents ($, $a) from the place where the guilty player crossed the side line. *owever, if the ball is at a more favorable position for the opposing team when the game is interrupted, then the free)throw shall be ta"en from there. 7n addition, the offending player shall be given a 2)minute suspension ($6 ,a). 7f the faulty substitution ta"es place during a stoppage in the game, the player shall be suspended but the game is to be restarted in the way which corresponds to the reason for the stoppage. 7n the event of a seriously unsportsmanli"e conduct or an assault in connection with, or immediately following, a faulty substitution, the guilty player shall be dis0ualified or e-cluded, respectively ($6 5d, $6 6). 4:6 7f an additional player enters the court without a substitution, or if a substitute illegally interferes with the game from the substitution area, there shall be a 2) minute suspension for the player, and another player must leave the court so that the team plays with reduced strength for 2 minutes. 7f a pl ayer enters the court whi le serving a 2)mi nute suspension, he shall be given an addi tional 2)minute suspension. This suspension shall begin

signal $/).

immediately, and another player must therefore leave the court during the overlap between the first and the second suspension. The responsible team official must select this other player. 7f he refuses, then the referees will decide who must leave the court. Note: #!nother player# who leaves the court to serve an additional or remaining suspension time for someone else, remains entitled to play and may enter the court again during the suspension time through a substitution $nly the guilty player is to be charged with a suspension in the scoresheet 4:7 +ll the court players on a team must wear identical uniforms. The combinations of colors and design for the two teams must be clearly distinguishable from each other. + player who is used as goal"eeper must wear colors which distinguish him from the court players of both teams and the goal"eeper of the opposing team ($/ ,). The players should be numbered from $)20. The numbers must be at least 20 cm high in the bac" of the shirt and at least $0 cm in the front. The color of the numbers must contrast clearly with the color of the shirt. The players must wear sports shoes. 7t is not permitted to wear any ob.ects that could be dangerous to players. This includes, for instance, head or face protection, bracelets, watches, rings, nec"laces or chains, earrings, glasses without restraining bands or with solid frames, or any other ob.ects which could be dangerous to the players ($/ ,). @layers who do not meet this re0uirement will not be allowed to ta"e part until they have corrected the problem. The captain of each team must wear an armlet around the upper arm. 7t should be about 4 cm wide and its color must contrast with that of the shirt.

RULE 5 - THE GOALKEEPER

5:1 + player who is playing in the goal"eeper position may become a court player at any time, following a change of uniform. ;imilarly, a court player may become a goal"eeper at any time. 2oal"eeper substitutions must ta"e place through the team8s own substitution area. The goal"eeper is allowed to 5:2 touch the ball with any part of his body while in the act of defense inside the goal area3 5:3 move around with the ball inside the goal area without any restriction (see, however, $% ,b)3 5:4 leave the goal area without the ball and participate in the game in the playing area3 when doing so, the goal"eeper becomes sub.ect to the rules applying to players in the playing area (see, however, 5 $2)3 the goal"eeper is considered to have left the goal area as soon as any part of the body touches the floor outside the goal)area line3 5:5 to leave the goal area with the ball and play it again in the playing area, if he has not managed to control it fully. The goal"eeper is not allowed to 5:6 endanger the opponent while in the act of defence3

5:7 play the ball intentionally out over the outer goal line, after controlling the ball ($, $b)3 5:8 leave the goal area with the ball under control ($, $b) 5:9 touch the ball again outside the goal area following a goal"eeper)throw, until after it has touched another player ($, $b)3 5:10 touch the ball when it is stationary or rolling on the floor outside the goal area, while he is inside the goal area ($, $b)3 5:11 ta"e the ball into the goal area when it is stationary or rolling on the floor outside the goal area ($4 $b)3 5:12 re)enter the goal area from the playing area with the ball ($4 $b)3 5:13 touch the ball with the foot or the leg below the "nee, when it is stationary on the floor in the goal area or moving out towards the playing area ($, $b)3 5:14 cross the goal"eeper8s restraining line (4)meter line) or its pro.ection on either side, before the ball has left the thrower8s hand when a 6)meter throw is being ta"en ($4 Note: !s long as the goalkeeper keeps one foot on or behind the restraining line %&meter line', he is permitted to move the other foot or any other part of his body out over the line in the air

4).

RULE 6 - THE GOAL AREA

6:1 1nly the goal"eeper is allowed to enter the goal area (see, however, % ,). The goal area, which includes the goal area line, is considered entered when a court player touches it with any part of the body. 6:2 Ahen a court player enters the goal area, the decisions shall be as follows a. free)throw, when a court player enters the goal area in possession of the ball ($, $c)3 b. free)throw, when a court player enters the goal area without the ball but gains an advantage by doing so ($, $c, see however % 2c)3 c. 6)meter throw, when a defending player enters the goal area and because of this gains an advantage over an attac"ing player who is in possession of the ball ($4 $c). 6:3 9ntering the goal area is not penali#ed when a. a player enters the goal area after playing the ball, as long as this does not create a disadvantage for the opponents3 b. a player enters the goal area without the ball and does not gain an advantage by doing so3 c. a defending player enters the goal area during or after an attempt to defend, without causing a disadvantage for the opponents3 6:4 The ball belongs to the goal"eeper when it is in the goal area. 7t is not permitted to touch the ball when it is stationary or rolling in the goal area, or when it is held by the goal"eeper ($, $c). 7t is permitted, however, to play the ball when it is in the air above the goal area. 6:5 The goal"eeper shall put the ball bac" into play, when it ends up in the goal area.

6:6 @lay shall continue if a player of the defending team touches the ball when in the act of defense, and the ball is caught by the goal"eeper or comes to rest in the goal area. 6:7 7f a player intentionally plays the ball into his own goal area, the decisions shall be as follows a. goal, if the ball enters the goal3 b. 6)meter throw, if the goal"eeper touches the ball and it does not enter the goal ($4 $d)3 c. free)throw, if the ball comes to a rest in the goal area or goes out over the outer goal line ($, $e)3 d. play continues, if the ball traverses the goal area without being touched by the goal"eeper3 6:8 + ball which returns from the goal area out into the playing area remains in play

RULE 7 - PLAYING THE BALL

7t is permitted to 7:1 throw, catch, stop, push or hit the ball, by using hands (open or closed), arms, head, torso, thighs and "nees3 7:2 hold the ball for a ma-imum of , seconds, also when it is 7ying on the floor3 7:3 ta"e a ma-imum of , steps with the ball3 one step is considered ta"en when a. a player who is standing with both feet on the floor lifts one foot and puts it down again, or moves one foot from one place to another3 b. a player is touching the floor with one foot only, catches the ball and then touches the floor with the other foot3 c. a player after a .ump touches the floor with one foot only, and then hops on the same foot or touches the floor with the other foot3 d. a player after a .ump touches the floor with both feet simultaneously, and then lifts one foot and puts it down again, or moves one foot from one place to another. Note: If one foot is moved from one place to another, it is permitted to drag the other foot ne"t to it 7:4 while standing or running a. bounce the ball once and catch it again with one or both hands3 b. bounce the ball repeatedly with one hand (dribble), or roll the ball on the floor repeatedly with one hand, and then catch it or pic" it up again with one or both hands. +s soon as the ball thereafter is held in one or both hands, it must be played within , seconds or after no more than , steps. The bouncing or dribbling is considered to have started when the player touches the ball with any part of his body and directs it towards the floor.

+fter the ball has touched another player or the goal, the player is allowed to tap the ball or bounce it and catch it again. 7:5 move the ball from one hand into the other one. 7:6 play the ball while "neeling, sitting or lying on the floor. 7t is not permitted to 7:7 touch the ball more than once, unless it has touched the floor, another player, or the goal in the meantime ($, $d). <umbling the ball is not penali#ed. Note: (umbling means that a player fails to control the ball when trying to catch it or stop it 7f the ball has already been controlled, then the player may not touch it more than once after tapping or bouncing it. 7:8 touch the ball with a foot or leg below the "nee, e-cept when the ball has been thrown at the player by an opponent ($, $d)3 7:9 play the ball intentionally out over the side line or the team8s own outer goal line ($, $e)3 this rule does not apply to the goal"eeper in his own goal area, when he fails to get the ball under control and directs it out over the outer goal line (goal"eeper) throw)3 7:10 "eep the ball in the team8s possession without ma"ing any recogni#able attempt to attac" or to shoot on goal. This is regarded as passive play, which the referee should indicate by giving a warning signal (hand signal $4). ;hould the team now fail to ma"e a recogni#able attempt to shoot on goal, it is to be penali#ed with a

free)throw for its opponents, to be ta"en from the spot where the ball was when play was interrupted ($, $f). 7:11 @lay continues if the ball touches a referee on the court

RULE 8 - THE APPROACH TO THE OPPONENT

7t is permitted to 8:1 a. use arms and hands to bloc" or gain possession of the ball3 b. use an open hand to play the ball away from the opponent from any direction3 c. use the body to obstruct an opponent, even when the opponent is not in possession of the ball3 d. ma"e body contact with an opponent, when facing him and with bent arms, and maintain this contact in order to monitor and follow the opponent. 7t is not permitted to 8:2 a. b. c. d. Note: The infractions of the rules listed in )ule *+2a-d concern defending and attacking players e,ually It is deemed to be an offensive foul particularly when an attacking player runs or -umps into a defender (or this rule to apply, at the time body contact is made the defender must already be in front of the attacking player and have a correct defensive stance without moving forward 8:3 7nfractions of the rules regarding the approach to the opponent (/ 2a)d) lead to a free)throw ($, $g) or 6)meter)throw ($4 $a) for the opponents. 8:4 7nfractions of the rules regarding the approach to the opponent, where the action is mainly or e-clusively directed at the opponent and not at the ball, are to be punished progressively ($6 $b, $6 ,b). @rogressive punishment also applies in the case of unsportsmanli"e conduct ($6 $d). pull or hit the ball out of the hand of an opponent3 bloc" or force away an opponent with arms, hands or legs3 restrain, hold, push, run or .ump into an opponent3 otherwise impede, obstruct or endanger an opponent (with or without the ball) in contravention of the rules.

8:5 + player who endangers the opponent8s health when attac"ing him, shall be dis0ualified ($6

5b), particularly if he

a. from the side or from behind, either stri"es or pulls bac" the throwing arm of a player who is in the process of throwing or passing the ball3 b. ta"es any action resulting in the opponent being struc" on the head or nec"3 c. stri"es the body of an opponent with his foot or "nee or in any other way3 d. pushes an opponent who is running or .umping, or attac"s him in such a way that the opponent loses control of his body. 8:6 ;eriously unsportsmanli"e dis0ualification. 8:7 + player who is guilty of assault during the playing time shall be e-cluded ($6 conduct ($6 5d) shall be punished with

6)4).

RULE 9 - SCORING
9:1 + goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the entire width of the goal line (see diagram 4), provided that no infraction of the rules has been committed by the thrower or a team)mate before or during the throw. + goal shall be allowed, if there is an infraction of the rules by a defender but the ball still goes into the goal. + goal cannot be awarded, if the referees or the time"eeper has interrupted the game before the ball has completely crossed the goal line. + goal shall be awarded to the opponents, if a player plays the ball into his own goal, unless the ball had previously crossed the outer goal line. Note: ! goal shall be awarded, if the ball is prevented from going into the goal by someone or something not authorized to be on the court %spectators etc ', and the referees are convinced that the ball would otherwise have entered the goal 9:2 + goal which has been awarded can no longer be cancelled, once the referee has blown the whistle for the subse0uent throw)off to be ta"en. The referees must ma"e clear (without a throw)off) that they have allowed a goal, if the signal for the end of a half sounds immediately after a goal is scored and before a throw)off can be ta"en. Note: ! goal should be entered on the scoreboard as soon as it has been awarded by the referees 9:3 The team which has scored more goals than the opponents is the winner. 9:4

The game is tied if both teams have scored the same number of goals or no goals at all.

RULE 10 - THE THROW-O

10:1 +t the start of the game, the throw)off is ta"en by the team which wins the coin toss and elects to start with the ball in its possession. The opponents then have the right to choose ends. +lternatively, if the team which wins the coin toss prefers to choose ends, then the opponents ta"e the throw)off. The throw)off at the start of the second half is ta"en by the team which did not have the throw)off at the start of the game. + new coin toss is underta"en prior to each overtime period. 10:2 +fter a goal has been scored, play is resumed with a throw)off ta"en by the team which conceded the goal (see, however, >ote 4 2). 10:3 The throw)off is ta"en from the center of the court in any direction. 7t is preceded by a whistle signal, following which it must be ta"en within , seconds ($, $h). The player ta"ing the throw)off must have one foot on the center line until the ball has left his hand. @layers of the team which is ta"ing the throw)off are not allowed to cross the center line until the ball has left the thrower8s hand ($% $). 7f a teammate crosses the center line, after the whistle signal for the e-ecution but before the ball has left the hand of the thrower, there shall be a free)throw awarded to the opponents ($, $h). 10:4 <or the throw)off at the start of each half (incl. any period of overtime), all players must be in their own half of the court. *owever, for the throw)off after a goal has been scored, the opponents are allowed to be in both halves of the court. 7n both cases, the opponents must be at least , meters away from the player ta"ing the throw)off ($% 6).

RULE 11 - THE THROW-IN

11:1 + throw)in is awarded when the entire ball has crossed the entire width of the side line, or when a court player on the defending team is the last one to touch the ball before it crosses his team?s outer goal line (see, however, 6 4). 11:2 The throw)in is ta"en without whistle signal from the referee (see, however, $% ,b), by the opponents of the team whose player last touched the ball before it crossed the line. 11:3 The throw)in is ta"en from the spot where the ball crossed the side line or, if it crossed the outer goal line, from the intersection of the side line and the outer goal line on that side. 11:4 The thrower must have one foot on the side line until the ball has left his hand. The player is not allowed to put the ball down on the floor and then pic" it up himself, or to bounce the ball and then catch it again himself ($, $7). 11:5 Ahile the throw)in is being ta"en, the opponents may not be closer to the thrower than , meters. They are, however, always allowed to stand immediately outside their goal)area line, even if the distance between them and the thrower is then less than , meters.

RULE 12 - THE GOALKEEPER-THROW

12:1 + goal"eeper)throw is awarded when the ball crosses the outer goal line (see, however, 5 6, 6 4). 12:2 The goal"eeper)throw is ta"en without whistle signal from the referee, from the goal area out over the goal)area line (see, however, $% ,b). The goal"eeper)throw is considered as ta"en, when the ball thrown by the goal"eeper has crossed the goal)area line. 12:3 7f the ball comes to rest in the goal area, the goal"eeper shall put it bac" into play (see, however, % 6c). 12:4 The goal"eeper must not touch the ball again after a goal"eeper)throw, until it has touched another player (5

4, $, $").

RULE 13 - THE
13:1 + free)throw is awarded in the event of a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n. o. p. 13:2

REE-THROW

faulty substitution or entering the court illegally (4 4)%)3 infractions by the goal"eeper (5 6)$0, 5 $,)3 infractions by court players in the goal area (% 2a)b, % 4)3 infractions when playing the ball (6 2)4, 6 6)/)3 intentionally playing the ball across the outer goal line or the side line (% 6c, 6 4)3 passive play (6 $0)3 infractions regarding "the +pproach to the 1pponent" (/ ,, / 5)3 infractions in connection with a throw)off ($0 ,)4)3 infractions in connection with a throw)in ($$ 4)3 infractions in connection with a goal"eeper)throw ($2 4)3 infractions in connection with a free)throw ($, ,)4)3 infractions in connection with a 6)meter throw ($4 ,)5, $4 6)3 infractions in connection with a referee)throw ($5 4)3 incorrect e-ecution of formal throws ($% 2)5)3 unsportsmanli"e conduct (/ 4, / %, $6 $d)3 assault (/ 6, $6 6)4).

The free)throw is ta"en without any whistle signal from the referee (see, however, $% ,a)h) and, in principle, from the place where the infraction occurred. 7f this place is located between the goal)area line and the free)throw line of the team committing the infraction, then the free)throw shall be ta"en from the nearest point immediately outside the free)throw line. 13:3 1nce an attac"ing player is in the correct position for the throw, with the ball in hand, he must not put it down on the floor and pic" it up again, or bounce it and catch it again ($, $l). 13:4

@layers of the attac"ing team must not touch or cross the free)throw line of the opponents before the free)throw has been ta"en ($% $). The referees must correct the positions of attac"ing players who are between the free)throw line and the goal)area line during the e-ecution of the free)throw, if the incorrect positions have an influence on the game ($% $). The free)throw shall then be ta"en following a whistle signal ($% ,c). 7n the case of a free)throw where the e-ecution has been authori#ed through a whistle signal, and if players from the attac"ing team touch or cross the free) throw line before the ball has left the hand of the thrower, there shall be a free) throw awarded to the defending team ($, $l). 13:5 Ahen a free)throw is being ta"en, the opponents must remain at a distance of at least , meters from the thrower. They are, however, allowed to stand immediately outside their goal)area line, if the free)throw is being ta"en at their free)throw line. 13:6 The referees must refrain from awarding a free)throw for an infraction on the part of the defending team, if this would lead to a disadvantage for the attac"ing team. +t least a free)throw must be awarded if an infraction causes the attac"ing team to lose possession of the ball. + free)throw must not be awarded, if the player retains full control of ball and body despite the infraction. 13:7 7f the game is interrupted even though there is no infraction of the rules, then a team which is in possession of the ball shall retain possession. The game is restarted with the corresponding throw for that team, from the place where the ball was at the time of the interruption. This throw must be preceded by a whistle signal ($% ,a). 13:8 7f there is a decision against the team which is in possession of the ball, then the player from this team who has the ball at that moment must put it down on the floor immediately ($6

,d).

RULE 14 - THE 7-METER-THROW

14:1 + 6)meter throw is awarded when a. a clear chance of scoring is destroyed anywhere on the court, also if it is done by a team official3 b. a goal"eeper enters his goal area with the ball, or ta"es it into the goal area when he is inside (5 $$)$2)3 c. a court player enters his own goal area to gain an advantage over an attac"ing opponent who has the ball (% 2c) d. a court player intentionally plays the ball to his own goal)"eeper in the goal area and the goal"eeper touches the ball (% 6b)3 e. there is an unwarranted whistle signal at the time of a clear chance of scoring3 f. a clear chance of scoring is destroyed through the interference of someone not authori#ed to be on the court (e-cept as in 4 $ >ote). 14:2 Ahen awarding a 6)meter throw, the referees must give a time)out (2 4, !larification $) 14:3 The 6)meter throw is to be ta"en as a shot on goal, within , seconds after a whistle signal from the court referee ($, $m)3 14:4 The player who is ta"ing the 6)meter throw must not touch or cross the 6)meter line before the ball has left his hand ($, $m). 14:5 The ball must not be played again following the e-ecution of a 6)meter throw, until it has touched the goal"eeper or the goal ($, $m). 14:6 >o player other than the thrower is allowed to be in the area between the free) throw line and the goal)area line while a 6)meter throw is being ta"en ( $%

$).

14:7 + free)throw shall be awarded to the defending team, if a player of the attac"ing team touches or crosses the free)throw line before the ball has left the thrower8s hand ($, $m). 14:8 The players of the defending team must be at least , meters from the 6)meter line while a 6)meter throw is being ta"en. 7f a defending player touches or crosses the free)throw line or moves closer than , meters from the 6)meter line before the ball has left the thrower8s hand, the decisions shall be as follows a. goal, if the ball goes into the goal3 b. reta"ing of the 6)meter throw in all other cases. 14:9 The 6)meter throw is to be reta"en, unless a goal is scored, if a goal"eeper crosses his restraining line, i.e., the 4)meter line ($ %, 5 $4), before the ball leaves the thrower8s hand. 14:10 The referees must refrain from awarding a 6)meter throw for an infraction by the defending team, if this would lead to a disadvantage for the attac"ing team. +t least a 6)meter throw must be awarded, if a clear chance of scoring is destroyed and no goal results, because of an infraction, an act of unsportsmanli"e conduct, an unwarranted whistle signal, or the interference by someone who is not part of the game. + 6)meter throw must not be awarded if the attac"ing player retains full ball and body control despite the infraction.

RULE 15 - THE RE
15:1

EREE-THROW

The game is restarted with a referee)throw if a. there are simultaneous infractions on the court by players from both teams3 b. the ball touches the ceiling or any fi-ture above the court3 c. the game was interrupted although there was no infraction, and neither team was in possession of the ball3 15:2 Ahen calling a referee)throw, the referees shall always give a time)out (2 4, !larification $). 15:3 The referee)throw is ta"en at the center of the court. The court referee throws the ball vertically following a whistle signal ($% ,a). 15:4 Aith the e-ception of one player from each team, all players must remain at least , meters away from the referee while the referee)throw is being ta"en. The two players who are .umping for the ball shall stand ne-t to the referee, each on the side nearest to his own goal. The ball may be played only after it has reached its highest point ($,

$n).

RULE 16 - THE E!ECUTION O

16:1

THE

ORMAL

THROWS

+ll players must be in the positions prescribed for the throw in 0uestion. +n incorrect initial position is to be corrected (see, however, $, 4, $% 6). The ball must be in the hand of the thrower before a throw is e-ecuted. 16:2 Ahen a throw)off, throw)in, free)throw, or 6)meter throw is ta"en, the thrower must have one part of a foot in constant contact with the floor ($, $o). The other foot may be lifted and put down repeatedly. 16:3 The referee must blow the whistle for the restart a. when the game is restarted in certain situations (2 4, $0 ,, $, 6, $4 ,, $5 ,)3 b. when the e-ecution of a throw)in, goal"eeper)throw, or free)throw has been delayed ($$ 2, $2 2, $, 2)3 c. after a correction or caution ($, 4, $% 6)3 d. after a warning ($6 $)3 e. after a 2)minute suspension is given ($6 ,)3 f. after a dis0ualification ($6 5)3 g. after an e-clusion ($6 6)3 h. when the referees have indicated different opinions as to which team should have possession ($/ 4). +fter the whistle signal, the thrower must play the ball within , seconds ($, $o). 16:4 + throw is considered ta"en when the ball has left the hand of the thrower (see, however, $2 2, $5 ,). The ball may not be handed over to, or touched by, a team mate of the thrower when the throw is being ta"en ($, $o).

16:5 The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player or the goal ($, $o). 16:6 + goal may be scored directly from any throw, e-cept the referee)throw (see, however, 4 $ and $2 2). 16:7 7ncorrect positions on the part of the defending players in connection with the e-ecution of a throw)off, throw)in, or free)throw must not be corrected by the referees, if the attac"ing players are not at a disadvantage by ta"ing the throw immediately. 7f there is a disadvantage, then the positions are to be corrected ($% ,c). 7f the referee blows his whistle for a throw to be ta"en, despite incorrect positions on the part of defending players, then those players are fully entitled to intervene. + player is to be warned if he delays or interferes with the e-ecution of a throw by the opponents, by standing too close or through other infractions. *e is to be suspended if he repeats it ($6

$c, $6 ,e3 see however $2 2).

RULE 17 - THE PUNISHMENTS

17:1 + warning can be given for a. infractions concerning "the +pproach to the 1pponent" (5 %, / ,). + warning shall be given for b. such infractions concerning "the +pproach to the 1ppo)nent" which are to be punished progressively (/ 4)3 c. infractions when the opponents are e-ecuting a formal throw ($% 6)3 d. unsportsmanli"e conduct by a player or team official ($6 $$, $6 $2a and c). 17:2 The referee shall indicate the warning to the guilty player or official and to the time"eeper:score"eeper by holding up a yellow card. Note: The yellow card should measure about . " 12 cm !n individual player should not be given more than one warning, and a team should not be given more than / warnings ! player who has already had a 2-minute suspension should not subse,uently be given a warning 0o more than one warning should be given to the officials of a team 17:3 + suspension (2 minutes) shall be given a. for a faulty substitution or illegal entering of the court (4 4)%)3 b. for repeated infractions concerning "The +pproach to the 1pponent", which are of the type that they are to be punished progressively (/ 4)3

c. for repeated unsportsmanli"e conduct by a player on the court (/ 4, $6 $$), or outside the court during a team time)out3 d. for failure to put the ball down on the floor when a decision is ta"en against the team which is in possession of the ball ($, /)3 e. for repeated infractions when the opponents are e-ecuting a formal throw ($% 6)3 f. as a conse0uence of a dis0ualification of a player or team official ($6 5). 7n e-ceptional circumstances, a suspension can be given without a prior warning. 17:4 The referee shall clearly indicate the suspension to the guilty player and to the time"eeper:score"eeper through the prescribed hand signal, i.e., one arm raised with two fingers e-tended. The suspension is always for a playing time of 2 minutes3 the third suspension for the same player always leads to a dis0ualification ($6 5e). The suspended player is not allowed to participate in the game during his suspension time, and the team is not allowed to replace him on the court. The suspension period begins when play is restarted with a whistle signal. + 2)minute suspension carries over to the second half of the game if it has not been completed by the end of the first half. The same applies from regulation time to overtime and during overtime. 17:5 + dis0ualification shall be given a. if a player who is not entitled to participate enters the court (4 ,, $6 %)3 b. for serious infractions concerning "the +pproach to the 1pponent" (/ 5)3 c. for repeated unsportsmanli"e conduct by a team official, or by a player who is outside the court ($6 %, $6 $$, $6 $2d3 see, however, $6 ,c)3 d. for seriously unsportsmanli"e conduct (/ %) by a player or a team official ($6 %, $6 $$, $6 $2b and d)3 e. because of a third suspension to the same player ($6 4)3 f. for an assault by a team official ($6 %, $6 6 >ote). The dis0ualification of a player or a team official during the playing time always leads to a 2)minute suspension, i.e., the team8s strength on the court is reduced by one.

17:6 The referee shall indicate the dis0ualification to the guilty player or official and to the time"eeper:score"eeper by holding up a red card. + dis0ualification of a player or team official is always for the entire remainder of the playing time. The player or official must leave the court and the substitution area immediately. The re0uirement to leave the substitution area also means that the player or official must move away from any location where he could have an influence on the team. + dis0ualification reduces the number of players, or officials, that is available to the team (e-cept as in $6 $2b). The team is, however, allowed to increase the number of players on the court following the e-piration of the 2)minute suspension (see >ote Note: The red card should measure appro"imately . " 12 cm 17:7 +n e-clusion shall be given in the event of an assault during the playing time, also outside the playing court (2 Note: +ssault is defined as a deliberate and particularly forceful physical action (/ 6) against the body of another person (player, referee, time"eeper:score"eeper, official or spectator). ;pitting is regarded as assault, for the purpose of this rule. 17:8 The referees shall call a "time)out" and inform the guilty player and the time"eeper:score"eeper directly. The prescribed hand signal to be used by the referee in front of the player is to cross the arms in face height. +n e-clusion is always for the entire remainder of the playing time, and the team must continue with one player less on the court.

4 %).

$, 2 2, 2 6, / 6, $6 /)4).

The e-cluded player must not be replaced and must leave both the court and the substitution area immediately.

17:9 7f a player who has .ust been given a 2)minute suspension is guilty of another infraction before the game is restarted, then only the most severe one of the applicable punishments shall be given. 17:10 7f a goal"eeper is suspended, dis0ualified, or e-cluded, another player must ta"e up the goal"eeper position (4 $). 17:11 The referees have to warn a player whom they find guilty of unsportsmanli"e conduct, irrespective of whether this ta"es place on or outside the court ($6 $d). 7f the conduct is repeated, then a player who is on the court shall be suspended ($6 ,c), whereas a player who is outside the court (a substitute or a suspended player) shall be dis0ualified ($6 5c, $6 %). + team official who is guilty of unsportsmanli"e conduct shall be given a warning ($6 $d). *e shall be dis0ualified if the conduct is repeated ($6 5c, $6 %). 7f unsportsmanli"e conduct or an assault ta"es place when the game is already interrupted, then the game shall be restarted in a manner which corresponds to the reason for that interruption. Note: @hysical and verbal e-pressions which are incompatible with the spirit of good sportsmanship are to be regarded as constituting unsportsmanli"e conduct. 7t is to be punished as unsportsmanli"e or seriously unsportsmanli"e conduct, if a team official enters the court without permission (4 4). 7f a player or team official is guilty of several offences (infractions, unsportsmanli"e conduct, assault) simultaneously or in direct se0uence, which warrant different punishments, then only the most severe one of these punishments shall be given.

17:12 Bnsportsmanli"e conduct or an assault ta"ing place on the premises where a game is played, shall be punished as follows 'efore the game a. a warning shall be given in the case of unsportsmanli"e conduct ($6 $d)3 b. a dis0ualification shall be given in the case of seriously unsportsmanli"e conduct or assault ($6 5d and f), but the team is allowed to start with $2 players3 (uring an intermission c. a warning shall be given in the case of unsportsmanli"e conduct ($6 $d)3 d. a dis0ualification shall be given in the case of repeated or seriously unsportsmanli"e conduct or in the case of an assault ($6 5c, d, f)3 +fter the game e. a written report.

RULE 18 - THE RE
18:1

EREES

Two referees with e0ual authority shall be in charge of each game. They are assisted by a time"eeper and a score"eeper. 18:2 The referees monitor the conduct of the players from the moment they enter the premises until they leave. 18:3 The referees are responsible for inspecting the playing court, the goals, and the balls before the game starts (, $)3 they decide which ball will be used. The referee who is officially listed first shall decide if they have different opinions. The referees also establish the presence of both teams in proper uniforms. They chec" the scoresheet and the e0uipment of the players. They ensure that the number of players and officials in the substitution area is within the limits, and they establish the presence and identity of the "responsible team official", for each team. +ny discrepancies must be corrected (4 6). 18:4 The coin toss is underta"en by the referee who is officially listed first, in the presence of the other referee and both team captains ($0 $). 18:5 +t the start of the game, the referee listed second ta"es up the position as court referee behind the team which is ta"ing the throw)off. The court referee starts the game with a whistle signal for the throw)off ($0 ,). Ahen subse0uently the other team gains possession of the ball, the referee listed second ta"es up the position on the outer goal)line of the now defending team.

The other referee starts as goal)line referee at the other goal line. *e becomes court referee, when the team at that end gains possession. The referees must change ends with each other from time to time during the game. 18:6 7n principle, the entire game shall be conducted by the same two referees. 7t is their responsibility to ensure that the game is played in accordance with the rules, and they must penali#e any infractions (see, however, $, %, $4 $0). 7f one of the referees becomes unable to finish the game, the other referee will continue the game alone. 18:7 7n principle, the court referee whistles for a. the e-ecution of all formal throws in accordance with rules $% , a)h, and after time)out (2 4)3 b. the e-piration of the playing time, if the automatic signal has not sounded or the time"eeper has not given the final signal. The goal)line referee whistles c. when a goal has been scored (4 $). 18:8 7f both referees whistle for an infraction and agree about which team should be penali#ed but have different opinion as to the severity of the punishment, then the most severe of the two punishments shall be given. 18:9 7f both referees whistle for an infraction, or the ball has left the court, and the two referees have different opinions as to which team should have possession, then the opinion of the court referee always prevails. The game is restarted following clear hand signals from the court referee and a whistle signal ($%

,h).

18:10 'oth referees are responsible for "eeping the score. The also ta"e notes about warnings, suspensions, dis)0ualifications, and e-clusions. 18:11 'oth referees are responsible for controlling the playing time. 7f there is any doubt about the accuracy of the time"eeping, the referee who is officially listed first will decide. 18:12 The referees are responsible for ensuring after the game that the scoresheet is completed correctly. (is0ualifications for actions outside the playing court or for actions against the referees, as well as e-clusions, must be e-plained in the match report ( $6 5c, d, f, $6 6). 18:13 (ecisions made by the referees on the basis of their observations of facts are final. +ppeals can be lodged against decisions which are not in conformity with the rules. (uring the game, the "responsible team officials" are entitled to address the referees. 18:14 'oth referees have the right to suspend a game temporarily or permanently. 9very effort must be made to continue the game, before a decision is ta"en to suspend it permanently. 18:15

The blac" uniform is reserved for the referees.

RULE 19 - THE TIMEKEEPER AN" THE SCOREKEEPER

19:1 The score"eeper chec"s the team rosters3 only the players listed are entitled to participate. The score"eeper, together with the time"eeper, chec"s the entering of players who have arrived after the game started or are re)entering after a suspension. The score"eeper is in charge of the scoresheet and ma"es the necessary notations (goals, warnings, suspensions, dis0ualifications, and e-clusions). 19:2 The time"eeper controls a. the playing time (2 $, 2 2, 2 4, 2 6)3 the referees decide when the cloc" is to be stopped and restarted (2 4)3 b. the number of players and officials in the substitution area (4 $)3 c. together with the score"eeper, the entering of players who have arrived after the game started (4 ,)3 d. the e-it and entry of the substituting players (4 4)5)3 e. the entering of players who are not entitled to participate (4 %)3 f. the suspension time of suspended players ($6 4)3 7t is the tas" of the time"eeper to give a loud signal to stop the game at the end of a half, if there is no public cloc" with automatic final signal available. 19:3 Ahen there has been an interruption of the playing time (time)out), the time"eeper must inform the responsible team official for each team about how much time has been played or how much time is left (e-cept when there is a public cloc"). 19:4 7f the time"eeping e0uipment is not capable of displaying also the suspension time (at least three per team during 7*< games), the time"eeper shall display a card on the time"eeper8s table, showing the e-piration time of each suspension, together with the number on the player8s .ersey.

;hould this display not be feasible, the card shall be handed to the responsible team official.

THE IH HAN" SIGNALS

The standard IH Hand !i"nals Ahen infractions are called, the referees must show immediately the direction for the throw which is to follow (signals 6, 4, or $,). Thereafter, if applicable, the appropriate obligatory hand signal(s) should be given (signals $$, $2, $4)$/). 7n addition, signals $)% and / should be given for the sa"e of information, as appropriate.

$ ) 9ntering the goal area

2 ) 7llegal dribble

, ) Too many steps, or holding the ball more than , seconds

4 ) Cestraining, holding, or pushing

5 ) *itting

% ) 1ffensive foul running into, .umping into

6 ) Throw)in direction

/ ) 2oal"eeper)throw

4 ) <ree)throw direction

$0 ) &eep the distance of , meters

$$ ) @assive play

$2 ) 2oal

$, ) Ceferee)throw

$4 ) Aarning (yellow)3 $5 ) ;uspension (2 minutes) (is0ualification (red)

$% ) 9-clusion

$6 ) Time)out

$/ ) @ermission to enter the court during time)out

$4 ) Aarning signal for passive play