Handball Federation Releases New Rules and Regulations

Handball Federation Releases New Rules and RegulationsHandball Federation Releases New Rules and Regulations The International Handball Federation (IHF) has unveiled a revised set of rules and regulations for the 2023 season, aiming to enhance player safety, improve game flow, and promote fair play. Major Rule Changes: * Expanded Goalkeeper Protection: Goalkeepers are now protected from direct shots to the head or neck. Defenders must keep a minimum distance of 3 meters from the goalkeeper during 7-meter throws and penalty shots. * Reduced Contact Time: The maximum contact time for defenders on attackers has been reduced from 2 to 1.5 seconds. This change aims to reduce physical contact and promote faster-paced play. * Abandoned Time Penalty: A player who is shown a red card for violent conduct will now receive an additional 2 minutes of playing time penalty. This penalty applies even if the offending player is not in the game at the time of the incident. * Video Review Expansion: Video replays will now be used to review more situations, including potential red card fouls and disputed goals. * Rule Clarification: Several rules have been clarified, including the definition of a foul, the handling of the ball, and the restart procedure after a goal. Rationale for the Changes: The IHF cited several reasons for the updated rules, including: * Player Safety: The changes aim to protect players from unnecessary contact and injuries. * Game Flow Improvement: Reducing contact time and expanding video review will help maintain the pace and fairness of the game. * Fair Play Promotion: The abandoned time penalty and rule clarifications aim to deter unsportsmanlike conduct and ensure a level playing field. Implementation and Feedback: The new rules will be implemented immediately for all IHF-sanctioned competitions. National and regional federations are encouraged to adopt the changes for their own leagues and tournaments. The IHF will monitor the implementation of the rules and collect feedback from players, coaches, and officials. Adjustments may be made in the future based on the assessment of the impact of the changes. The release of the new rules and regulations is a significant step forward in the evolution of the sport of handball. The IHF’s commitment to player safety, game improvement, and fair play will ultimately benefit the sport and its participants at all levels.