6 on 6 Team Handball Rules

 

 

Each player must present a Rowan ID card before each contest to be eligible to participate. No other forms of identification will be accepted.

All intramural participants are responsible for their own medical expenses. Any student unsure of their physical condition should check with their family physician or the Student Infirmary before participating in intramural sports.

Game time is forfeit time. If necessary, each team has until 5 minutes after game time until the game will be called a forfeit. For each minute after game time that the game must be delayed, the team in which everyone is waiting will be penalized by spotting the opposing team a goal per minute.

The officiating will be done by officials who are in absolute control of the game. Teams are responsible for keeping their spectators under control. Misconduct of spectators, players or coaches can result in assessment of a penalty, ejection or forfeiture of the game. Spectators must also remain in the area designated by the officials. The officials shall have the power to make decisions on any matters or questions not specifically covered in the rules.

Number of Players

Teams shall consist of six (6) players. At least four (4) players must be on the court at all times. Game time is forfeit time.

Equipment

The intramural supervisor will provide the game ball. An official team handball weighs 15-17 ounces, and is 23-24 inches in circumference.

Game Time

The game shall consist of two twenty-minute halves, running time. If a game ends in a tie, penalty throws will be taken to decide the outcome of the game. Each team selects three players to attempt the penalty throws that will be taken alternately by the teams. The team with the most goals after the shoot-out will be declared the winner. All rules of penalty throws apply. If still tied, a sudden death shoot-out will determine the winner.

Scoring

All goals will count one point. A goal is scored when the entire ball has passed over the goal line, between the goal posts and under the crossbar, provided it has been thrown, carried or propelled by hand or arms of a member on the attacking team.

Substitution

Only the team that possesses the ball may call for substitution. However, should the offensive team elect to substitute; the defense will also be entitled to substitute. Following the above guidelines, substitutions will only be allowed:

1. On a penalty throw

2. On a corner throw

3. On a throw-in

4. After a goal (both teams)

5. If a play is stopped due to injury (both teams)

Court

1. The most significant line on the court is the three point line, or the goal area, or the circle. Only the goalie is allowed inside the goal area. The only exception when another player is allowed in the goal area is when they take off from outside the goal area, and shoot the ball toward the goal before landing. To avoid interference with other players, the player must then exit the goal area as soon as possible.

2. The free throw line of the basketball court, or the penalty line, is used for major penalties. The goal line, even with the goal at each end of the court, serves as out of bounds. Only the goalie is allowed inside the goal area. If an offensive player is in the circle or on the line, the ball is given to the opponent. If the defense gains an advantage by being in the circle, a penalty throw is awarded.

3. A ball inside the goal area belongs to the goalie. A ball in the air, however, is not considered to be in the goal area.

Starting The Game

The team that wins the toss will start with the ball. Their goalie starts the game by throwing it from inside the goal area.  

Playing the Ball

1. A player is allowed to run three steps with the ball, and is then allowed five seconds to pass or shoot, which will be counted by the official if they feel the player is stalling.

2. A player may bounce the ball once in order to establish three additional steps

3. A player is not allowed to play the ball with their legs below the knee.

4. A player may not pass the ball in the air with the intention of catching it him or herself.

Defending The Opponent

1. Defensive players are allowed to use their body to obstruct an opponent in possession of the ball. Using the arms or legs to push, hold, trip or hit, however, is a violation.

2. Offensive players are not allowed to charge into player, or a free throw is awarded.

3. Defenders are not allowed to knock a possessed ball out of the hands of an offensive player. A clean ball block of a shot is allowed.

4. If a defender steps into the goal area a violation will be called and a penalty shot will be taken from the three point line.

Throw-ins

A throw-in is awarded to an opponent when one team loses the ball out-of-bounds on a sideline. The defense must be three meters away when the ball is thrown in.

The player must have one foot touching the court during the throw-in.

Corner Throws

A corner throw is awarded to the offense when a defensive player is the last person to touch the ball as it goes out-of-bounds over the goal line (excluding the goalie).

Penalties

1. A free throw is given for the minor infringements of the rules. The free throw is taken immediately, without the referee handling the ball, from the place the violation occurred. The defense must remain three meters away. The thrower must have one foot continuously in contact with the court. Fouls will be kept track of, and after 5 team fouls, the other team will be awarded a penalty shot from the three point line.

2. A penalty throw is given for personal fouls of a more serious nature. The majority of penalty throws are given when an offensive player is fouled when shooting. A penalty throw is not awarded, however, unless the referee feels that the offense had a sure chance to score when fouled.

3. The officials follow the "advantage" rule: If a team fouled against is able to gain the advantage by scoring a goal, the goal will count but a foul will be recorded.

4. When the penalty throw is taken, one foot must remain in contact with the floor behind the free throw line. Neither foot may cross the line during a throw. All the other players must stand beyond the nine-meter line and the opposing players must remain three meters from the thrower. The goalie must stay on their line, able to move side to side, but cannot move forward until the ball is thrown.

Goalie Rules  

1. The goalie must wear a different jersey color. When stopping a shot inside the goal area, the goalie may play the ball with any part of the body. After getting possession the ball must be thrown, not kicked. The goalie is allowed as many steps as they want inside the goal are. They too however, have 5 seconds to release the ball.

2. Goalies are not allowed to leave the goal area while in possession of the ball. Goalies are not allowed to enter the goal area after obtaining possession outside the goal area.

3. Goalies are not allowed to reach outside the goal area to gain possession of a ground ball, but they may bat or collect the ball if it’s in the air or bouncing.

4. A player may pass to their own goalie while the goalie is in the playing area, but not in the goalie area.

Mercy Rule

The game will be ended if a team is ahead by 20 or more goals at any time in the second half.