GUIDANCE TO TEAMS, REFEREES, AND DELEGATES/TABLE REGARDING 2005 RULES

5. When a team has exactly the necessary result in the last minute of a game (a 1-goal, lead, a tie or the necessary goal difference), it may be tempting to use any method, no matter how unsportsmanlike, to defend that result, if the consequences are negligent. This involves a case where the opponents are prevented from getting into a goal-scoring situation through some form of ‘sabotaging’ action. A disqualification for such a foul will now be reported by the referees as falling into category for which the responsible federation must give out a severe punishment/suspension after the match.

Bbb Considering the risk of a lengthy suspension, the player must find a less drastic method to reduce the risk that the opponents will get into a position have a good shot on goal or a pass to an open player.

The referees must be conscious of the result and the remaining time. Also, if there is a basis for giving a 7-meter that could reinstate a destroyed scoring chance, then the disqualification should be seen as a ‘normal’ one outside this category.

These situations often involve the need for great alertness, with sudden time-outs where every second is critical. It may also be necessary to advise the referees on how to adjust the clock if a signal did not lead to a correct action.

6. A number of years ago, the rules were changed so that the normal spectrum of progressive punishments was possible throughout the match, also for actions outside the court. (For instance, it became possible to give 2-minute suspensions to players on the bench and to team officials). At that time it was overlooked that it would be consistent to have the same complete scale of punishments also during half-time and other intermissions. Until now, it has been necessary to go directly from yellow card to disqualification. Now this has been corrected.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS
Players and coaches may have been used to a reluctance on the part of the referees to take action after infringements during half-time, as a disqualification would have been the only alternative. Protests, a late return to the court for the second half, and other unsportsmanlike conduct may now cause 2-minute suspensions.	The purpose is to achieve consistency, not to find additional opportunities to punish. However, the 2-minute suspension may be an appropriate punishment in some situations that previously went unpunished. Remember, a disqualification during half-time now causes a 2-minute reduction. --- Make sure to inform the table of punishments given during half-time.	A 2-minute suspension given during the half-time or another intermission will be treated in the same way as any other suspension. However, it is important to help the referees with clear communications to the team, so that they restart the game with the correct number of players on the court.

7. A clearer interpretation has been introduced for those situations where a player uses the foot or lower leg to stop or deflect the ball. A player who is actively blocking a shot or a pass is to be punished progressively (already the first time it happens); this does not apply in situations where a player as a reflex closes the legs when an opponent tries to play the ball between the legs or if the player is moving out towards an opponent and the moving leg (as a part of the body) gets in the way of the ball.

Players must stay out of the habit of instinctively reaching out with the leg when the ball is coming.

As before, it is never a violation if the ball is thrown at the foot/leg of a player who is not moving the foot/leg.

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8. Whenever the timekeeper (or the Delegate) stops the game with a whistle or buzzer, the official clock must be stopped simultaneously, without waiting for a time-out signal from the referees. The reason for the interruption does not make a difference. Every referee decision after the whistle from the timekeeper is invalid, except that any personal punishment will remain valid. For instance, a goal is canceled, even if the throw-off had been taken.

It is possible that the game goes on after the intervention from the table, if the signal is not heard by the referees and all the players. This may lead to situation where a defender believes the game is stopped, but an attacker continues on. It is important then to avoid desperate action that might cause a punishment, as this punishment will remain valid.

The referees must make every effort to hear the signal from the table so that the game is stopped quickly. The reason for the intervention must be determined, and the need for punishments or other action must be established. Together with the table officials, the referees determine how and where the game should be restarted.

The table officials must adopt the instinct to combine every whistle signal with a movement to stop the clock.

It is critical for the timekeeper/Delegate to notice immediately if the action on the court goes on because the whistle was not heard. Stronger and more drastic measures are then needed: siren or louder whistle, hand signals, standing up, or even entering the court.

The Delegate/table officials must ready to help the referees determine exactly what was the game situation when the table intervened.

9. Special regulations have been introduced for the execution of a free-throw after playing time has expired and a direct shot on goal is the only option. The intention is to speed up the execution and avoid the time-consuming ‘theater’ that has become a source of irritation. Teammates of the thrower must now be 3 meters away and cannot ‘crowd around’ the thrower. This team may substitute one player but the defenders are not allowed any substitutions. The referees must insist on getting the thrower quickly to the right position and on having an immediate throw.

The thrower must go to the indicated spot quickly and the teammates must move away. The thrower should expect the referee whistle immediately. Delays will be regarded as unsportsmanlike, except when there is a substitution to bring in a new thrower.

The defenders must move 3 meters away and interference will be regarded as unsportsmanlike. As no substitution is allowed, there is no reason to wait for the defenders to get ready.

There is no longer any reason for delay. The attackers must decide on a thrower quickly and any substitution must happen immediately. The whistle signal should come as soon as the thrower is in the correct position. It is now important to remember the positions of the teammates. If the defenders interfere, they must be punished. If the goalkeeper claims to be injured he must leave and be replaced immediately. All other substitutions are prohibited. The first substitute trying to enter causes a reduction on the court; any additional ones are simply stopped.

The Delegate and table officials have no further timekeeping task and must concentrate on helping the referees to enforce the substitution restrictions.

The teams should be reminded and the table must monitor both sides and immediately report to the referees any violations that they themselves cannot prevent.

A useful method is to quickly note the numbers of the players who are on the court when the free-throw is awarded, so that there is no room for disputes.

10. It has now been clarified that ALL the players on a team who take up the goalkeeper position must wear a shirt of the same color. This includes an unplanned period as goalkeeper by someone who is normally a court player, perhaps in a ‘catching up’ situation at the end of the game.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS
This obviously requires planning before the game. It also includes making sure that the ‘vest’ or special shirt that is kept ready for the end of the game for the use of a court player really has the same color as the other goalkeeper shirts. If there is any doubt, check with the table officials before the game.	Even though the table officials should be the first ones to discover a problem, the referees must be alert to this issue. If someone has entered as a goalkeeper with the wrong color, the game must be stopped and the player sent out to change. The restart is with a free-throw for the opponents but there is no personal punishment. (If someone enters as a goalkeeper in the same uniform as the court players, this is a different matter; it must be seen as illegal substitution and punished accordingly).	The Delegate/table officials should help the teams and the referees to prevent a problem. If a player seems ready to go in and replace the goalkeeper, this substitution should if possible be prevented if the player is not wearing the correct color. If the player enters before the problem is discovered, the table must stop the game immediately and inform the referees.

11. Visible body-piercing has been specifically mentioned in the rules and has been placed in the same category as ear-rings and plain rings. This means that piercing can be allowed if it can be taped over or covered up so that it is not dangerous to other players. Piercing that is not visible (under the uniform or in the mouth) is not regulated.

COACHES AND PLAYERS

REFEREES

DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS

The team officials have the responsibility for reminding and checking their players before the game.

An overview before the game, during the warm-up, is recommended, so that problems during the game can be kept to a minimum.

If a problem is discovered during the game, the player should be sent off to correct it. This should normally be done when the game is interrupted or, if possible, while the game is running.

The table helps the referees with the monitoring during the game.

12. It is still permitted but no longer mandatory to have an official team captain, i.e., someone identified through an armlet and required to participate in the coin toss prior to the game. Whether there is a team captain or not, any player or official can represent the team for the coin toss.

As before, it is the ‘responsible team official’ who is allowed to have contact with the referees or the table. Having a team captain, whether officially or unofficially, is not discouraged, it is just not required. A team may want to recognize a captain for internal purposes, but there is no necessary task in relation to referees or table officials.

The procedures for the coin toss have not been changed. The referees request a participant from each team from the ‘responsible team official’ and accept their choice.

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13. If a player enters the game without being included in the score sheet and thus IS INeligible to participate, this results in progressive punishment for the ‘responsible team official. The player is punished only if, as a separate matter, he is guilty of illegal substitution, entering as an 8^th player, or committing a violation on the court after entering.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATE AND TABLE OFFICIALS
The ‘responsible team official’ should be particularly alert and double-check the score sheet, if players arrived after the score sheet was filled in or after the game started.	If the table intervenes because a player on the court is not in the score sheet, the first step is to penalize the ‘responsible team official’ progressively, i.e., the precise punishment depends on possible previous punishments for the team officials. The restart of the game is basically with a free-throw for the opponents (except that a 7-meter is given if a clear goal chance was stopped by the interruption).	The table should have a preventive role, in the sense that efforts should be made if players with numbers that do not exist in the score sheet arrive late, sit in the bench or get ready to enter the court. If a player who is not in the score sheet is found to be on the court, the game must be stopped immediately. The player is to be entered into the score sheet, after the situation with the ‘responsible team official’ has been resolved.

14. The ‘responsible team official’ must ensure that only the eligible players and the team officials of the match are in the substitution area once the match has started. Any violations result in a progressive punishment for the ‘responsible team official’.

“The responsible team official” (or one his colleagues on his behalf) must monitor this throughout the match.

See the previous point

The Delegate and table officials must check both substitution areas before the game starts in order to try to prevent any problems.

15. It has been clarified that is punishable as unsportsmanlike conduct if a team official (or extra player) who enters the court with the permission to take care of an injured player, instead concentrates on coaching his players on the court or approaches the referees or the players of the other team.

The persons who enter must take great care to concentrate on their injured player. It may be tempting to take the opportunity to criticize the referees or the opponent who might have been involved with the injured player, but this is strictly prohibited.

The focus of the referees should be on prevention, in a situation where emotions may be understandable. Any tendency to prohibited action should be firmly discouraged with words and gestures. Only if the person does not get message but pursues the improper action, then comes to time to punish.

The role of the table is to attempt to ensure that no additional persons enter, and to report to the referees if this still happens. There is not direct role in getting involved with any improper action on the court, except if a Delegate judges that the referees need assistance. But even then, the focus must be on prevention.

16. It has been clarified that if a player leaves the court over the side-line outside the substitution area for ‘harmless’ purposes and without gaining any advantage, then this must not be regarded as unsportsmanlike conduct or a faulty substitution. Examples are situations where a player wants to get water or a towel at the bench (or behind the goal) or where a player who has received a suspension correctly goes to the bench but crosses the side-line outside the substitution area.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS
Players should still try to avoid leaving the court when getting water, towels etc., as there is the risk that the situation could be misunderstood as a faulty substitution.	Referees should not focus on this type of innocent action. For instance, if a player who has been suspended leaves without any protests, then there is no reason to worry if the player goes to the bench outside the 15cm line.	Table officials should concentrate on genuine cases of illegal substitutions or entry. Similarly, innocent action must not be construed as unsportsmanlike.

17. The task of the referees to monitor the behavior of the players and team officials starts when they arrive at the site of the match. Behavior that would be punished if it happened during the game should be punished also if it happens prior to the game. The alternatives are a warning or a disqualification. However, in such cases it may not always be clear to the referees that the guilty person is a participant in the match. In extreme cases this may not be discovered until after the match has started. In such cases, the punishment may be given at that time. A disqualification given ‘retroactively’ will not cause a 2-minute suspension, as this would not have been the case if the disqualification had been given prior to the game. A yellow card for a pre-game incident should not be given after the start of the match, if the player or the official (or another official) has already received a yellow card.

The advice to the players and officials is obviously to avoid any confrontation before the match, especially as it wrong to believe that it will go unpunished.

If the referees have been subjected to misconduct by a person prior to the match, they should make every effort to determine before the match starts if the person is a player or team official in the match. This will make it possible to give out the punishment before the match starts. In the case of a disqualification, this would enable the team to replace the person.

The table is not likely to have much of a role in such situations. They can only help the referees to identify the person if the person is recognized after the game has started. They should also make sure that the special rules are followed: no 2-min. suspension together a red card, and no additional yellow card if the player or official(s) already had one.

18. It should be noted that Rule 15 has been ‘streamlined’ regarding the consequences for violations before a formal throw is being executed, during the execution of throw that has not been preceded by a restart whistle, and during the execution of a throw that has been preceded by a restart whistle. In the latter case, the result is generally a loss of possession for the executing team. In the other cases there is normally a correction and repetition.

Pay attention to the restart whistle and do not take any risks in such situations. Except for the throw-off, watch out for movement between whistle and ball release.

Before taking any action, make sure you remember if you whistled or not. If there has been no whistle but the team happens to lose the ball directly after a violation, let play continue.

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19. It has been clarified that a player executing a 7-meter-throw is entitled to take up a position as much as 1 meter behind the 7-meter-line, perhaps as a way to avoid the risk of stepping/sliding over the line. This does not affect the positions of the other players.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS
There is no extra margin sideways; the thrower must remain behind the 1-meter wide line.	As before, watch out for any jumping motion.	----

20. The rules have clearly stated that a thrower may always touch the ball again after executing a throw-off, throw-in, free-throw or 7-meter-throw, if the ball has hit the crossbar or goal post of the goal of the opponent, even if it did not also touch another player. This corresponding comment has been missing in the case of the goalkeeper-throw. After some questions from goalkeepers, this has now been clarified so that the goalkeeper knows he/she can touch the ball without punishment, in the unusual case that the ball would rebound back from the goal of the opponents.

No further comments.

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21. During a number of years, the number of players allowed in a game has been 14 in all IHF events, even if the limit has been 12 in the basic playing rules. Many Federations have used their prerogative to make the same change for all or some of their competitions. On the basis of the positive experience, the basic playing rules are now changed accordingly.

No further comments.

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This ends the commentary of the changes that are new effective August 1, 2005. However, there were several changes that were introduced through ‘Clarification Letters’ during the period 2002-2004 and have not previously been incorporated into the Rule Book. Coaches/Players, Referees, and Delegates/Table Officials should be familiar with this recent changes, but a few of them are still commented upon below as a reminder. Similarly, a few changes in the 2005 Rule Book are really text changes and not changes in the rules, but some of the have already raised questions that are answered below.

22. Effective 2001, when the definition of the goalkeeper-throw was changed to include those situations where the goalkeeper simply catches or picks the ball up in the goal area, it was emphasized that the ball is ‘out of play’ while the goalkeeper holds the ball in goal-area. The ball is in the possession of the goalkeeper’s team and no other player is allowed to touch it. This last sentence applies also if the ball is stationary or rolling on the floor in the goal area. However, in this case the ball is ‘in play’. This generally is not of a great practical importance. However, it does make a difference if the goalkeeper’s team is guilty of a rules violation at that very moment. When the ball is ‘out of play’ the restart must be through a goalkeeper-throw, but if the ball is ‘in play’ then the violation is likely to lead to a loss of possession, typically a free-throw for the opponents.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS
---	If there is a whistle from the table for a faulty substitution on the part of the goalkeeper’s team, the referees must be very sure about whether the whistle came when the ball was ‘in play’ or ‘out of play’ given the difference in consequences. The same thing applies if the referees whistle for unsportsmanlike conduct by a teammate of the goalkeeper.	Especially when the table takes the initiative to interrupt the game, they must be able to help the referees by being sure about the precise position of the ball (on the floor or in the hands of the goalkeeper) at moment of the whistle.

23. It is not a new interpretation, but it has now been explicitly clarified what happens if a player receives an exclusion for assault, when he has just received (or is already serving) a 2-minute suspension or has caused a 2-minute reduction. In such cases, the suspension or reduction is ‘incorporated’ into the exclusion, and the team is simply playing with one player less on the court for the remainder of the game.

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The referees must be clear about the fact that the effect of any previous punishment is gone.

The previous punishment(s) remain in the score sheet, but any penalty time on the scoreboard or on a card must be changed, so that remaining indication is ‘one player less for the rest of the game’.

24. It has always been allowed to play the ball from a lying, sitting or kneeling position. However, the requirement that for the execution of a formal throw, “the thrower must have one part of the foot in constant contact with the floor”, has caused uncertainty as to whether in principle a formal throw can be executed from a lying, sitting or kneeling position. The answer is that there is nothing in the rules that prohibit this, as long as the quoted condition is met. Typically, this will be relevant when a player, perhaps because of a foul, is on the floor and sees a chance to execute a free-throw faster by doing it before getting up. This is of course in the spirit of the rules.

This opportunity should be used only when the player is already on the floor. If a player got the idea to lie down and execute a 7-meter in this way, it would be punished as unsportsmanlike.

These situations typically happen very fast, and the referees should only make sure that the player is essentially in the correct spot and that the floor contact with the foot is maintained.

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25. It must be ensured that spectator interference through whistle signals is not successful. Similarly, a team should not be penalized by a ‘force majeure’ (for instance power failure) at a critical moment. Accordingly, if the game must be stopped for any of these types of external interference and by coincidence a clear goal scoring chance is destroyed, then rule 14: 1c has been expanded to enable to referees to award a 7-meter-throw. However, the opposite situation also applies, i.e., if a defender is fooled by an extraneous signal, then the game must be stopped if this were to lead to a clear scoring chance that otherwise would not have existed. Attackers and defenders must be treated in an equal manner.

COACHES AND PLAYERS	REFEREES	DELEGATES AND TABLE OFFICIALS
---	The referees must be sure of the existing of clear scoring chance, taking all player positions into account. If there is an extraneous whistle signal, the player must be given the benefit of the doubt if he stops his attacking motion.	The table should support the referees with their own observations in a situation where the referees may not have clearly heard the signal that made the player stop the action.

26. A team official or player may leave the substitution area before the game is finished, without requesting permission. However, a position among the spectators or elsewhere does not mean that the person is outside the control of the referees. Any misconduct remains punishable. Also, a team official loses the right to manage and coach the team when he abandons the substitution area.

Officials and players should avoid leaving the substitution area unless it is absolutely necessary. A player who is no longer able to participate may wish to sit elsewhere, but any demonstration or hint if misconduct upon departure or in the new place must be avoided.

The referees should become involved only if someone who is a team official tries to coach the team from the wrong position or if a player or official misbehaves from any position. In such cases the referees must require the person to come to the substitution area for punishment.

Delegates and table officials should attempt to note if someone takes up a position elsewhere, mainly to help the referees by noticing any tendencies to inappropriate conduct. If a contact with the ‘responsible team official’ does not resolve it, the referees must be informed.

27. Players may not use the area surrounding the court to gain tactical advantages. A player cannot run outside the side-line to have room to dribble past a defender at the side line. This causes a free-throw. A player cannot stand outside the side-line waiting for the ball, to have more room to accelerate. In this case the player will be told to return to the court. If he refuses or if it happens again, it will cause a free-throw.

There is a big difference between, on the one hand, leaving the court ‘innocently (see Nr. 16) or by not being able to stop and, on the other hand, intentionally leaving to gain an advantage. Be aware of your position along the side-line to avoid problems. Make sure to follow the instructions of the referees.

A distinction must be made between situations where a player cannot stop without crossing the side-line, and a calculated action to run with the ball or to wait for the ball outside the side line.
In the latter case, use forceful hand signals (or your voice) to make sure the player notices and understands. The emphasis is on prevention..

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28. Some refinements regarding the use of the ‘warning signal’ for passive play were introduced in the last couple of years. The signal should continue to be shown (also after free-throw decisions for the team with the ball) until the attack is over or until the signal is no longer valid. It ceases to be valid if there is a progressive punishment against a player or official from the defending team, or if there is a shot on goal and the ball rebounds back to the attackers from the goal or the goalkeeper. In these cases, the team in possession shall be given the opportunity to a new build-up phase.

It was also emphasized that delays of a formal throw are to be seen as a form of passive play. This typically involves delays in taking a throw-off, a goalkeeper-throw or a free-throw. The first such tendency should cause an admonishment from the referees but all later cases should lead to an immediate warning signal for passive play. The exception is if the time in the game (and the result) is such that, instead of an admonishment or a forewarning signal, a time-out is the more urgent and appropriate response.

Be aware of the details about the forewarning signal so you can use it to your advantage both on offense and on defense.

Do not believe that a throw-off or a free-throw is a chance to waste time without a risk. An immediate warning signal for passive puts you under a lot of pressure.

Make sure you react and take your arm down in the situations where the warning signal becomes invalid, and ensure that the team gets a new build-up opportunity;

When you get ready to act after you show the signal, make sure you choose the right moment; do not give the free-throw whistle exactly when the team finally is taking a shot…

Remember to use time-out, instead of gestures or forewarning signal, for a throw delay where every second matters, typically towards the end in a close game.

Be prepared for the common tactic of requesting team time-out when the warning signal for passive is shown. Keep in mind that often this is also the time for a sudden shot on goal, perhaps just before the ‘green card’ comes. Be sure you are clear about who has possession before you whistle.