OVERVIEW OF THE CHANGES IN THE 2005 RULE BOOK
The changes in the rules are not as many in the August 2005 version as in the 2001 version; specifically, there are 11 substantive changes which will be briefly explained below. However, it must be remembered that, in addition, several changes in the rules were implemented through “Clarification Letters 2-5” during the period 2002-04. These changes have now been incorporated into the rule book, and will be briefly summarized below. The third group of changes that the reader will find (and a translator will need to observe) includes smaller changes of different types: minor clarifications or improvements in the rules text (or the interpretation) that are the result of experience and feedback gained by the IHF/PRC, reorganizing of the paragraphs or the text in certain rules to make the sequencing or the overview of the rules more logical, and minor changes in the wording to improve the clarity and understanding.
Following a brief summary of the 11 substantive changes, which is intended to be of assistance to instructors who need to identify and explain these changes, there is offered a complete indication, rules paragraph by rules paragraph, of all the changes that a translator or printer will want to notice. In this overview, the three types of changes are all combined, but the substantive changes and the integrated changes from previous Clarification Letters are noted through bold and italic print respectively.
Eleven substantial changes
The following more substantive changes were specifically approved by the IHF Council in late 2004 and will become effective through the new rule book on August 1, 2005.
1. If a free-throw is to be executed at the end of a half of the game (or an overtime period), there are no player substitutions allowed, with the exception of one player for the throwing team; moreover, the teammates of the thrower must (just like the opponents) be positioned at least 3 meters away. The objective is to speed up the execution of such free-throws. (Primarily Rule 2:5)
2. It is no longer obligatory for the referees to give a time-out when awarding a 7-meter-throw. Instead, the referees are expected to use their judgment and give a time-out only of there is a substantial delay prior to the 7-meter execution, and the loss of time would be unfair to one of the teams. (Primarily Rule 2:8)
3. When the timekeeper (or the delegate) whistles, normally for team time-out or faulty substitution, the official clock is to be stopped simultaneously, without waiting for any signal or confirmation from the referees. The objective is to avoid situations where the referees do not hear the signal from the table, and the clock continues running even though any action after the whistle from the table is invalid. (Primarily Rule 2:9).
4. On the basis of experience at IHF events and in many member countries, it has been decided to change the maximum number of players on a team from 12 to 14. (Primarily Rule 4:1)
5. A player not included in the scoresheet has traditionally been disqualified if entering the court. With the objective of achieving a more reasonable punishment for an administrative mistake and to punish the person who is really responsible, the rule will now say that the ‘responsible team official’ receives a progressive punishment, in analogy with unsportsmanlike conduct, in such cases. The same thing applies if the ‘responsible team official’ does not ensure that only the registered team officials and the participating players are in the substitution area. (Primarily Rules 4:2-3)
6. Body-piercing has gradually become a specific concern in the context of ‘dangerous objects’. The focus is on pierced objects that could be dangerous to another player, i.e., not those inside the mouth or under the clothing. Visible piercing can be allowed only if it can be safely taped over in the same way as a flat ring or small earring. (Primarily Rule 4:9)
7. Situations where an attacker has entered the goal-area (or touched the ball in the goal-area) and caused a free-throw for the opponents have often caused undesirable delays and corrections, as the goalkeeper often has the ball in the goal area but must move to a specific area outside the goal-area to execute the free-throw. With the objective of simplification, such entering of the goal-area will now cause a restart through a goalkeeper-throw, i.e., the goalkeeper can execute the throw from any place inside the goal area. (Primarily Rules 6:2 and 12:1)
8. The focus of the rule regarding dangerous actions leading to disqualification has tended to be on very forceful and violent actions. However, the experience is that an action involving a relatively small impact can also be very dangerous if it comes at the moment when the opponent is defenseless (jumping/running and also not being able to see and adjust to the action). This clarification will be inserted. (Primarily Rule 8:5)
9. In 2001 the rules were changed so that a free-throw would be the normal way of restarting the game after the ball has hit the ceiling. The experience with that rules change has shown that unintended and unfair positional advantages can arise. Accordingly, the restart will be changed from a free-throw to a throw-in from the nearest place on the nearest side-line in relation to the spot where the ball hit the ceiling. (Primarily Rules 11:1, 11:3; elimination of old 13:4c)
10. In the case of the free-throw, 7-meter-throw, throw-in and throw-off, the rules have made it clear that the throwing player is allowed to touch the ball again after it has rebounded from the goal of the opponents. The same applies to the goalkeeper-throw, but this has not been clear from the rules. (Primarily Rules 12:3 and 15)
11. A number of years ago, when the rule regarding 2-minute suspensions for infringements outside the playing court was changed, it was overlooked that the rule should, as a matter of consistency, be extended to allow for 2-minute suspensions (and also exclusions) to be given with respect to infringements during half-time breaks. Currently, the next step after a yellow card is a disqualification, something which is not considered desirable. (Primarily Rules 16:3, 16:6 and 16:13);
Overview of Changes in the Text from the 2001 to the 2005 Rule Book
1:1 As a small clarification, it is now stated that the safety zone is needed behind the entire goal line, not just the outer goal line;
2:2 Following the explanations of overtime and the possible need for a tie-breaker after overtime, there is now a reference to a new rule 14:11, which should apply if 7-meter throwing is used.
2:2 Comm. Regulations for tie-breakers in the form of 7-meter throws now incorporated into the rule book;
2:3 Rules reference changed from 17:10 to 17:9
2:3 Comm. Removed the statement that there is a preference to have the clock run from 0 and up whenever this is possible
2:4-5 These two rules are essentially rewritten. The two situations in old 2:4 and 2:5 are now combined in 2:4 and much of the wording has been kept; 2:5 contains the new restrictions introduced for the execution of the free-throw: If a free-throw is to be executed at the end of a half of the game (or an overtime period), there are no player substitutions allowed, with the exception of one player for the throwing team; moreover, the teammates of the thrower must (just like the opponents) be positioned at least 3 meters away
2:8 The first sentence deleted as it is already covered in 2:9; b) is deleted because of rule change: It is no longer obligatory for the referees to give a time-out when awarding a 7-meter-throw;
old c) is now b); old d) is deleted as it is covered under old e); old e) becomes c); old f) becomes d) and the rules reference is changed from 17:8 to 17:7; there is a change in the sentence immediately following the list a)-d);
2:9 Has been rewritten to incorporate the change that: When the timekeeper (or the delegate) whistles, normally for team time-out or faulty substitution, the official clock is to be stopped simultaneously, without waiting for any signal or confirmation from the referees.
The rules reference to Rule 15 has changed
A ‘Comment’ has been added in Rule 2:9, explaining how to handle situations where the referees (and the players) do not hear a whistle signal from the table, so that the action continues after the whistle has been blown and the clock has been stopped; also causes addition to Rule 9:2.
3:3 The last sentence in the 2001 version deleted, because it is too obvious to be needed
4:1 Change in the fist sentence and later on in the rule because: it has been decided to change the maximum number of players on a team from 12 to 14. Accordingly, the statement regarding special regulations for IHF events is no longer needed; at the end: rules reference changed to 17:12;
4:2 Changes in rules references in the second paragraph; a third paragraph has been added to indicate the change that: the ‘responsible team official’ receives a progressive punishment if ineligible persons are present in the substitution area;
4:3 The fourth paragraph has been changed to reflect the same change as in 4:2, that it is not the ineligible player but the ‘responsible team official’ who receives a progressive punishment.
4:4 In the 1st and 2nd paragraph: minor changes in wording
A ‘Comment” has been added, for the purpose of clarifying that not every innocent crossing of the side-line is to be construed as ‘faulty substitution’.
4:7 Wording changed to clarify that all players on a team who are used as goalkeepers must wear the same colors
4:8 Wording added to clarify that a player who is switching between the goalkeeper and court player positions must use the same number in both positions; the requirement for team captains to wear an armlet has been deleted;
4:9 Wording has been inserted to indicate that Visible piercing can be allowed only if it can be safely taped over in the same way as a flat ring or small earring; the reference to the traditional practice of taping over earrings and flat rings is new;
4:10 Minor change in wording in first sentence; also change in rules reference;
4:11 A new 2nd paragraph has been added, explaining how a team official or player is punished if entering the court to assist an injured player, after the maximum of two person have already entered;
the rules references have also been moved from the 1st to the 2nd paragraph.
5:2 Change in rules references
5:6 Changes in rules references; also, a reference to the advantage interpretation in Rule 15:7 has been inserted;
old 5:7 DELETED (because it is integrated in Rule 15);
old 5:8-5:12 become new 5:7-5:11;
6:2a Change in the text, because entering of the goal-area will now cause a restart through a goalkeeper-throw, i.e., the goalkeeper can execute the throw from any place inside the goal area
6:2b-c Changes in the text, including a reference to Clarification No. 5:1 regarding action against teams systematically defending inside the goal area;
6:3c DELETED; it has been concluded that 6:3b covers also this situation
6:4-5 Both rules have been completely rewritten to improve clarity!
6:6 Change in rules reference
7:4b-c Old 7:4b has been split up into b and c to improve the clarity; rules reference added at the end of 7:4;
7:6 Clarification added
7:7 Wording changed to integrate the text of the old 7:7 Comment
7:10 In a new Rule 7:10, there are explanations of when and how to penalize an attacking player who is using the area outside the playing court.
7:11 In a new Rule 7:11 (old Rule 7:10), it is explained that repeated delays in executing a throw-off, free-throw, throw-in or goalkeeper-throw are also to be regarded as passive play;
7:12 This is essentially the old 7:11, but the word ‘possible’ was removed from the first sentence;
8:2c Clarification that holding of body and holding of uniform are regarded in the same way
8:2d The unclear references to ‘interfere’ and ‘impede’ have been deleted and the focus is now on endangering
8:3 The text explaining the concept of ‘progressive fouls’ has been simplified, but there is no substantive change; a reminder about Rule 16:3 Comment has also been inserted, i.e., a 2-minute suspension can be given regardless of previous warnings.
8:4 Minor change in rules references
8:5 Rules reference changed in the first line; a “Comment” has been added to the effect that an action involving a relatively small impact can also be very dangerous if it comes at the moment when the opponent is defenseless.
8:7 Comment A few clarifying words have been inserted
9:1 Minor changes in wording in first and second paragraphs;
9:2 Rules reference added
10:3 Minor amplification of the text in the 1st paragraph; changes in rules references;
10:4 Change in rules reference at the end
11:1,2,3 Text changes reflecting the rules change that the restart will be changed from a free-throw to a throw-in from the nearest place on the nearest side-line, when the ball has touched the ceiling or a fixture above the court;
11:2 Change in rules reference
11:4 The 2nd sentence removed and incorporated in Rule 15 (see below); minor changes in text and rules references in what remains;
11:5 Change in rules references
12:1 Major change in the 1st paragraph because entering of the goal-area will now cause a restart through a goalkeeper-throw, i.e., the goalkeeper can execute the throw from any place inside the goal area; there is also an unrelated rewriting of the 2nd paragraph
12:2 Minor changes in text and in rules references
Old 12:3 DELETED because of the change that rule stating that the throwing player is allowed to touch the ball again after it has rebounded from the goal of the opponents, now also applies to the goalkeeper-throw; this is covered in Rule 15 and no mention is needed in Rule 12
13:1a-b Some changes in the lists of rules references
13:1b Minor change in the wording
Old 13:4c DELETED because of the rules change that the restart will be changed from a free-throw to a throw-in from the nearest place on the nearest side-line when the ball has touched the ceiling
13:6 Change in rules references in the 1st paragraph; the reference to 13:4c deleted in the 2nd paragraph
13:6 Comment Rules reference changed in final paragraph
Old 13:7 DELETED and incorporated in Rule 15
New 13:7 Many changes in the text (especially in the 2nd paragraph) and the rules references compared with Old 13:8
New 13:8 One sentence added to text of Old 13:9
14:1c It will be added that, by analogy, this rule applies not just in the case of physical interference (entering the court) but also for instance in the case of whistle signals from spectators; it also applies in certain other situations, such as ‘force majeure’ (e.g., sudden power failure).
14:3 Now reflecting the rules change that: It is no longer obligatory for the referees to give a time-out when awarding a 7-meter-throw; instead, the referees apply normal principles for deciding subjectively if a time-out is warranted;
14:4 Change in rules reference
14:5 It is now clarified that the thrower may position himself up to 1 meter behind the 7-meter line. There are also some additional, minor changes in text and rules references.
14:6 Change in rules reference
14:7 Minor changes in text and rules references
14:8 It has been clarified that there is no personal punishment for an encroachment in this case.
14:9 The same as under 14:8; also a change in rules reference
14:10 Change in rules reference
Rule 15 This rule has been restructured and rewritten to a large extent; however, large portions of the text have been directly taken from the old Rule 15, which may be useful to note in connection with translations.
Structurally, there is a clearer distinction between the actions of the thrower, the teammates and the opponents.
Substantively, there is now a clear distinction made between actions prior to the execution of a throw and actions during the execution of a throw. Similarly, there is a major distinction drawn between actions during throws that were preceded by a restarting whistle from the referee and those that were not. The old text did not match the longstanding practice of being more ‘forgiving’ when there had not been a restarting whistle (typically correction) and being stricter (typically punishment) when there has been a restarting signal. The text and the interpretations now follow closely what has been common practice.
Old 16:1c DELETED here and covered in Clarification No. 5
Old 16:1d = New 16:1c
16:1 Comment Brief wording inserted
16:2 Remove specification of card size as not belonging in the Rules; (the typical size of the card is apparent from the photo accompanying Hand Signal no. 13);
16:3a Change in wording
16:3b-c Changes in rules references
16:3d Change in wording and in rules reference
Old16:3e-f Specific situations/violations replaced with a New 16:3e containing a more general reference to situations and structure described in Clarification No. 5; no change in existing interpretations is intended;
New 16:3f Essentially Old 16:3g; a few obsolete words deleted (see 16:13); rules reference added;
New 16:13g Essentially Old 16:13h, with a minor change in rules reference
Old 16:3g-h = new 16:3f-g; in addition, there is a new rules reference in new 16:3g (to 16:12a instead of 16:12);
16:3 Comment The text has been restructured and clarified; change in rules reference;
16:5 Minor change in wording in 1st paragraph, including rules reference; a clarification added at the end of the final paragraph;
16:6a DELETED due to the rule change that it is: the ‘responsible team official’ who receives a progressive punishment, when an ineligible player enters the court
New 16:6a Essentially Old 16:6b, but rewording of text in order to clarify the rule
New 16:6b Old 16:6c
New 16:6c Old 16:6d, plus added rules reference, and also information about punishments during tie-breaking procedures;
New 16:6d Old 16:6e, but changes in wording and rules references, partly due to rule change that allows exclusions to be given with respect to infringements during half-time breaks
New 16:6e-f Old 16:6f-g
Old 16:6h DELETED (see New 16:6d, 16:13)
16:7 Remove specification of card size (see 16:2 above)
16:8 Several changes in rules references; N.B. a new category of ‘red card’ situations has been added to those where a report is required; see also Clarification No. 6g;
16:11 Clarification added in the 1st paragraph; change in rules reference at the end
16:12a,b,c,d Changes in rules references
Old 16:13 split into New 16:13 and 16:14, and heading “Infractions Outside the Playing Time” moved to new Rule 16:14;
New 16:13 Change in the text to allow for 2-minute suspensions (and also exclusions) to be given with respect to infringements during half-time breaks; in addition, new wording to regulate unsportsmanlike conduct during tie-breaking procedures such as 7-meter shooting, where the situation has been ‘lawless’ due to the current silence of the rule book on this point
16:14a Change in rules reference
16:14b Reflecting change to 14 players, and providing additional clarifying wording
16:14 Immediately following a) and b), a clarification has been inserted to the effect that if a person was observed by the referees to be guilty of unsportsmanlike or seriously unsportsmanlike conduct before the game, and it becomes apparent only after the game started that the person is a player or official in the game, then the punishment for the misconduct should be applied at that time;
Old 16:13c-d DELETED
Old 16:13e = New 16:14c
17:2 A few words were added to correct an inadvertent omission
17:4 The specific reference to ‘team captains’ has been deleted; this function is internal to the team, and the coin toss is done in the presence of the ‘responsible team official’ or an official or player on behalf of him;
Old 17:5 DELETED, as being the kind of practical instruction that is not appropriate in a Rule Book
Old 17:6-14 à New 17:5-13
New 17:7 Changes in rules references
18:1 Reference inserted regarding “Delegates”;
18:2 Small change in wording at the end;
Clarification No. 1 Change in rules references
Clarification No. 2d The rules reference and the reference to ‘free-throw’ have been changed; a paragraph has been added regarding time-out decisions in connection with 7-meter throws
Clarification No. 3 Some small changes and deletions related to the new Rule 2:9
Clarification No. 4 Change in the basic rules reference; major text changes regarding ‘The utilization of the forewarning signal’ and ‘How the forewarning signal should be shown’; this is caused by the previously introduced changes: the instructions for the forewarning signal is modified, i.e., keeping the arm up until the attack is over or the signal is no longer valid. The definition as to when the judgment of passive play no longer is valid is also included, i.e., a rebound from the goal or the goalkeeper, or a progressive punishment on the defending team; also changes in the text under the heading “after showing the forewarning signal”; no longer an indicated time for the build-up phase;
Clarification No. 5 There has been a complete restructuring with a clearer indication of which specific situations: ‘should be leading to progressive punishment if repeated’, ‘should already the first time be leading to progressive punishment’ and ‘should always lead to a 2-minute suspension’; explanations are also offered as to how the situations listed should be used as points of reference when judging other situations; the rules references for this Clarification have also been updated;
Clarification No. 6 An introductory paragraph about how the examples a)-f) should be used as points of reference have been added; item f) has been added, and there are some changes in the wording in items b, c and e; there is also a minor change in the rules references; an important new item g) has been added, which links up with the reporting requirement for certain types of disqualifications under rule 16:8;
Substitution Area Regulations, item. 5: it has been clarified, in two new paragraphs at the end, that players and team officials cannot escape the jurisdiction of the referees by leaving their normal position in the substitution area; moreover, it is noted that a team official loses his right to guide and manage his team if he leaves the substitution area and takes up another position.
Substitution Area Regulations, item 6: Minor changes in rules references
Substitution Area Regulations, items 7-8: Wherever reference was made to ‘Continental Federation’, it has been changed to ‘Continental/National Federation’;