WOMEN’S JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Comments from the perspective of the Rules and Referee Commission
- Part 6-
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The aggressive 3:3 defense from Spain has created major surprises and challenges for the opponents. Also the referees have had to pay special attention. Fouls and collisions take place over a widely spread-out space and running paths are affected. One particular issue is the persistent “brief holding“ and “small pushing“ by the Spanish defenders that is interrupting the patterns and movements of the opponents. In each individual case, the foul may not be so severe to warrant direct punishment, but on a cumulative basis this illegal action must be punished as it would otherwise create an unfair advantage.

Among the new rules, the following one is worth observing: If the noise in the hall is very loud, so that the referees do not immediately hear the whistle from timekeeper that stops the clock and the match, then it is important to remember what should be done when the stoppage finally is noticed. Any actions and decisions, such as a goal, a free-throw, or a throw-in are invalid. The game will be restarted in the way that corresponds to the situation at the time of the timekeeper’s whistle. However, any personal punishments, such as a yellow card or a 2-minute suspension, given between the timekeeper’s initial whistle and the discovery of the situation, remain valid. Of course, the timekeeper (and delegate) must take every action possible to get the referees to understand as quickly as possible.

Irritation can be created despite the best intentions. The following is an interesting issue: The habits are very different in different sports: should a referee ever touch a player? Of course we are not talking about aggressive touching but friendly touching, in connection with explaining a decision, helping a player get up, or in connection with some relaxed and friendly moment. In handball such touching has tended to be discouraged (except perhaps in the case of matches for young children). This tradition means that players easily could misunderstand a sudden touch, even when it should be obvious that there is no disrespect intended. Also, the player might not realize at once that the person involved is the referee. The recommendation remain: friendly contact with players should remain verbal, not physical.