International
Handball
Federation

Rules
of the Game
Edition: August 2005


(Download Rules2005.pdf)

Note:
Green Text: Changes introduced before April 2005
Red Text: Changes introduced on June 2005

F O R E W O R D

These Rules of the Game will take effect on August 1, 2005.

The Rules Text, the Comments, the IHF Hand Signals, the Clarifications to the Rules of the Game, and the Substitution Area Regulations are all components of the overall Rules. This does not apply to the Guidelines for Playing Courts and Goals, which are simply included in the rule book for the convenience of the users of that text.

Note :

For the sake of simplicity, this rule book generally uses the male form of words with respect to players, officials, referees and other persons.
However, the rules apply equally to male and female participants, except as regards the rules for the size of the balls to be used (see Rule 3).

RULE 1- Playing Court

1:1
The playing court (see diagram 1) is a 40 meter long and 20 meter wide rectangle, consisting of two goal areas (see 1:4 and 6) and a playing area. The longer boundary lines are called side lines, and the shorter ones are called goal lines (between the goalposts) or outer goal lines (on either side of the goal).
           
There should be a safety zone surrounding the playing court, with a width of at least 1 meter along the side lines and 2 meters behind the goal lines.

The characteristics of the playing court must not be altered during the game in such a way that one team gains an advantage.

1:2
A goal (see diagrams 2a and 2b) is placed in the center of each outer goal line. The goals must be firmly attached to the floor or to the walls behind them. They have an interior height of 2 meters and a width of 3 meters.
           
The goalposts are joined by a horizontal crossbar. The rear side of the goalposts shall be in line with the rear edge of the goal line. The goalposts and the crossbar must have an 8cm square cross section. On the three sides which are visible from the court they must be painted in bands of two contrasting colors, which also contrast clearly with the background.

The goals must have a net, that should be attached in such a way that a ball thrown into the goal normally remains in the goal.

1:3
All lines on the court are fully part of the area that they enclose. The goal lines shall be 8cm wide between the goalposts (see diagram 2a), whereas all other lines shall be 5cm wide.

 Lines between two adjacent areas may be replaced with a difference in colors between the adjacent areas of the floor.

1:4 
In front of each goal there is a goal area (see 6). The goal area is defined by the goal-area line (6-meter line), which is drawn as follows:

i) a 3 meter long line directly in front of the goal ; this line is parallel to the goal line and 6 meters away from it (measured from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge of the goal-area line) ;
ii) two quarter circles, each with a radius of 6 meters (measured from the rear inner corner of the goal posts), connecting the 3 meter long line with the outer goal line (see diagrams 1 and 2a).

1:5      
The free-throw line (9-meter line) is a broken line, drawn 3 meters outside the goal-area line. Both the segments of the line and the spaces between them measure 15cm (see diagram 1).

1:6
The 7-meter line is a 1 meter long line, directly in front of the goal. It is parallel to the goal line and 7 meters away from it (measured from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge of the 7-meter line) ; (see diagram 1).

1:7      
The goalkeeper’s restraining line (the 4-meter line) is a 15cm long line, directly in front of the goal. It is parallel to the goal line and 4 meters away from it (measured from the rear edge of the goal line to the front edge of the 4-meter line); (see diagram 1).

1:8      
The center line connects the midpoints of the two side lines (see diagrams 1 and 3).

1:9      
The substitution line (a segment of the side line) for each team extends from the center line to a point at a distance of 4.5 meters from the center line. This end point of the substitution line is enhanced by a line which is parallel to the center line, extending 15cm inside the sideline and 15cm outside the sideline (see diagrams 1 and 3).

Note: More detailed technical requirements for the playing court and the goals can be found in the Guidelines for Playing Courts and Goals, starting on page 85.

 

Diagram 1: The Playing Court

 

Diagram 2a : The Goal

 

Diagram 2b : The Goal - lateral view

 

The table for timekeeper and scorekeeper and the benches for substitutes have to be placed in such a way that the scorekeeper/timekeeper can see the substitution lines. The table should be placed closer to the side line than the benches, but at least 50cm outside the side line.

Diagram 3 : Substitution lines and substitution area


RULE 2 - Playing Time, Final Signal and Time-Out

 Playing Time

2:1      
The normal playing time for all teams with players of age 16 and above is 2 halves of 30 minutes. The half-time break is normally 10 minutes.

The normal playing time for youth teams is 2 x 25 minutes in age group 12-16 and 2 x 20 minutes in age group 8-12. In both cases the half-time break is normally 10 minutes.

2:2
Overtime is played, following a 5-minute break, if a game is tied at the end of the regular playing time and a winner has to be determined.

The overtime period consists of 2 halves of 5 minutes, with a 1-minute half-time break.

If the game is again tied after a first overtime period, a second period is played after a 5-minute break. This overtime period also has 2 halves of 5 minutes, with a 1-minute half-time break.

If the game is still tied, the winner will be determined in accordance with the rules for the particular competition.   In the case that the decision is to use 7-meter-throwing as tie-breaker to decide a winner, the procedures indicated below shall be followed.

Comment:
If 7-meter-throwing is used as a tie-breaker, players who are not suspended, disqualified or excluded at the end of the playing time are entitled to participate. Each team nominates 5 players.  These players make one throw each, alternating with the players of the other team.  The teams are not required to predetermine the sequence of their throwers.  Goalkeepers may be freely chosen and substituted among the players eligible to participate.  Players may participate in the 7-meter throwing as both throwers and goalkeepers.

The referees decide which goal is used.  The referees make a coin toss, and the winning team chooses whether they wish to throw first or last.  The opposite sequence is used for the remainder of the throws, if the throwing has to continue because the score is still tied after the first five throws each.

For such a continuation, each team shall again nominate five players.  All or some of them may be the same as in the first round.  This method of nominating five players at a time continues as long as it is necessary. However, the winner is now decided as soon as there is a goal difference after both teams have had the same number of throws. 

Players may be disqualified from further participation in the 7-meter throwing in cases of significant or repeated unsportsmanlike conduct (16.13).  If this concerns a player who has just been nominated in a group of five throwers, the team must nominate another thrower.

2:3      
The playing time begins with the referee’s whistle for the initial throw-off. It ends with the automatic final signal from the public clock or from the timekeeper. If no such signal comes, the referee whistles to indicate that the playing time is over (17:9).

Comment:
If a public clock with an automatic final signal is not available, the timekeeper shall use a table clock or a stopwatch and end the game with a final signal (18:2, 2nd paragraph).

2:4      
Infractions and unsportsmanlike conduct that take place before or simultaneously with the final signal (for half-time or end of game, also in overtime) are to be punished, also if the resulting free-throw (under Rule 13:1) or 7-meter-throw cannot be taken until after the signal.

Similarly, the throw must be retaken, if the final signal (for half-time or end of game, also in overtime) sounds precisely when a free-throw or a 7-meter throw is being executed or when the ball is already in the air.

In both cases, the referees end the game only after the free-throw or 7-meter throw has been taken (or retaken) and its immediate result has been established.

2:5      
For free-throws taken (or retaken) under Rule 2:4, special restrictions apply regarding player positions and substitutions.  As an exception to the normal substitution flexibility in Rule 4 :4, the only player substitution allowed is for one player on the throwing team.  Violations are penalized under Rule 4:5, 1st paragraph.   Moreover, all teammates of the thrower must be positioned at least 3 meters away from the thrower, in addition to being outside the free-throw line of the opponents (13 :7, 15 :6,  See also Clarification No. 1).
The positions of the defending players are indicated in Rule 13:8.

2:6      
Players and team officials remain subject to personal punishment for infractions or unsportsmanlike conduct which take place during the execution of a free-throw or 7-meter throw in the circumstances described in Rules 2:4-5.  An infraction during the execution of such a throw cannot, however, lead to a free-throw in the opposite direction.

2:7
If the referees determine that the timekeeper has given the final signal (for half-time or end of game, also in overtime) too early, they must keep the players on the court and play the remaining time.

The team that was in possession of the ball at the time of the premature signal will remain in possession when the game resumes. If the ball was out of play, then the game is restarted with the throw that corresponds to the situation. If the ball was in play, then the game is restarted with a free-throw in accordance with Rule 13:4a-b.

If the first half of a game (or an overtime period) has been terminated too late, the second half must be shortened correspondingly.  If the second half of a game (or an overtime period) has been terminated too late, then the referees are no longer in a position to change anything.

Time - out

2:8
A time-out is obligatory when:

            a)  a 2-minute suspension, disqualification, or exclusion is given ;
            b)  a team time-out is granted ;
            c)  there is a whistle signal from the timekeeper or the technical delegate ;
            d)  consultations between the referees are necessary in accordance with Rule 17:7.

A time-out is normally also given in certain other situations, depending on the circumstances (see Clarification No. 2).

Infractions during a time-out have the same consequences as infractions during the playing time (16:13, 1st paragraph).

2:9      
In principle, the referees decide when the clock is to be stopped and started in connection with a time-out. The interruption of the playing time is to be indicated to the timekeeper through three short blasts on the whistle and hand signal no. 16.

However, in the case of obligatory time-outs where the game has been interrupted by a whistle signal from the timekeeper or Delegate (2:8b-c), the timekeeper is required to stop the official clock immediately, without awaiting a confirmation from the referees.

The whistle must always be blown to indicate the restart of the game after a time-out (15:5b).

Comment:
A whistle signal from the timekeeper/Delegate effectively stops the game.  Even if the referees (and the players) do not immediately realize that the game has been stopped, any action on the court after whistle signal is invalid.   This means that if a goal was scored after the whistle signal from the table, the ‘goal’ must be disallowed.  Similarly, a decision to award a throw to a team (7-meter throw, free-throw, throw-in, throw-off or goalkeeper-throw) is also invalid.  The game shall instead be restarted in the manner that corresponds to the situation that existed when the timekeeper/Delegate whistled. (It should be kept in mind that the typical reason for the intervention is a team time-out or a faulty substitution). 

However, any personal punishment given by the referees between the time of the whistle from the table and the time the referees stop the action remains valid.  This applies regardless of the type of the violation and regardless of the severity of the punishment.

2:10    
Each team has the right to receive one 1-minute team time-out in each half of the regular playing time, but not in overtime (Clarification No. 3).

RULE 3 - The Ball

3:1
The ball is made of leather or a synthetic material. It must be spherical. The surface must not be shiny or slippery (17:3).

3:2
The ball sizes, i.e. the circumference and weight, to be used by different categories of teams are as follows :

 • 58-60cm and 425-475g (IHF Size 3) for Men and for Male Youth (over age 16) ;
•  54-56cm and 325-375g (IHF Size 2) for Women, Female Youth (over age 14), and Male Youth (age 12 to 16) ;
 •  50-52cm and 290-330g (IHF Size 1) for Female Youth (age 8 to 14) and Male Youth (age 8 to 12).

Comment:
The technical requirements for the balls to be used in all official international games are described in the IHF Ball Regulations.

The size and weight of balls to be used for Mini-Handball are not regulated in the normal playing rules.

3:3
For every game there must be at least two balls available. The reserve balls must be immediately available at the timekeeper’s table during the game.  The balls must meet the requirements of Rules 3:1-2.

3:4
The referees decide when to use a reserve ball. In such cases, the referees should get the reserve ball into play quickly in order to minimize interruptions and avoid time-outs.

RULE 4 - The Team, Substitutions, Equipment

The Team

4:1
A team consists of up to 14 players.

No more than 7 players may be present on the court at the same time. The remaining players are substitutes.

At all times during the game, the team must have one of the players on the court designated as a goalkeeper. A player who is recognized as a goalkeeper may become a court player at any time. Similarly, a court player may become a goalkeeper at any time (see, however, 4:4 and 4:7).

A team must have at least 5 players on the court at the start of the game.

The number of players on a team can be increased up to 14, at any time during the game, including overtime.

The game may continue even if a team is reduced to less than 5 players on the court. It is for the referees to judge whether and when the game should be permanently suspended (17:12).

4:2      
A team is allowed to use a maximum of 4 team officials during the game. These team officials may not be replaced during the course of the game. One of them must be designated as the «responsible team official». Only this official is allowed to address the timekeeper/scorekeeper and, possibly, the referees (see, however, Clarification No. 3: team time-out).

A team official is generally not allowed to enter the court during the game. A violation of this rule is to be penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct (see 8:4, 16:1c, 16:3d and 16:6a). The game is restarted with a free-throw for the opponents (13:1a-b ; see, however, Clarification No. 9).

The ‘responsible team official’ shall ensure that, once the game has started, no other persons than the (maximum 4) registered team officials and the players who are entitled to participate (see 4 :3) are present in the substitution area.  A violation of this rule leads to progressive punishment for the ‘responsible team official’ (16 :1c, 16 :3d, and 16 :6a).

4:3
A player or team official is entitled to participate if he is present at the start of the game and is included in the score sheet.

Players and team officials who arrive after the game has started must obtain their entitlement to participate from the timekeeper/score-keeper and must be entered into the score sheet.

A player who is entitled to participate may, in principle, enter the court through the team’s own substitution line at any time (see, however, 4:4 and 4:6).

The ‘responsible team official’ shall ensure that only players who are entitled to participate enter the court.  A violation is to be penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct by the ‘responsible team official’ (13 :1a-b, 16 :1c. 16 :3d, and 16 :6a ;  see, however, Clarification No.9)

Player Substitutions

4:4
Substitutes may enter the court, at any time and repeatedly (see, however, Rule 2 :5), without notifying the timekeeper/scorekeeper, as long as the players they are replacing have already left the court (4:5).

The players involved in the substitution shall always leave and enter the court over their own team’s substitution line (4:5). These requirements also apply to the substitution of goalkeepers (see also 4:7 and 14:10).

The substitution rules also apply during a time-out (except during a team time-out).

Comment:
The purpose of the concept of the ‘substitution line’ is to ensure fair and orderly substitutions.  It is not intended to cause punishments in other situations, where a player steps over the sideline or outer goal line in a harmless manner and without any intention of gaining an advantage (e.g., getting water or a towel at the bench just beyond the substitution line, or leaving the court in a sportsmanlike manner when receiving a suspension and crossing the sideline at the bench but just outside the 15cm line).  Tactical and illegal usage of the area outside the court is dealt with separately in Rule 7 :10.

4:5
A faulty substitution shall be penalized with a 2-minute suspension for the guilty player. If more than one player from the same team is guilty of faulty substitution in the same situation, only the first player committing an infraction is to be penalized.

The game is restarted with a free- throw for the opponents (13:1a-b; see, however, Clarification No. 9).

4:6
If an additional player enters the court without a substitution, or if a player illegally interferes with the game from the substitution area, there shall be a 2-minute suspension for the player.  Thus, the team must be reduced by one player on the court for the next 2 minutes (apart from the fact that the entering additional player must leave the court).

If a player enters the court while serving a 2-minute suspension, he shall be given an additional 2-minute suspension. This suspension shall begin immediately, so the team must be further reduced on the court during the overlap between the first and the second suspension.

The game is in both cases restarted with a free-throw for the opponents (13:1a-b; see, however, Clarification No. 9).

Equipment

4:7
All the court players on a team must wear identical uniforms.

The combinations of colors and design for the two teams must be clearly distinguishable from each other.

All players used in the goalkeeper position on a team must wear the same color, a color that distinguishes them from the court players of both teams and the goalkeeper(s) of the opposing team (17:3). 

4:8      
The players must wear numbers that are at least 20cm high in the back of the shirt and at least 10cm in the front. The numbers used should be from 1 to 20.  A player who is switching between the court player and goalkeeper positions must wear the same number in both positions.

The color of the numbers must contrast clearly with the colors and design of the shirt.

4:9      
The players must wear sports shoes.

It is not permitted to wear objects that could be dangerous to the players. This includes, for instance, head protection, face masks, bracelets, watches, rings, visible pierced objects, necklaces or chains, earrings, glasses without restraining bands or with solid frames, or any other objects which could be dangerous (17:3). Flat rings, small earrings and pierced objects may be allowed, as long as they are taped over in such a way that they are no longer deemed dangerous to other players.  Headbands are allowed, as long as they are made of soft, elastic material.

Players who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to take part until they have corrected the problem.

4:10    
A player who is bleeding or has blood on the body or uniform must leave the court immediately and voluntarily (through a normal substitution), in order to have the bleeding stopped, the wound covered, and the body and uniform cleaned off.  The player must not return to the court until this has been done. 

A player who does not follow the instructions of the referees in connection with this provision is deemed guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct (8:4, 16:1c and 16:3c).

4:11    
In the case of an injury, the referees may give permission (through hand signals no. 16 and 17) for two of the persons who are entitled to participate (see 4:3) to enter the court during a time-out, for the specific purpose of assisting an injured player from their team .

If additional persons enter the court after two persons have already entered, it shall be punished as illegal entry, in the case of a player under Rule 4 :6 and 16 :3a , and in the case of a  team official under Rules 4 :2, 16 :1c, 16 :3d and 16 :6a.  A person who has been permitted  to enter the court but, instead of assisting the injured player, gives instructions to players, approaches opponents or referees etc., shall be considered guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct  (16 :1c, 16 :3c-d and 16 :6a).

RULE 5 - The Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is allowed to:

5:1
Touch the ball with any part of his body while in the act of defense inside the goal area 

5:2      
Move with the ball inside the goal area, without being subject to the restrictions applying to court players (7:2-4, 7:7); the goalkeeper is not allowed, however, to delay the execution of the goalkeeper- throw (6:4-5, 12:2 and 15:5b);

5:3      
Leave the goal area without the ball and participate in the game in the playing area ; when doing so, the goalkeeper becomes subject to the rules applying to players in the playing area ;

The goalkeeper is considered to have left the goal area as soon as any part of the body touches the floor outside the goal-area line.

5:4      
To leave the goal area with the ball and play it again in the playing area if he has not managed to control it.

The goalkeeper is not allowed to:

5:5
Endanger the opponent while in the act of defense (8:2, 8:5);

5:6      
Leave the goal area with the ball under control ;  this leads to a free-throw (according to 6:1, 13:1a and 15:7, 3rd paragraph), if the referees had whistled for the execution of the goalkeeper-throw;  otherwise the goalkeeper- throw is simply repeated (15 :7, 2nd paragraph); see, however, the advantage interpretation in 15 :7, if the goalkeeper were to lose the ball outside the goal-area after having crossed the line with the ball in his hand);

5:7      
Touch the ball when it is stationary or rolling on the floor outside the goal area, while he is inside the goal area (6:1,13:1a);

5:8
Take the ball into the goal area when it is stationary or rolling on the floor outside the goal area (6:1, 13:1a);

5:9
Re-enter the goal area from the playing area with the ball (6:1, 13:1a);

5:10
Touch the ball with the foot or the leg below the knee, when it is stationary on the floor in the goal area or moving out towards the playing area (13:1a);

5:11
Cross the goalkeeper’s restraining line (4-meter line) or its projection on either side, before the ball has left the hand of the opponent who is executing a 7-meter throw (14:9).

Comment:
As long as the goalkeeper keeps one foot on the floor on or behind the restraining line (4-meter line), he is permitted to move the other foot or any other part of his body out over the line in the air.


RULE 6 - The Goal Area

6:1
Only the goalkeeper is allowed to enter the goal area (see, however, 6:3). The goal area, which includes the goal-area line, is considered entered when a court player touches it with any part of the body.

6:2
When a court player enters the goal area, the decisions shall be as follows:

a) goalkeeper-throw when a court player of the team in possession enters the goal-area in possession of the ball or enters without the ball but gains an advantage by doing so (12:1) ;
b) free-throw when a court player of the defending team enters the goal-area and gains an advantage, but without destroying a chance of scoring (13:1b); See also Clarification No. 5:1
c) 7-meter throw when a court player of the defending team enters the goal area and because of this destroys a clear chance of scoring (14:1a).
6:3
Entering the goal area is not penalized when:
a) a player enters the goal area after playing the ball, as long as this does not create a disadvantage for the opponents ;
b) a player from one of the teams enters the goal area without the ball and does not gain an advantage by doing so;

6:4
The ball is considered to be ‘out of play’ when the goalkeeper controls the ball with his hands in the goal area (12:1).  The ball must be put back into play through a goalkeeper-throw (12:2).

6:5
The ball remains in play, while it is rolling on the floor inside the goal area. It is in the possession of the goalkeeper’s team and only the goalkeeper may touch it. The goalkeeper may pick it up, which brings it out of play, and then put it back into play, in accordance with 6:4 and 12:1-2 (see, however, 6:7b). It leads to a free-throw (13:1a) if the ball is touched by a teammate of the goalkeeper while it is rolling (see, however, 14:1a, in conjunction with Clarification 8c), and the game is continued with a goalkeeper-throw (12:1 (iii) ) if it is touched by an opponent.

The ball is out of play, as soon as it is lying on the floor in goal area (12:1 (ii) ). It is in the possession of the goalkeeper’s team and only the goalkeeper may touch it. The goalkeeper must put it back into play in accordance with 6:4 and 12:2 (see, however, 6:7b). It remains a goalkeeper-throw if the ball is touched by any other player of either team (12:1 2nd paragraph, 13:3).

It is fully permitted to touch the ball when it is in the air over the goal area.

6:6      
Play shall continue (through a goalkeeper-throw according to 6:4-5) if a player of the defending team touches the ball when in the act of defense, and the ball is caught by the goalkeeper or comes to rest in the goal area.

6:7
If a player plays the ball into his own goal area, the decisions shall be as follows:

             a) goal if the ball enters the goal ;
            b) free-throw if the ball comes to a rest in the goal area, or if the goalkeeper touches the ball and it does not enter the goal (13:1a-b);
            c) throw-in if the ball goes out over the outer goal line (11:1) ;
            d) play continues if the ball passes through the goal area back into the playing area, without being touched by the goalkeeper.

6:8
A ball that returns from the goal area out into the playing area remains in play.  

 
RULE 7 – Playing the Ball, Passive Play

Playing the Ball
It is permitted to:

7:1
Throw, catch, stop, push or hit the ball, by using hands (open or closed), arms, head, torso, thighs, and knees;

7:2
Hold the ball for a maximum of 3 seconds, also when it is lying on the floor (13:1a);

7:3
Take a maximum of 3 steps with the ball (13:1a) ; one step is considered taken when:

a) a player who is standing with both feet on the floor lifts one foot and puts it down again, or moves one foot from one place to another ;
b) a player is touching the floor with one foot only, catches the ball and then touches the floor with the other foot;
c) a player after a jump touches the floor with one foot only, and then hops on the same foot or touches the floor with the other foot;
d) a player after a jump touches the floor with both feet simultaneously, and then lifts one foot and puts it down again, or moves one foot from one place to another.
Comment:
It counts as only one step if one foot is moved from one place to another, and then the other foot is dragged next to the first one.

7:4
While standing or running:

a) bounce the ball once and catch it again with one or both hands;
b) bounce the ball repeatedly with one hand (dribble), and then catch it or pick it up again with one or both hands;
c) roll the ball on the floor repeatedly with one hand, and then catch it or pick it up again with one or both hands.

As soon as the ball thereafter is held in one or both hands, it must be played within 3 seconds or after no more than 3 steps (13:1a).

The bouncing or dribbling is considered to have started when the player touches the ball with any part of his body and directs it towards the floor.

After the ball has touched another player or the goal, the player is allowed to tap the ball or bounce it and catch it again (see, however, 14:6).

7:5
Move the ball from one hand into the other one ; 

7:6
Play the ball while kneeling, sitting or lying on the floor ;  this means that is it permitted to execute a throw (for instance a free-throw), from such a position, if the requirements of Rule 15:1 are met, including the requirement of having a part of one foot in constant contact with the floor.

It is not permitted to:

7:7
After the ball has been controlled, to touch it more than once, unless it has touched the floor, another player, or the goal in the meantime (13:1a) ;  however, touching it more than once is not penalized, if the player is ‘fumbling’ the ball, i.e, failing to control it when trying to catch or stop it;

7:8
Touch the ball with a foot or leg below the knee, except when the ball has been thrown at the player by an opponent (13:1a-b);

7:9      
Play continues if the ball touches a referee on the court.

7:10
If a player with the ball moves outside the playing court with one or both feet (while the ball is still inside the court), for instance to get around a defending player, this shall lead to a free-throw for the opponents (13 :1a).

If a player from the team in possession takes up position outside the court without the ball, the referees shall indicate to the player that he must move into the court. If the player does not do so, or if the action is later repeated by the same team, there shall be a free-throw awarded to the opponents (13 :1a) without any further forewarning.  Such actions shall not lead to personal punishment under Rules 8 and 16.

Passive Play

7:11
It is not permitted to keep the ball in the team’s possession without making any recognizable attempt to attack or to shoot on goal.  Similarly, it is not allowed to delay repeatedly the execution of a throw-off, free-throw, throw-in, or goalkeeper-throw for one’s own team (see Clarification No. 4). This is regarded as passive play, which is to be penalized with a free-throw against the team in possession of the ball unless the passive tendency ceases (13:1a).

The free-throw is taken from the spot where the ball was when play was interrupted.

7:12
When a tendency to passive play is recognized, the forewarning signal (hand signal no. 18) is shown. This gives the team in possession of the ball the opportunity to change its way of attacking in order to avoid losing possession. If the way of attacking does not change after the forewarning signal has been shown, or no shot on goal is taken, then a free-throw is called against the team in possession (see Clarification No. 4).

In certain situations the referees can call a free throw against the team in possession also without any prior forewarning signal, e.g. when a player intentionally refrains from trying to utilize a clear scoring chance. 

RULE 8 - Fouls and Unsportsmanlike Conduct

It is permitted to:

8:1
a) use arms and hands to block or gain possession of the ball;
b) use an open hand to play the ball away from the opponent from any direction
c) use the body to obstruct an opponent, even when the opponent is not in possession of the ball ;
d) make body contact with an opponent, when facing him and with bent arms, and maintain this contact in order to monitor and follow the opponent.

It is not permitted to:

8:2
            a) pull or hit the ball out of the hands of an opponent;
            b) block or force away an opponent with arms, hands or legs;
            c) restrain or hold (body or uniform), push, run or jump into an opponent;
            d) endanger an opponent (with or without the ball).

8:3
Violations of Rule 8:2 may occur in the struggle for the ball; however, violations where the action is mainly or exclusively directed at the opponent and not at the ball, are to be punished ‘progressively’.

This means that, in addition to a free-throw or 7-meter throw, there is also a need for a personal punishment, beginning with a warning (16:1b), followed by increasingly severe punishments,  such as suspensions (16:3b) and disqualifications (16:6f).             
(Unsportsmanlike conduct is also to be punished progressively, under 16 :1c, 16 :3c and 16 :6f).

As indicated in Rule 16:3 Comment, however, the referees have the right to determine that a particular violation warrants an immediate 2-minute suspension, even if the player did not previously have a warning. 

8:4
Physical and verbal expressions that are incompatible with the spirit of good sportsmanship are regarded as constituting unsportsmanlike conduct (for example see Clarification No. 5). This applies to both players and team officials on or off the playing court. Progressive punishment also applies in the case of unsportsmanlike conduct (16:1c, 16:3c-d and 16:6a). 

8:5
A player who endangers the opponent's health when attacking him, shall be disqualified (16:6b) particularly if he:

a) from the side or from behind, either strikes or pulls back the throwing arm of a player who is in the process of throwing or passing the ball;
b) takes any action resulting in the opponent being struck on the head or neck;
c) deliberately hits the body of an opponent with his foot or knee or in any other way ; this includes tripping;
d) pushes an opponent who is running or jumping, or attacks him in such a way that the opponent loses control of his body ; this also applies when a goalkeeper leaves his goal area in connection with a counter-attack from the opponents;
e) hits a defending player in the head with a free-throw taken as a direct shot on goal, assuming that the defending player was not moving ; or similarly, hits the goalkeeper in the head with a 7-meter throw, assuming that the goalkeeper was not moving.

Comment:
Even a foul with a very small physical impact can be very dangerous and have potentially very serious consequences, if the timing of the foul is such that the opponent is defenseless and caught unaware. It is the risk to the player and not the seemingly minor nature of the body contact that should be guiding in determining the appropriateness of a disqualification.

8:6      
Seriously unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official on or outside the court (for example see Clarification No. 6) shall be punished with disqualification (16:6c). 

8:7
A player who is guilty of assault during the playing time shall be excluded (16:9-11). Assault outside the playing time (see 16:13) leads to a disqualification (16:6d; 16:14b). A team official who is guilty of assault shall be disqualified (16:6e).

Comment:
Assault is, for the purposes of this rule, defined as a forceful and deliberate attack against the body of another person (player, referee, timekeeper/scorekeeper, team official, delegate, spectator, etc.). In other words, it is not simply a reflex action or the result of careless and excessive methods. Spitting on another person, so that the person is actually hit, is specifically regarded as assault.

8:8      
Violations of Rules 8:2-7 lead to a 7-meter throw for the opponents (14:1) if the violation directly, or indirectly because of the interruption it causes, destroys a clear chance of scoring for the opponents.

Otherwise the violation leads to a free-throw for the opponents (see 13:1a-b but see also 13:2 and 13:3).


RULE 9 - Scoring

9:1
A goal is scored when the entire ball has completely crossed the goal line (see diagram 4), provided that no violation of the rules has been committed by the thrower or another player or an official before or during the throw. The goal line referee confirms with two short whistle signals and hand signal no. 12 that a goal has been scored.

A goal shall be awarded if there is a violation of the rules by a defender but the ball still goes into the goal.

A goal cannot be awarded if a referee or the timekeeper has interrupted the game before the ball has completely crossed the goal line.

A goal shall be awarded to the opponents if a player plays the ball into his own goal, except in the situation where a goalkeeper is executing a goalkeeper-throw (12:2, 2nd paragraph).

Comment:
A goal shall be awarded if the ball is prevented from going into the goal by someone or something not participating in the game (spectators, etc.), and the referees are convinced that the ball would otherwise have entered the goal.

9:2
A goal that has been awarded can no longer be disallowed, once the referee has blown the whistle for the subsequent throw-off to be taken.  (See, however, Rule 2:9 Comment).

The referees must make clear (without a throw-off) that they have awarded a goal, if the signal for the end of a half sounds immediately after a goal is scored and before a throw-off can be taken.   

Comment:
A goal should be entered on the scoreboard as soon as it has been awarded by the referees.

9:3
The team that has scored more goals than the opponents is the winner. The game is tied if both teams have scored the same number of goals or no goals at all (see 2:2).

 
Diagram 4: Scoring


RULE  10 - The Throw-Off

10:1
At the start of the game, the throw-off is taken by the team that wins the coin toss and elects to start with the ball in its possession.

The opponents then have the right to choose ends. Alternatively, if the team that wins the coin toss prefers to choose ends, then the opponents take the throw-off.

The teams change ends for the second half of the game. The throw-off at the start of the second half is taken by the team that did not have the throw-off at the start of the game.

A new coin toss is undertaken prior to each overtime period, and all the above-stated regulations under Rule 10:1 also apply to overtime.  

10:2
After a goal has been scored play is resumed with a throw-off taken by the team that conceded the goal (see, however, 9:2, 2nd paragraph).

10:3
The throw-off is taken in any direction from the center of the court (with a tolerance sideways of about 1.5 meters). It is preceded by a whistle signal, following which it must be taken within 3 seconds (13:1a, 15:7 3rd paragraphs). The player taking the throw-off must take up a position  with at least one  foot on the center line, and the other foot behind the line (15 :6), and remain in this position until the ball has left his hand (13:1a, 15:7 3rd paragraph) (see also Clarification No. 7).

The teammates of the thrower are not allowed to cross the center line prior to the whistle signal (15:6).

10:4
For the throw-off at the start of each half (incl. any period of overtime), all players must be in their own half of the court.

However, for the throw-off after a goal has been scored, the opponents of the thrower are allowed to be in both halves of the court.

In both cases, however, the opponents must be at least 3 meters away from the player taking the throw-off (15:4, 15 :9, Clarification No. 5 :2b).


RULE 11 - The Throw-In

11:1
A throw-in is awarded when the ball has completely crossed the side line, or when a court player on the defending team was the last one to touch the ball before it crossed his team’s outer goal line.  It is also awarded when the ball has touched the ceiling or a fixture above the court.

11:2    
The throw-in is taken without whistle signal from the referees (see, however, 15:5b) by the opponents of the team whose player last touched the ball before it crossed the line or touched the ceiling or fixture.

11:3
The throw-in is taken from the spot where the ball crossed the side line or, if it crossed the outer goal line, from the intersection of the side line and the outer goal line on that side.  For a throw-in after the ball touched the ceiling or a fixture above the court, the throw-in is taken at the nearest point on the nearest side line in relation to the spot where the ball touched the ceiling or fixture.

11:4
The thrower must stand with a foot on the side line (15 :6) and remain in a correct position until the ball has left his hand (15 :7 2nd  and 3rd paragraph, 13 :1a). There is no limitation for the placement of the second foot.

11:5
While the throw-in is being taken, the opponents may not be closer than 3 meters to the thrower (15 :4, 15 :9, Clarification No. 5 :2b)

They are, however, always allowed to stand immediately outside their goal-area line even if the distance between them and the thrower is less than 3 meters then.


RULE 12 - The Goalkeeper-Throw

12:1
A goalkeeper-throw is awarded when:  (i) a player of the opposing team has entered the goal area in violation of Rule 6 :2a;  (ii) the goalkeeper has controlled the ball in the goal area, or the ball is stationary on the floor in the goal area (6:4-5); (iii) a player of the opposing team has touched the ball when it is rolling on the floor in the goal area (6:5 - 1st paragraph) ; or (iv) when the ball has crossed the outer goal line, after having been touched last by the goalkeeper or a player of the opposing team.

This means that in all these situations the ball is considered out of play, and that the game is resumed with a goalkeeper-throw (13 :3) if there is a violation after a goalkeeper-throw has been awarded and before it has been executed.

12:2    
The goalkeeper-throw is taken by the goalkeeper without whistle signal from the referee (see, however, 15:5b), from the goal area out over the goal area line.

The goalkeeper-throw is considered to have been taken, when the ball thrown by the goalkeeper has completely crossed the goal-area line.

The players of the other team are allowed to be immediately outside the goal-area line, but they are not allowed to touch the ball until it has completely crossed the line (15:4, 15:9,   Clarification No. 5:2b).
 

RULE 13 - Free-Throw

Free-Throw Decision

13:1
In principle, the referees interrupt the game and have it restarted with a free-throw for the opponents when :

            a) the team in possession of the ball commits a violation of rules that must lead to a loss of possession (see 4:2-3, 4:5-6, 5:6-10, 6:5 - 1st paragraph, 6:7b, 7:2-4, 7:7-8, 7:10, 7:11, 8:8, 10:3, 11:4, 13:7, 14:4-7,  15:7 3rd paragraph, and 15 :8).
            b) the opponents commits a violation of rules that causes the team in possession of the ball to lose it (see 4:2-3, 4:5-6, 5:5, 6:2b, 6:7b, 7:8, 8:8).

13:2    
The referees should allow continuity in the game by refraining from interrupting the game prematurely with a free-throw decision. 

This means that, under Rule 13:1a, the referees should not call a free-throw if the defending team gains possession of the ball immediately after the violation committed by the attacking team.

Similarly, under Rule 13:1b, the referees should not intervene until and unless it is clear that the attacking team has lost possession of the ball or is unable to continue their attack, due to the violation committed by the defending team.

If a personal punishment is to be given because of rules violation, then the referees may decide to interrupt the game immediately, if this does not cause a disadvantage for the opponents of the team committing the violation. Otherwise the punishment should be delayed until the existing situation is over. 

Rule 13:2 does not apply in the case of infringements against Rules 4:2-3 or 4:5-6, where the game shall be interrupted immediately, normally through the intervention of the timekeeper.

13:3
If a violation that would normally lead to a free-throw under Rule 13:1 a-b takes place when the ball is out of play, then the game is restarted with the throw that corresponds to the reason for the existing interruption.

13:4
In addition to the situations indicated in Rule 13:1 a-b, a free-throw is also used as the way of restarting the game in certain situations where the game is interrupted (i.e. when the ball is in play), even though no violation of rules has occurred:

a) if one team is in possession of the ball at the time of the interruption, this team shall retain possession ;  
b) if neither team is in possession of the ball, then the team that last had possession shall be given possession again ;

The advantage rule under Rule 13:2 does not apply in the situations covered by Rule 13:4.   

13:5
If there is a free-throw decision against the team that is in possession of the ball when the referee whistles, then the player who has the ball at that moment must immediately drop it or put it down on the floor at the spot where he is (16:3e).

Free-Throw Execution

13:6
The free-throw is normally taken without any whistle signal from the referee (see, however, 15:5b) and, in principle, from the place where the infraction occurred. The following are exceptions to this principle:

In the situations described under 13:4 a-b, the free-throw is taken, after whistle signal, in principle from the place where the ball was at the time of the interruption.

If a referee or technical delegate (of the IHF or a continental/national federation) interrupts the game because of an infringement on the part of a player or team official of the defending team, and this results in a verbal caution or a personal punishment, then the free- throw should be taken from the place where the ball was when the game was interrupted, if this is a more favorable location than the position where the infringement took place.

The same exception as in the previous paragraph applies if a timekeeper interrupts the game because of violations under Rules 4:2-3 or 4:5-6.

As indicated in Rule 7:11, free-throws called because of passive play shall be taken from the place where the ball was when the game was interrupted.        

Notwithstanding the basic principles and procedures stated in the preceding paragraphs, a free-throw can never be taken inside the throwing team’s own goal area or inside the free-throw line of the opponents. In any situation where the location indicated by the one of the preceding paragraphs involves either one of these areas, the location for the execution must be moved to the nearest spot immediately outside the restricted area.

Comment:
If the correct position for the free-throw is at the free-throw line of the defending team, then the execution must take place essentially at the precise spot. However, the further away the location is from the defending team’s free-throw line, the more of a margin there is for allowing the free-throw to be taken a short distance away from the precise spot. This margin gradually increases up to 3 meters, which applies in the case of a free-throw taken from just outside the throwing team’s own goal area.

The margin just explained does not apply following a violation of Rule 13:5, if this violation is being punished in accordance with Clarification No. 5:3a. In such cases, the execution should always be from the precise spot where the violation has been committed.

13:7
Players of the throwing team must not touch or cross the free-throw line of the opponents before the free-throw has been taken . See also the special restriction under Rule 2:5.

The referees must correct the positions of players of the throwing team who are between the free-throw line and the goal-area line prior to the execution of the free-throw, if the incorrect positions have an influence on the game (15:3, 15 :6). The free-throw shall then be taken following a whistle signal (15:5b).  The same procedure applies (Rule 15:7, 2nd paragraph) if players of the throwing team enter the restricted area during the execution of the free-throw (before the ball has left the thrower’s hand), if the execution of the throw was not preceded by a whistle signal.

In the case where the execution of a free-throw has been authorized through a whistle signal, if players from the attacking team touch or cross the free-throw line before the ball has left the hand of the thrower, there shall be a free-throw awarded to the defending team (15 :7, 3rd paragraph; 13:1a).

13:8
When a free throw is being taken, the opponents must remain at a distance of at least 3 meters from the thrower. They are, however, allowed to stand immediately outside their goal-area line if the free-throw is being taken at their free-throw line.  Interference with the execution of the free-throw is penalized in accordance with Rule 15:9 and Clarification 5:2b.
 

RULE 14 - The 7-Meter Throw

7-Meter Decision

14:1
A 7-meter throw is awarded when:

a) a clear chance of scoring is illegally destroyed anywhere on the court by a player or a team official of the opposing team ; 
b) there is an unwarranted whistle signal at the time of a clear chance of scoring ;
c) a clear chance of scoring is destroyed through the interference of someone not participating in the game, for instance a spectator entering the court or stopping the players through a whistle signal (except when 9:1 Comment applies).  By analogy, this rule also applies in the case of a ‘force majeure’, such as a sudden electrical failure, that stops the game precisely during a clear chance of scoring.
                       
See Clarification No. 8 for the definition of clear chance of scoring

14:2    
If an attacking player retains full control of ball and body despite a violation as in Rule 14:1a, there is no reason to give a 7-meter throw, even if thereafter the player fails to utilize the clear scoring chance.

Whenever there is a potential 7-meter decision, the referees should always hold off on intervening until they can clearly determine if a 7-meter decision is indeed justified and necessary. If the attacking player scores a goal despite the illegal interference from the defenders, then there is obviously no reason to give a 7-meter throw.  Conversely, if it becomes apparent that the player really has lost ball or body control because of the violation, so that a clear chance no longer exists, then a 7-meter throw is to be given.

14:3    
When awarding a 7-meter throw the referees may give a time-out, but only if there is a substantial delay, for instance due to a substitution of the goalkeeper or the thrower, and a time-out decision would be in line with the principles and criteria stated in Clarification No. 2.

7-Meter Execution

14:4    
The 7-meter throw is to be taken as a shot on goal, within 3 seconds after a whistle signal from the referee (15:7, 3rd paragraph ; 13:1a).

14:5    
The player who is taking the 7-meter throw must take up a position behind the 7-meter line, not further away than 1 meter behind the line (15:1, 15:6).  After the whistle signal from the referee, the thrower must not touch or cross the 7-meter line before the ball has left his hand (15:7, 3rd paragraph; 13:1a). 

14:6
The ball must not be played again by the thrower or a teammate following the execution of a 7-meter throw, until it has touched an opponent or the goal (15:7, 3rd paragraph; 13:1a).

14:7
When a 7-meter throw is being executed, the teammates of the thrower must position themselves outside the free-throw line, and remain there until the ball has left the thrower’s hand (15:3, 15:6). If they do not do so, a free-throw will be called against the team taking the 7-meter throw (15:7, 3rd paragraph; 13:1a).

14:8    
When a 7-meter throw is being executed, the players of the opposing team must remain outside the free-throw line and at least 3 meters away from the 7-meter line, until the ball has left the thrower’s hand. If they do not do so, the 7-meter throw will be retaken if it does not result in a goal, but there is no personal punishment.

14:9    
The 7-meter throw is to be retaken, unless a goal is scored, if the goalkeeper crosses his restraining line, i.e. the 4-meter line (1:7, 5:11), before the ball has left the thrower’s hand.  However, it does not result in a personal punishment for the goalkeeper.

14:10  
It is not permitted to change goalkeepers once the thrower is ready to take the 7-meter throw, standing in the correct position with the ball in hand. Any attempt to make a substitution in this situation is to be penalized as unsportsmanlike conduct (8:4, 16:1c and 16:3c).

 

RULE 15 - General Instructions for the Execution of the Throws (Throw-Off, Throw-In, Goalkeeper-Throw,Free-Throw and 7-Meter Throw)

The Thrower

15:1
Prior to the execution, the thrower must be in the correct position prescribed for the throw. The ball must be in the hand of the thrower (15:6)

During the execution, except in the case of the goalkeeper-throw, the thrower must have one part of a foot in constant contact with the floor until the ball is released.  The other foot may be lifted and put down repeatedly.  (See also Rule 7:6).  The thrower must remain in the correct position until the throw has been executed. (15:7, 2nd and 3rd paragraph)

15:2    
A throw is considered taken when the ball has left the hand of the thrower (see, however, 12:2).

The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player or the goal.  (15 :8).  See also further restrictions for situations under 14:6.

A goal may be scored directly from any throw, except that a direct ‘own goal’ cannot be scored through a goalkeeper-throw (i.e., by dropping the ball into one’s own goal).

The Teammates of the Thrower
15:3 
The teammates must take up the positions prescribed for the throw in question. (15 :6)

The players must remain in correct positions until the ball has left the hand of the thrower, except as under 10:3, 2nd paragraph.  The ball must not be touched by, or handed over to, a teammate during the execution. (15 :7, 2nd and 3rd paragraph)

The Defending Players

15:4    
The defending players must take up the positions prescribed for the throw and remain in correct position until the ball has left the hand of the thrower. (15 :9)

Incorrect positions on the part of the defending players in connection with the execution of a throw-off, throw-in, or free-throw must not be corrected by the referees if the attacking players are not at a disadvantage by taking the throw immediately. If there is a disadvantage, then the positions are to be corrected.

Whistle Signal for the Restart

15:5    
The referee must blow the whistle for the restart:

            a) always in the case of a throw-off (10:3) or 7-meter throw (14:4) ;
            b) in the case of a throw-in, goalkeeper-throw or free-throw :
                        • for a restart after a time-out ;
                        • for a restart with a free-throw under Rule 13:4 ;
                        • when there has been a delay in the execution ;
                        • after a correction of the player positions ;
                        • after a verbal caution or a warning.

The referee may judge it appropriate, for the sake of clarity, to blow the whistle for the restart on any other occasion.

In principle, the referee shall not give the whistle signal for the restart unless and until the requirements for player positions under 15:1, 15:3 and 15:4 are met.  (See, however, 13:7 2nd paragraph and 15:4 2nd paragraph). If the referee blows his whistle for a throw to be taken, despite incorrect positions on the part of players, then those players are fully entitled to intervene.

After the whistle signal the thrower must play the ball within 3 seconds.

Sanctions

15:6    
Violations by the thrower or his teammates prior to the execution of a throw, i.e., typically in the form of incorrect positions or the touching of the ball by a teammate, shall lead to a correction.  (See, however, 13:7 2nd paragraph).

15:7    
The consequences of violations by the thrower or his teammates (15:1-3) during the execution of a throw depend primarily on whether the execution was preceded by a whistle signal for the restart.

In principle, any violation during an execution that was not preceded by a restart signal is to be handled through a correction and a retaking of the throw.  However, an advantage concept, in analogy with Rule 13 :2, applies here.  If the thrower’s team immediately loses possession after an incorrect execution, then the throw is simply considered to have been executed and play continues.

In principle, any violation during an execution after a restart signal is to be penalized. This applies, for instance, if the thrower jumps during the execution, holds on to the ball for more than 3 seconds, or moves out of the correct position before the ball has left his hand.  It applies if the teammates move into illegal positions after the whistle signal but before the ball has left the thrower’s hands (Note 10:3, 2nd paragraph).  In such cases, the initial throw is forfeited, and the opponents are awarded a free-throw (13:1a) from the place of the infraction (see, however, Rule 2:6).  The advantage provision under Rule 13:2 does apply, i.e., if the thrower’s team loses possession of the ball before the referees have an opportunity to intervene, play continues.

15:8    
In principle, any violation immediately following, but related to, the execution is to be penalized.  This refers to a violation of 15:2, 2nd paragraph, i.e., the thrower touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player or the goal. It can take the form of a dribble, or grabbing the ball again after it is in the air or has been put down on the floor. This is sanctioned with a free-throw (13:1a) for the opponents.  As in the case of 15:7 - 3rd paragraph, the advantage provision applies. 

15:9    
Except as indicated in Rules 14 :8, 14 :9, 15 :4 2nd paragraph and 15 :5  3rd paragraph, defending players who interfere with the execution of a throw for the opponents, for instance by not taking up a correct position initially or by moving into an incorrect position subsequently, shall be penalized.  This applies regardless of whether it happens prior to the execution or during the execution (before the ball has left the thrower’s hand). It also applies whether the throw was preceded by a whistle signal for the restart or not. Clarification No. 5:2b applies, in conjunction with Rules 16:1c and 16:3c.  A throw that was negatively affected by a defender’s interference shall, in principle, be repeated.


RULE 16 - The Punishments

Warning

16:1    
A warning can be given for:

            a)fouls and similar infractions against an opponent (5:5 and 8:2), which do not fall under the category of punished progressively in Rule 8:3 ;

A warning shall be given for:

            b) such fouls which are to be punished progressively (8:3) ;
            c) unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or team official (8:4; Clarification No. 5 :1-2)

Comment:
An individual player should not be given more than one warning, and a team should not be given more than 3 warnings; thereafter, the punishment should be at least a 2-minute suspension;

A player who has already had a 2-minute suspension should not subsequently be given a warning.

No more than one warning in total should be given to the officials of a team.

16:2
The referee shall indicate the warning to the guilty player or official and to the timekeeper/scorekeeper by holding up a yellow card. (hand signal no. 13).

Suspension

16:3
A suspension (2 minutes) shall be given:

a) for a faulty substitution, if an additional player enters the court, or if a player illegally interferes with the game from the substitution area (4:5-6) ;
       b) for repeated fouls of the type that they are to be punished progressively (see 8:3; 16 :1 Comment);
c) for repeated unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, on the court or outside the court (see 8:4; 16 :1 Comment);
d) for unsportsmanlike conduct by any one of the officials of a team, after one of them has previously received a warning in accordance with 8 :4 and 16 :1c;  see Rule 16:1 Comment ;
e) for  unsportsmanlike conduct of a type that is judged to warrant a 2-minute suspension on each occasion (8 :4 ;  Clarification No. 5:3) ;  see also Rule 16 :3 Comments;
f) as a consequence of a disqualification of a player or team official (16:8, 2nd paragraph ; see, however, 16 :14b);
g) for unsportsmanlike conduct by a player before the game has been restarted, after he has just been given a 2-minute suspension (16:12a).

Comments:
It is indicated in b), c) and d), that the suspension in those cases is generally intended for cases of repeated fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct.  However, the referees have the right to determine that a particular violation warrants an immediate suspension, even if the player did not previously have a warning and the team did not yet have a total of three warnings.

Similarly, a team official may be given a suspension even if the officials of that team did not previously have a warning.  It is not possible, however, to give the officials of a team more than one 2-minute suspension in total.

When a 2-minute suspension is called against a team official in accordance with 16:3d, the official is allowed to remain in the substitution area and carry out his functions, however, the team’s strength on the court is reduced for 2 minutes.

16:4    
After calling time-out the referee shall clearly indicate the suspension to the guilty player and to the timekeeper/scorekeeper through the prescribed hand signal, i.e. one arm raised with two fingers extended (hand signal no. 14).

16:5
A suspension is always for a playing time of 2 minutes ; the third suspension for the same player also always leads to a disqualification (16:6f).

The suspended player is not allowed to participate in the game during his suspension time, and the team is not allowed to replace him on the court.

The suspension period begins when play is restarted with a whistle signal.

A 2-minute suspension carries over to the second half of the game if it has not been completed by the end of the first half. The same applies from the normal playing time to overtime and during overtime.  An unexpired 2-minute suspension at the end of overtime means that the player is not entitled to participate in a subsequent tie-breaker, such as 7-meter-throws in accordance with 2:2 Comment.

Disqualification

16:6
A disqualification shall be given:

a) for unsportsmanlike conduct by any one of the officials of a team, after they have previously received both a warning and a 2-minute suspension in accordance with 8 :4, 16 :1c and 16:3d;
b) for fouls which endanger the opponent’s health (8:5) ;
c) for seriously unsportsmanlike conduct by a player or a team official, on or outside the court (8:6 ; Clarification No. 6), and for the special case of significant or repeated unsportsmanlike conduct during a tie-breaker such as 7-meter throwing (2 :2 Comment and 16 :13) ;
d) for an assault by a player before the game or during a tie-breaking procedure (2:2 Comment, 8:7; 16:14b) ;