During its XXXVIII Ordinary Congress held on November 6, 2021 by videoconference, the International Handball Federation had announced the modification of the rules of indoor handball. These modifications concerned 4 important points: 

1. Addition of the new resin-free handball following the amendments of the IHF Ball Regulations as decided by the IHF Council on 1 July 2019, to offer the possibility to use the new resin-free handball in official IHF matches (please refer to Rule 3:2).

2. Passive play – reduction of the maximum number of passes after the forewarning signal from 6 to 4 passes, aiming to make the game more attractive (please refer to Rule 7:12, and Clarification 4).

3. Hitting the goalkeeper in the head with the ball in open play situations to be considered as unsportsmanlike conduct warranting an immediate 2-minute suspension, aiming to protect the health of the goalkeepers (please refer to Rule 8:8).

4. Introduction of a throw-off area (circle with a diameter of 4 meters) in the middle of the centre line, aiming to facilitate the flow of the game and the referees’ observation (please refer to Rules 1:9, 10:5, 15, and Clarification 5).

The new rules will be effective from July 1st and will be applied during the 25th Africa Nations Cup for Men 2022.

Find below the complete documents:

IHF_Rule_Interpretation_New_Rules_E

Rules of the Game_Indoor Handball_E