Handball Rule Updates

Hello Handballers! Brace yourselves for an incredibly technical, but incredibly necessary, headline about our favourite part of any game; the rules! 

After our inaugural season in Fall 2015, the Handball rules have been restructured to include more detail and clarity for our players (that’s you!). These updates include major rule changes in regards to the 3 step/3 second rule as well as violations and fouls, so pay attention. 

Ball Possession: 

• Once in possession of the ball, a player may stand stationary for only 3 seconds, and may take only 3 steps (pivot steps included). They must then shoot, pass, or dribble the ball. 
  • A player may dribble the ball as many times as they want (and move up the court as many steps as they wish) as long as during the dribble only one hand contacts the top of the ball.
  • After a dribble is picked up (ball touched with two hands) the player has the right to another 3 seconds or 3 steps. The ball must then be passed or shot, as further holding the ball or attempting to dribble again would be considered a double-dribble.
  • A ball that is lost, knocked away or stolen during a dribble will be a dead ball, and possession changes at the point of the dead ball. This includes if a defender interferes and causes a legal turnover during the dribble.
• A throw-in is awarded when the ball goes out of bounds. Possession will be awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last prior to the ball going out of bounds.
  • A throw-in is taken from the spot that the ball went out of bounds (side walls), or from the closest corner if the ball crossed the end line.
  • If the ball goes off the goalie or crossbar and stays in play, the rebound is live and the offensive team may attempt to retain possession, however, offensive players still cannot enter the crease area. 

Violations and Fouls:

• Violations and Fouls in ESSC Handball result in a loss of possession. The other team will receive a free-throw from the exact spot of the infraction. A goal cannot be scored from a free-throw. All free-throws are indirect and the offensive team must pass the ball before shooting.
• If a foul takes away a clear scoring chance, a penalty shot will be awarded.

Misc. Updates:

• Handball goalies are permitted to wear protective gloves if they so desire.
• “Stick-um” (or any form of this product) is NOT ALLOWED. This is actually a rule set in place by our facilities as this product tends to leave marks and scuffs on both the walls and floors of our gyms.

Want to learn more? Click here to view our full Handball rulebook or here to view our Handball cheat sheet.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these rule changes, please contact the office by emailing info@edmontonsportsclub.com.

Have fun out there!