Handball Rules

👥 GAME FORMAT
Teams play 4 players total: 3 field players + 1 goalie
A minimum of 1 gender must be on the field at all times (goalie excluded)
Substitutions are on-the-fly
Goalies may only be substituted during a stoppage in play

⏱️ GAME FORMAT
Two 30-minute halves (running time)
Game begins with one team in possession
Possession switches at halftime

🤾 HOW TO PLAY
Hands and arms only ✋
No kicking
Players may take up to 3 steps while holding the ball
Players may dribble once, then take up to 3 additional steps
Players must pass or shoot within 5 seconds of receiving the ball

🧱 WALLS & OUT OF BOUNDS
Walls are out
Ball contacting a wall or ceiling = turnover
Defensive team gains possession
Play restarts with a pass-in from the nearest spot

🥅 SCORING
Goal = 1 point
Rebounds are allowed

🔄 RESTARTS & POSSESSION
After a goal, play restarts with the goalie in possession
If a shot or pass is deflected by the goalie or a defender and hits the back wall
Defensive team retains possession
Play restarts with the goalie

🚫 CONTACT
No contact of any kind
No pushing
No grabbing
No body checking
No hitting arms, holding, tripping, or wrapping up an opponent
Defenders may only block shots or passes with:
Arms straight up or directly to their sides (like a jumping jack)
No reaching in to grab the ball
No kicking the ball (except by the goalie while making a save)
Penalty: Play stops and possession is awarded to the opposing team

🎯 GOAL CREASE & SHOOTING
Players may not enter the goal crease
Shooters may jump into the crease, but:
The ball must be released before either foot touches the crease
The shot must clearly be released while airborne
If there is any doubt:
Goal does not count
Possession goes to the goalie

🧤 GOALIE RULES
1 goalie per team
Goalies may use hands, arms, legs, and body
Goalies must remain in the crease

🧠 OFFICIATING
Games are self-officiated
Team captains are responsible for:
Managing team conduct
Calling fouls honestly
Ongoing issues with sportsmanship or missed calls should be reported to the SMS Lead