Rule 1 - The Playing Court

1:1

The playing court is a 40 meters long and 20 meters wide rectangle, consisting of two goal areas and a playing area. The longer boundary lines are called side lines, and the shorter ones are referred to as goal lines (between the goal posts) or "outer goal lines" (on either side of the goal). The condition of the playing court must not be altered in such a way that one team gains an advantage.

Note:

Surrounding the playing court there should be a safety zone, at least 1 meter wide along the side lines and 2 meters wide behind the outer goal lines.

Diagram 1 - Handball Court

1:2

A goal is placed in the centre of each goal line. The goals must be firmly attached to the floor. They have an interior height of 2 meters and a width of 3 meters, (except in mini-handball where the height is 1.60 meter and the width 3 meters). The goal posts are joined by a horizontal crossbar. The rear side of the goal posts shall be in line with the rear edge of the goal line. The goal posts and the crossbar must have a 8 cm square cross section and consist of a uniform material (e.g., wood, light metal, or synthetic material). On the three sides which are visible from the court they must be painted in bands of two colors which also contrast clearly with the background. The goal posts and the crossbar shall be painted in the same color where they join. This color shall extend for 28 cm in each direction. All other rectangles of color shall be 20 cm long. The goals must have a net, attached in such a way that a ball thrown into the goal cannot immediately rebound out of it.

Diagram 2 - The Goal

1:3

The goal area is defined by the goal-area line, which is drawn as follows:

1. a 3 meters long line in front of the goal, parallel to, and 6 meters away from, the goal line; and
2. quarter-circles joining its ends to the goal line, each with a radius of 6 meters measured from the rear inner corner of the goal posts.

1:4

The free-throw line (9-meter line) is a broken line, where both the segments and the spaces between them measure 15 cm. The line is drawn 3 meters outside, and parallel to, the goal-area line.

1:5

The 7-meter line is 1 meter long. It is parallel to, and 7 meters away from the rear edge of, the goal line, right in front of the goal.

1:6

The goalkeeper's restraining line (the 4-meter line) is 15 cm long. It is parallel to, and 4 meters away from the rear edge of, the goal line, right in front of the goal.

1:7

The center line connects the midpoints of the two side lines.

1:8

Each of the two substitution lines is limited at a distance of 4.5 meters from the center line by a line which is parallel to the center line and extends 15 cm into the court. As guidance to the teams, these lines also extend 15 cm outside the court.

1:9

All lines on the court are part of the area which they enclose. They shall be 5 cm wide (except as in 1:10) and shall always be clearly visible.

1:10

The goal lines shall be 8 cm wide between the goalposts, so that they match the width of the posts.

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 sideline than the benches, but at least 50 cm outside the sideline.

Diagram 3 - Substitution Area and equipment

Contents of IHF Rules === 2. The Playing Time