The rules

The rules of Five-a-side Handball take their starting point in the traditional handball rules with 10 amendments that you will quickly learn. The game has no referees, so the players are responsible for a fair game. You can choose a game counselor at the start, so she/he has the last word if situations of doubt occur.

• A Five-a-side Handball game is played on a short court 26 x 20 meters.
• The game is played with the soft Five-a-side Handball.
• Five players from each team are allowed on the court. A team is recommended to consist of 5-8 
players.
• The defense play is executed by conquering the ball in between passes or by screening the offense 
players with body and arms. There are no regular tackles or hard physical contact allowed in Five-a- 
side Handball.
• The goalkeeper can participate in the offense and is not carrying any visible indications of being the 
goalkeeper – any player can take the place in the goal while defending.
• Each team have a side line from where they can replace players during the game.
• The game starts from the goal after each score. The game counselor can whistle when a goal 
occurs, and the game goes on.
• The goalkeeper may not attempt to score while standing in her/his own team’s goal area.
• The game starts by a throw-off in the center of the court with to players from each team competing 
for the ball.
• The duration of the game is 8-12 minutes without half time.
• The duration of the game depends on 
the players physique and inclinations to play; as well as the gym-hours and numbers of players.