The Rules of Korfball

(Published July 2025) – *Video examples prior to the duo referreing system (to be updated)

Korfball is a sport played by hand within a rectangular field of play whereby two mixed teams try to shoot a ball into the korf (basket) of the opposite team. The sport’s main characteristics encompass all-round skills, cooperative play, controlled physical contact, gender equality, players’ right to protected ball possession and scoring from 360° around the korf.

* The following rules are the normal rules used in adult matches, in particular, IKF Tournaments and Friendly International Matches. However, certain rules may be adapted to suit different competitions and local circumstances.

0. DEFINITION AND INTRODUCTION

DEFINITION AND INTRODUCTION

The rules as published here are the official Korfball rules. These rules shall be used in full, without making use of any “exceptions”, in all senior national top leagues and national championships or cups, in Friendly International Matches and in IKF Official, patronaged, and recognised events. Deviations from these rules need to be officially reported to the International Korfball Federation before the start of the league season, match or match series, or event. Any deviation that is not officially reported to the IKF shall be considered a breach of the IKF Regulations. If the deviation constitutes an official experiment, prior permission needs to be obtained from the IKF Playing Rules Committee.

In lower level and youth competitions, certain rules may be adapted to suit different competitions and local circumstances, according to “The Rules of Korfball – Exceptions and Recommendations for Competition Regulations”.

Whenever exceptions or recommendations where Competition Regulations (“CR”) may change or adapt the requirements of the main rules of korfball, it is described in “The Rules of Korfball – Exceptions and Recommendations for Competition Regulations”.

Within The Rules of Korfball various words and phrases are used that are integral to the rules. Definitions of these words and phrases are given in the glossary.

This document is organised with the following structure:

(i) description of the rule or regulation;
(ii) conditions to apply the rule;
(iii) examples of the rule application, if necessary.

The blue text under each rule is the guidance note to assist with the control of the game where:
(i) is described examples where the rule cannot be applied (if necessary);
(ii) more detailed explanations are given.

GLOSSARY

Whenever the word “he” is used it should be understood that this could be “she”.

Actually trying to block the ball:
The conscious use of the arms and/or hands in an admissible manner to prevent a ball being thrown or shot.

Arm’s length:
The length of the arm (of defenders) measured in each position (vertical, bent, whilst standing on the floor or having jumped up) to their opponent. This size is used (measured from the defenders in their position to the torso of the attackers) as one of the four conditions to decide a shot must be defended.

Beating the Ball:
Movement of an arm quickly towards the ball in such a way that contact takes place with the ball before it has left the opponent’s hands

Contact (controlled):
Admissible manner of contact between players leading to neither player gaining an advantage over the other.

Contact (uncontrolled):
Inadmissible manner of contact between players leading to one player gaining an unfair advantage over the other.

CR:
Whenever the Initials “CR” are used it should be understood that this could be “match regulation” or “competition regulations”.

Female or male player (women or man):
Refer to the IKF Gender Policy for the definition of a female player or a male player.

Hindering:
Admissible manner of preventing the throwing or catching of the ball by an opponent.

Holding off:
Admissible manner of using the body when maintaining or occupying a position, when the use of the body is made in such a manner that the opponent can prevent a collision.

Korf:
Basket.

Obstacle free zone:
The zone belonging to the playing area called “border area” where no obstacles (something which hinders; something which obstructs, holds back or causes problems) are allowed.

Passive Hindering:
Passive hindering is where the opponent prevents the ball from being brought quickly into play by standing within an arm’s distance in front of the taker but not hindering the throw by any movement of the arms or body.

Pivot foot:
The standing foot that a player must keep in place whilst moving their other leg or turning around their body.

Playing in a dangerous manner:
Manner of playing which is dangerous to another player.

Protected ball possession:
Whenever a player has reasonable control of the ball by holding it with one or two hands or letting the ball rest on the palm(s) of their hand(s) or in their fingers, and no opponent can take it away.

Scoring chance:
Shooting chance with a reasonable to great possibility to score.

Shooting chance:

Chance to shoot from a free position.

They/Them/Theirs

Whenever the words “they/them/theirs” is used this could be “he/him/his” or “she/her/hers”.

1. FIELD

1 FIELD

1.1 Playing area

The playing area shall be deemed to be the field of play together with its border area, the benches area, the substitution spots and the jury table (see diagram 1).

Diagram 1 – Playing Area

1.2 Field of play

The dimensions of the field of play are 40 x 20 m, divided into two equal zones by a centre line parallel to the ends of the field (see diagram 1).

The free height must be at least 7 m and the floor has to be even, dust-free and non-slippery.

1.3 Boundary lines

The field of play shall be limited by the boundary lines consisting of the endlines, the sidelines and the centre line, marked out by clearly visible lines, 3.0 – 5.0 cm wide (see diagram 1).

The field of play can also be marked by tape, 3.0 – 5.0 cm wide, stuck to the floor.

1.4 Penalty spot

A line about 15.0 cm by 5.0 cm is marked in front of each post as seen from the centre of the field (see diagram 1, 2 & 3).

The edge of the spot furthest from the post must be 2.50 m from the front of the post.

1.5 Penalty area

An area marked on the field around each post, of 2.50 m, in all directions, from the penalty spot, the post and any point on the imaginary line between the spot and the post (see diagram 1 & 2).

This area may be marked by either a solid colour contrasting from the other lines and surface of the field or by lines fixed on the ground showing the limits of the area.

Diagram 2 – Penalty Area

1.6 Free pass area

A circle of 2.50 m radius measured from the centre of the penalty spot and at the edge of the penalty spot that is furthest from the post (see diagram 1 & 3).

This area may be marked by either a solid colour contrasting from the other lines and surface of the field or by lines fixed on the ground showing the limits of the area.

Diagram 3 – Free Pass Area

1.7 Border area

The border area is at least 1 m wide and surrounds the field of play. It must be kept free from obstacles (see diagram 1).

1.8 Bench area

Two benches shall be placed outside the border area, near one of the sidelines, one on each side of the jury table (see diagram 1).

1.9 Substitution spot

A rectangle 90 cm by 60 cm or a circle with 90 cm diameter marked on the floor outside the border area, between the end of each team bench and the jury table (see diagram 1).

2. MATERIAL

2 MATERIAL

2.1 Posts

Posts with an external diameter of 4.5 – 8.0 cm are fixed perpendicularly in the ground in both zones at a point situated midway between the two sidelines and one-sixth of the length of the field of play from the endline (see diagram 1).

The posts should be round and can have squared ends to facilitate connection to the korf or the bases. It may consist of metal tubing or synthetic material. If synthetic material is to be used, the behaviour of this material must resemble that of metal tubing.

When it is not possible to fix the post into the floor, the post may be fixed to a sufficiently heavy large metal base plate as long as it complies with the following requirements:

it is completely flat;
has a maximum thickness of 1.0 cm;
the connection of the post must be such that the players cannot trip over it or be injured by it while passing or falling near it;
cross-connections to the base are not permitted;
an attempt must be made to maintain the stability of the post, e.g. fixing the base to the floor using tape.

2.2 Korfs

An IKF approved synthetic korf is fitted to each post.

The korf must:

be cylindrical without a bottom;
Have its top edge at 3.50 m above the ground and parallel to it;
be similar in a strong contrasting yellow colour;
be facing the centre of the field.

The dimensions of the korf are:

23.5 – 25.0 cm high;
39.0 – 41.0 cm inner diameter on the top edge;
40.0 – 42.0 cm inner diameter on the bottom side;
2.0 – 3.0 cm top edge rim width.

The method of fixing the korfs to the post must satisfy the following conditions:

no movement of the korf with respect to the post is permitted;
the post must not protrude above the korf.

For more details see the IKF Korf Regulations.

2.3 Ball

Korfball is played with a round number 5 ball of a type that has been approved by the IKF. Its circumference should be 68.0 – 70.5 cm and the weight of the ball must be in the range 445 g to 475 g inclusive.

The ball must be inflated to the prescribed pressure indicated on it so that when it is dropped onto the playing surface from a height of about 1.80 m, measured from the bottom of the ball, it should rebound to a height of between 1.10 m and 1.30 m, measured to the top of the ball.

The ball shall have a printed pattern of at least two colours. This pattern must be so symmetrical that the ball, whilst turning, does not lose the visual effect of being round.

For more details see the IKF Ball Regulations.

3. EQUIPMENT

3 EQUIPMENT

3.1 Jury table

Is placed outside the border area near the same sideline as the bench areas and in front of the centre line (see diagram 1).

The shot clock, time display and score displays’ control panels are placed on the jury table.

3.2 Time clock

A time clock consists of a time display and a sound signal buzzer. It must be placed outside the border area or above the playing area in a spot clearly visible from the jury table, the bench area and spectators.

The sound signal shall be sufficiently powerful to be easily heard in the most adverse or noisy conditions.

3.3 Shot clock

Shot clocks should be placed outside the border area at a height of at least 0.90 m in a clearly visible spot near to the centre of both endlines (see diagram 1).

The sound signal shall be sufficiently powerful to be easily heard in the most adverse or noisy conditions.

3.4 Scoreboard

A scoreboard consists of a score display. It must be placed outside the border area or above the playing area in a spot clearly visible from the jury table, the bench area and spectators.

4. PERSONS

4 PERSONS

4.1 Players

The players of each team must:

be dressed in numbered matching sports outfit sports outfit that is sufficiently different from that of the other team;
use appropriate sports footwear;
not wear any objects that might be considered dangerous, unless they are taped or fixed in a way that they are no longer dangerous;
have closely cut and smooth fingernails.

Examples of dangerous objects include: rimless glasses, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, wristwatches and rings.

Because it is a mixed sport, slight differences between mens and womens clothes are allowed on the same team outfits as long as they look similar and the same colour.

4.2 Substitute players

The maximum number of substitute players is six (three males and three females) . They must remain seated on the bench during the match except to warm up prior to substitution.

4.3 Captain

One player of each team is the captain. They must be a player who starts the match and shall remain as captain of the team throughout the match. They can only give up their role if they no longer take part in the match due to injury or red card. In this case one of the other players must be designated as the captain.

The captain wears a clearly visible band or tape in a contrasting colour to their shirt on the upper part of the arm (or on sleeveless shirts on top of one shoulder). They represent the team and are responsible for the proper conduct of their players.

The captain has the right to draw the referee’s attention to anything they think desirable in the interest of the good progress of the match. Any approach must be made in a reasonable and correct manner in good faith and not too frequently. Misuse of this and/or criticism of the referees should be considered as misbehaviour (see 7.6).

In the absence of the team’s coach and assistant coach they take on the additional tasks of the coach.

4.4 Coach and assistant coach

Each team shall be accompanied by one coach who must sit on the bench allocated to the team. They are permitted to leave their place on the bench in a manner that will not disturb others, whilst remaining along the sideline where the teams’ benches are and outside the field of play, in order to

give instructions to the team’s players;
request and/or use a time-out (see 5.8);
request and execute a substitution (see 5.9).

Each team can also be accompanied by one assistant coach who must sit on the bench allocated to the team.

The assistant coach takes on the tasks of the coach only when the coach is no longer present.

At any given time during the match, only one of the coaches is permitted to leave the bench.

The coach is responsible for the actions and behaviour of other persons attached to the team seated on the bench.

The coach and the assistant coach are expected to make themselves known to the referee duo before the start of the match.

Entering the field of play without the permission of the referees or misuse of the right to leave their place in the bench should be considered as misbehaviour (see 7.6).

If they take part in the match as a player, they can no longer be considered to be a coach or assistant coach and the rights as a coach lapse.

If at any time there is no coach or assistant coach present the additional tasks named above go to the captain (see 4.3).

4.5 Other persons attached to the team

The maximum number of other persons attached to the team who are allowed to sit on the bench is four (4), in addition to the coach. They must all remain seated on the bench during the match, except the assistant coach and the team’s medical staff member, who is allowed to leave the bench to examine/treat an injured player and can enter the field of play, only with the permission of the referees.

4.6 Referee duo

The control of the game is an exclusive task of the referee duo. Both referees are equally empowered to execute this task. They must wear an outfit that is sufficiently different from the competing teams.

Their tasks are:

a) to decide the suitability of the hall, field of play, material and equipment

Before the match, the two referees ascertain that all conditions (according to 1, 2 & 3), satisfy the requirements and those conditions are maintained during the game. They must not tolerate noncompliance in this respect.

Dangerous obstacles in the hall or a very slippery floor are reasons to cancel the game.

The referees must be aware of their responsibility as regards to injuries and illnesses that the players might incur as a result of unfavourable conditions of the playing area. They can assume that the players are in good health.

b) to indicate the starting, stopping and restarting of the game

To start, stop or restart the game one of the referees blows their whistle.

They must start or restart the game as soon as the player taking the throw is ready and all the requirements (according to 7.3 d), 7.4 b) or 7.5 d)) are satisfied.

The referee duo must stop the game whenever:

action must be taken owing to changed circumstances such as ground, material or equipment (according to 1, 2 & 3);
a goal has been scored;
an infringement must be punished;
the end of each period occurs;
an unfair advantage occurs (according to 4.6 e);
a player is bleeding;
a player who falls and/or gets injured without contact, and not being able to stand up immediately, and stays in a position that poses an injury problem for themselves and/or others;
misbehaviour or interference by the public occurs;
both teams intentionally play passively in turns (see 6.9);
it is not possible to continue the match owing to changes in the line-up (according to 5.1)

c) to enforce the rules

The referee duo punishes infringements of the rules unless they choose to play on (according to 7.2).

They may punish any infringements of the rules at any time during the match, even when play has been stopped.

d) to use the official signals to clarify his decisions

As describe in the “Referee signals”.

After blowing to whistle for an infringement, the referees will normally first indicate whether it is a penalty, free pass or re-start and which was the non-offending team by signalling the direction. Following this, the signal for the type of infringement should be indicated.

e) to take action when one side obtains an unfair advantage from circumstances outside the game

After blowing their whistle to stop the game, the referees allow the players to get back to their position and give the ball to the team that should have had ball possession.

Examples of unfair advantage are:

a referee hinders a defender so that the attacker obtains a scoring chance;
the defender falls as a result of an accidental collision between attacker and defender when neither player has committed a foul. In these cases, the referees stop the game and allow the defender to take up their position;
a player is prevented from catching the ball because the public has crossed a boundary line. If, in the opinion of the referees, the player would normally have caught the ball, then the referee duo will give the ball to the player concerned.

f) to take action against misbehaviour

(according to 7.6).

This includes players, coaches, substitutes, other persons attached to the team.

g) to take action against interference by the public

When it appears necessary to the referee duo, they can let the public be warned, or they can cancel or terminate the match.

In the case of interference by the spectators, the referee duo will ask the captain to have this stopped. In the case of repetition, the referee duo may adjourn or terminate the match, as circumstances require.

h) check players for dangerous items

(according to 4.1).

4.7 Jury

The jury assists the referee duo in controlling the match protocol, rules and regulations.

The jury instructs and supervises the shot clock operator, timekeeper and scorer during the match.

After a time-out or substitution request, when the play has stopped, the jury should make an audible signal to advise the referees and use a sign to indicate whether a time-out or substitution has been requested and by which team.

The signal may not be any sound that could be misinterpreted as the sound of the referee’s whistle.

In a situation not covered by the protocol, rules and regulations the jury may advise the referees, who will take the decision regarding this situation.

4.8 Timekeeper

The timekeeper is responsible for the playing time and operates the time clock, according to 5.2.

4.9 Shot clock operator

The shot clock operator is responsible for controlling the 25 seconds time-limit in the attack zone and operates the shot clock, according to 6.16.

4.10 Scorekeeper

The scorekeeper is responsible for the game score and operates the scoreboard, according to 5.5.

5. THE GAME

5 THE GAME

5.1 Teams

From each team four (4) men and four (4) women are declared as the starting team, of whom two (2) of each gender are placed in each zone. The other players are listed as substitutes.

When one or both teams are incomplete, the game can only start, or be continued, if a line-up is possible that ensures that no zone has fewer than three players from each team and that these can be matched by gender (i.e. one female and two male players opposed by one male and two born female players is not possible).

If in case of injury or player sent off with red card, the number of players with a direct opponent is less than the minimum required and substitutes were not immediately available, the referees can permit and even order a change in the line-up, to comply with the conditions mentioned above.

If it is possible to satisfy the conditions in more than one way, then the referees decide after taking the advice of both coaches. They must try to avoid unfair advantage to one of the two sides and keep the number of changes as few as possible..

If a team has not fielded a player, or they are missing for good reasons, (e.g. injury or because the opposing side did not field a full team), then it always has the right to bring this player in but this counts as one of the maximum number of substitutions allowed. When both sides are incomplete then the captain of the away team must place their players in such a way that the number of players without a direct opponent is minimised.

5.2 Playing time

A match is played in two (2) halves of 25 minutes of real playing time and each half is divided in two (2) equal periods by a technical time-out of a one (1) minute break.

The time clock starts every time:

the referees blow their whistle for a throw off (see 5.7) at the start of each period of the game and after every goal for the team who has just conceded the goal;
the referees blow their whistle to restart the game except for a penalty to be taken, no matter the reason why it was stopped;
after a missed penalty – with the first touch of the ball by any player

The game clock stops every time:

time expires at the end of every period;
the referees blow their whistle for any reason when the game is being played;
a goal is scored for one of the teams.

When a game has ended in a draw a decision will be obtained by playing a golden goal period (see 5.3). The same conditions shall be applied as for the regular playing time.

5.3 Golden goal

When the game has ended in a draw, a decision is obtained by playing a golden goal period of ten minutes as described below:

the game must re-start after a 1-minute break;
the game re-starts with a throw off for the team who had the ball possession at the end of regular playing time;
both teams must attack to the same korf as at the end of the regular playing time;
same line-up must be maintained in the same zones as at the end of the regular playing time.

The match is finished immediately after one of the teams scores the first goal and the scoring team is declared the winner.

Substitutions are allowed at any time according to 5.9.

When the buzzer sounds to the end of the regular playing time, if:

the ball is in the air or no player has reasonable control of the ball, the ball possession is given to the team who was the last to have controlled ball possession;
the ball had left the hands of a shooting attacker, was on its way to the korf and this shot passes through the korf, a goal is awarded and if this goal equalises the score, the ball possession is given to the team who conceded the goal. A change of ends must happen when necessary according to 5.6.

Infringements that occur immediately before the sound of the buzzer for the end of regular playing time shall be considered and the ball possession must be attributed to the non-offending team

If there is no winning team at the end of the golden goal period, a penalty shoot out takes place as described below:

a toss is made immediately after the end of the golden goal period;
the winner of the toss chooses if it takes the first penalty or not and to which korf the penalties are taken;
the coaches of both teams inform the Jury about the sequence of players who will take the penalties and after this moment, no more substitutions are allowed;
series of penalties are taken using the “sudden death” system, where penalties are shot in the set sequence until one team has scored a goal more than the other has from the same number of penalty shots

The team who scores more penalties is declared the winner.

After the coach hands over the sequence of players to the Jury, the players are obliged to take the penalty in the set order. If for any reason a player does not take the penalty, it is considered to be a missed shot.

During the penalty shots only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play and all players, except the penalty taker, must remain behind the centre line.

5.4 Start of the game

The home team starts with the ball by a throw off (see 5.7) in the first half and chooses which korf it will attack. After half time break both teams change the ends where they attack, keeping the same line-up and the away team starts with the ball.

After the technical time-out between periods, the game restarts with a throw-off for the team who had the ball possession at the end of the previous period, with the same rules as the start of a Golden Goal period (see 5.3).

5.5 Goals

A goal is scored when the ball has, from above, completely passed through the korf and it has not first been thrown from underneath, has passed through the korf and then had fallen back again through the korf.

It is also a goal if it is sure that the ball would have fallen completely through the korf but a defender prevented it to happen by tapping it back from underneath.

Every goal adds one point to the score and it is credited to the team attacking in the zone into which korf the ball has entered.

The goal shall not be allowed when:

tthere was an infringement committed by the attacking team before the ball has gone through the korf;
the ball has fallen through the korf following a throw from the defence zone of the attacking team or directly from a throw off, free pass, or re-start:
the ball had left the hands of a shooting attacker after the whistle or signal for the end of any period of the game.

The team scoring the most goals wins the match.

When the score of both teams is equal after regular playing time a golden goal period must be played to find the winner.

5.6 Zone changes and changes of ends

Each time two goals have been scored the players change their zones and with this, the roles of the players change. Attackers become defenders and defenders become attackers.

There is no change of roles at half time, merely a change of ends.

5.7 Throw off

The throw off is taken by an attacker from a point inside their zone no more than 2m from the centre of the field with the same stipulations as for a re-start (see 7.3).

A throw off takes place:

at the start of each period of the match;
after every goal by the team who has just conceded the goal.

5.8 Time-out

The time-out is a one-minute break in the game, requested by one team’s coach.

Each team has the right to request two time-outs per match.

Procedure

The coach requests a time-out to the jury, at any time;
At the next stop of the game by the referee, the timekeeper makes an audible signal to notify the referees that a time-out has been requested;
The referees authorise it by doing the time-out signal (see referee signals);
After 50 seconds the referees blow their whistle to indicate that both teams have to retake their positions. The game should be restarted within 60 seconds of the start of the time-out;
After the time-out, the match is restarted on the spot and in the manner that it would have been restarted if no time-out had occurred.

If the referees are not aware of the buzzer and whistle too fast to restart the match, then the playing time will not restart and the timekeeper shall continue to sound the buzzer until the referees stop the match again. After the time-out, the match is restarted from the point and place at which the first buzzer was sounded by the timekeeper.

If the coach submits the time-out request when the game has already been stopped (throw off, treatment of injured players, infringement of the rules), but before the restart, the request will only be granted, if the request is made on time allowing the timekeeper and jury to communicate the request by an audible signal and showing the ‘time-out (T)’ sign before the game is restarted.

If the request by the coach doesn’t allow sufficient time, the time-out will be communicated to the referees at the next stop of the game and will be authorized by the referee. Treatment of an injured player on the field of play should be completed before a time-out can be given..

A time-out must be completed by the game restarting before any new time-out can be given.

During a time-out the coaches and the teams shall stay on, or in the immediate vicinity of, the bench allocated to each team.

5.9 Substitutions of players

Substitutions of players are only allowed during an interruption of the game.

A maximum of eight (8) substitutions are allowed per team.

Procedure

The substitute player must be ready in the substitution spot (see 1.9);
The coach requests the substitution to the jury;
At the next stop of the game by the referees the timekeeper makes an audible signal to notify the referees a substitution has been requested;
The referees authorise it by doing the substitution signal (see referee signals);
After the substitution, the match is restarted on the spot and in the manner that it would have been restarted if no substitution had occurred..

If the coach submits the substitution request when the game has already been stopped (throw off, treatment of injured players, infringement of the rules), but before the restart, the request will only be granted, if the following two conditions are satisfied:

the substitute player is ready in the substitution spot;
the request is made allowing the timekeeper and jury sufficient time to communicate the request by an audible signal and ‘substitution’ sign to the referees before the game is restarted.

If the request by the coach doesn’t allow sufficient time for this, the substitution will be communicated to the referees at the next stop of the game and authorized by the referee.

When being substituted, a player may not return into the other zone at the same time. The game must have restarted before they become eligible again to be used as a substitute.

A player sent off by the referees must be replaced by a substitute. The change shall be considered to be one of the maximum number of changes allowed. Furthermore, if the player sent off is not immediately replaced then the team shall still be deemed to have used one of the maximum number of substitutions referred to above and, in addition, the team may not have any more substitutions until such a replacement is made.

If the maximum permitted number of substitutions has already been reached, then a player who has been sent off, or injured players who can no longer take part in the match, may still be replaced with the permission of the referees.

A player being replaced must leave the field of play before the substitute player may enter.

A player that has been substituted must sit on the bench.

Failure to inform the referees of a substitution shall be deemed as misbehaviour.

5.10 Treatment of injured players

An injured player is allowed to be assessed/treated for a period of one minute starting when the medical attendant reaches the local. If after one minute the player is deemed not to be fit to immediately continue then, provided the injury is such that it is safe to move the player, he should be immediately removed from the field and be substituted.

During the treatment of an injury, players must remain in their zones and the coaches must act according to 4.4.

In the case of a bleeding player, the player must leave the field of play immediately and may not return until the bleeding has stopped, the wound has been covered and the blood has been removed.

6. INFRINGEMENTS OF THE RULES