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Urban Korfball 2025 Rules Updated Following Recent Test Events

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We’re excited to announce the release of the updated Rules of Urban Korfball 2025! These revisions were shaped by the great feedback and experiences we gathered during recent test events.

Our goal with these updates is to enhance clarity, boost competitiveness, and strengthen inclusivity. We want to ensure Urban Korfball keeps evolving as a dynamic and accessible format for both players and fans.

Highlights of the Rule Changes Include:

  • Revised shot clock positioning and description
  • Scoreboard upgrades to include set scores
  • New provisions for yellow and red card penalties without substitution
  • Adjustments to ‘real’ playing time regulations
  • Updated procedures for free shot series and referee signals
  • New 2-point free shot option when the post is moved
  • Full revision of text to ensure gender neutrality

Download the Updated Rules

The official updated rules are now available. We also have a useful a quick summary of about Urban Korfball available here.

These changes are setting the stage for the upcoming IKF Urban Korfball: Lisbon Unlocked 2025, where this updated format will debut on an international platform.

We always welcome your feedback as we continue to shape the future of Urban Korfball together.

Join Us in Lisbon!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history as Urban Korfball takes center stage at IKF Urban Korfball: Lisbon Unlocked 2025, from October 14-16 in Lisbon, Portugal!

Whether you’re a national team looking to compete or an individual eager to jump into a mixed international team, there’s a place for you. Experience the new rules in action, learn from workshops, and connect with the global korfball community.

Find out more and sign up today to unlock the future of Korfball! Urban Korfball is Coming: Lisbon Unlocked!

New Beach Korfball rules include 18-second shot clock

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The International Korfball Federation (IKF) has officially implemented updated rules for Beach Korfball, effective from 1st June 2025, following formal adoption on 1st March 2025. 

We are confident that the updated rules will add to the excitement and spectacle of beach korfball, ensuring a thrilling experience for both players and spectators. 

Korfball fans and players should be aware of these important changes which will feature at major events such as the Beach Korfball competition at The World Games in Chengdu, China, later this summer. 

18-second shot clock 

The most significant change is the introduction of an 18-second shot clock. This follows a successful experimental and trial period that involved thorough testing, evaluation, and feedback from players, coaches, and officials. The shot clock will now be a permanent fixture in official IKF Beach Korfball matches 

Much like in korfball, teams will now have a set time to complete an attack and either score or ensure the ball touches the korf to reset the shot clock. Exceeding the time limit will result in a turnover, leading to faster transitions and a heightened pace of play. 

The IKF acknowledges that certain adaptations may be necessary for different competitions and local circumstances. A dedicated document outlines all approved exceptions and recommendations where Competition Regulations (“CR”) may modify or adapt the rules.  

The Rules of Beach Korfball 

You can view the full updated rules for Beach Korfball here. For a detailed look at the rules, including all exceptions and recommendations for Competition Regulations, click here. 

To help teams and officials quickly grasp the adjustments, we have also created a document highlighting the specific changes from last year’s rules.

 

Photos: Marco Spelten

Introducing Urban Korfball: A Dynamic New Format for Urban Spaces

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The International Korfball Federation (IKF) is excited to unveil Urban Korfball, an innovative new format that brings the excitement of Korfball to urban environments. This fast-paced, inclusive version of the game is designed to be played in smaller, informal spaces, making it accessible to communities worldwide.

What is Urban Korfball?

Urban Korfball is an adaptation of traditional Korfball, tailored for parks, playgrounds, and other urban locations where space is limited. The game maintains the core principles of Korfball—mixed-gender teams, teamwork, and inclusivity—while offering a simplified and faster playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Adaptable: Ideal for parks, playgrounds, and urban spaces with limited areas.
  • Inclusive: Engages players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
  • Fast-Paced: Promotes quick, dynamic play, perfectly matching modern, active lifestyles.
  • Easy to Implement: With fewer players required and the use of existing urban spaces, it is straightforward for any organisation to introduce.

Why Urban Korfball?

Urban Korfball provides an exciting opportunity to engage new audiences and promote Korfball in urban settings where traditional sports facilities may not be available. By reaching new players and creating vibrant local events, we aim to foster community spirit and introduce more people to the unique appeal of Korfball.

For more details on how Urban Korfball works and how it can be played in your area, check out our detailed guide here or contact us directly.

Stay tuned for updates as we launch this exciting new format in cities across the globe!

Announcement: Updated IKF Competition Regulations (2024/2025)

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The International Korfball Federation (IKF) is pleased to announce the release of the updated IKF Competition Regulations (2024), effective immediately.

These regulations, applicable across all IKF competitions, have been revised to reflect the evolving needs of the sport and ensure consistency in competition management. To support this transition, we have made the following documents available for review:

The updated regulations have already been shared with all IKF National Organisations to ensure proper dissemination and compliance at every level of competition.

We encourage all stakeholders, including Continental Federations, regional bodies, and event organisers, to familiarise themselves with the changes and incorporate them into future events.

For any questions or further clarification, please contact the IKF directly.

We look forward to continuing to improve the quality and professionalism of korfball competitions worldwide with your ongoing support.

 

Header images: korfbalfoto.nl

Updated Beach Korfball Rules Released to Enhance the Sport’s Appeal and Competitiveness

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The IKF is pleased to announce the release of the updated rules for beach korfball. This update is part of our continuous effort to enhance the sport’s attractiveness, competitiveness, and overall image.

Beach korfball, a dynamic and engaging variant of korfball, has seen a surge in popularity worldwide. The unique blend of athleticism, teamwork, and strategic play on the sandy courts draws players and fans alike. To maintain and build upon this momentum, it is crucial to regularly review and refine the rules governing the sport.

The updated rules have been crafted with input from players, coaches, referees, and other stakeholders within the korfball community. This collaborative approach ensures that the new rules address the evolving needs of the sport while preserving its core values and principles.

Key changes in the updated rules focus on enhancing the pace of the game, promoting fair play, and ensuring the safety of all participants. By introducing these modifications, the IKF aims to make beach korfball more exciting for spectators and more enjoyable for players. The updates also strive to create a more level playing field, encouraging competitive balance.

In addition to gameplay improvements, the updated rules also place a strong emphasis on the sport’s presentation and marketability. Clearer, more consistent regulations help streamline the officiating process, reducing ambiguities and enhancing the overall viewing experience. This, in turn, boosts the sport’s appeal to new audiences, furthering its growth and development on the global stage.

We are confident that these updated rules will contribute significantly to the continued success and expansion of beach korfball.

For a detailed overview of the updated rules, please visit our website.

We encourage all players, coaches, referees, and fans to familiarise themselves with the changes and join us in celebrating the ongoing evolution of beach korfball.

IKF Playing Rules 2022

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The IKF Playing Rules Committee has published the IKF Playing Rules 2022, which can be found here.

Two years after the last update to “The Rules of Korfball”, most of the feedback received about the changes made has been very positive. The simple presentation of the rules was appreciated, as well as the elimination of rules that no longer made sense in the context of modern korfball. Therefore, there are just some minor adjustments to the published text this year, without changing any rules or game regulations except the one mentioned below.

Due to the experiments conducted in Belgium, Czech Republic, England, Hong Kong China, and The Netherlands during national competitions, the IKF has decided to make a change in the way korfball matches are conducted. To improve the quality of the game and to facilitate the refereeing, after receiving very positive reports of the experiments made, it was decided that from the 1st of September onwards, instead of having one referee and one assistant referee, the matches will be conducted by two referees with the same power and duties in the match.

 

The Rules of Korfball 2020

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The IKF Playing Rules Committee (IKF PRC) has revised the korfball playing rules with the main goal of simplifying the document by making it shorter, clearer and easier to consult. Furthermore, the IKF PRC has evaluated the multiple korfball rules experiments carried out in the national competitions. This has resulted in a new version of The Rules of Korfball, which are valid as per 1 September.

The Rules of Korfball 2020 are accompanied by a document that outlines the changes made for the new version.

Links to documents: (also available on www.korfball.sport/documents)

– The Rules of Korfball 2020

– The Rules of Korfball 2020 changes

– Exceptions and recommendations for competition regulations

 

IKF publishes the revised Rules of Korfball

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As of 1 September 2015 the revised IKF Rules of Korfball are in place. These rules are applicable in all IKF events as of 1 September 2015.

Today we publish:

  1. Rules of Korfball 2015 09 01
  2. Guidance notes with Rules of Korfball 2015 09 01
  3. Approved changes in the Rules of Korfball 2015 09 01
  4. Reasons for the approved changes in the Rules and the Guidance notes