The International Handball Federation -IHF- has approved an update to the rules of beach handball and wheelchair handball, which will come into effect on 1 July 2026. The amendments were unanimously adopted by the federation’s council during its meeting in Basel, and form part of an ongoing process aimed at improving rule clarity, the rhythm of play and match administration.

The international federation has framed these changes within its broader strategy to adapt the sport to the evolution of the game and the growth of its different disciplines. In the case of beach handball, a discipline that continues to expand in international competitions, the updated rules are intended to reinforce its dynamic character and its appeal for players, referees and spectators, at a time when the sport is seeking to strengthen its global reach and move closer to the Olympic Games programme.

New rules to accelerate and energise beach handball

Among the main changes is a stricter interpretation of passive play. Under the updated Rule 7, teams will not be allowed to repeatedly delay the execution of a free throw, throw-in or goalkeeper throw in order to retain possession without attempting to attack. When referees detect this tendency, they will show the passive play warning signal, after which the attacking team will have a maximum of four passes to attempt a shot on goal.

If the team fails to shoot within that limit, possession will immediately be awarded to the opposing side through a free throw. The rules also clarify that when a player avoids an obvious scoring opportunity by passing the ball, the teammate receiving it must attempt the shot. If no shot is taken, the team will lose possession, a measure designed to preserve the fast pace and spectacular nature of the discipline.

Harsher sanctions in the final seconds of matches

The amendments also introduce stronger penalties in the final moments of games. During the final fifteen seconds of each period and in the Golden Goal phase, any deliberate interference preventing the opposing team from executing a throw will result in the disqualification of the offender and a six-metre throw being awarded to the attacking team.

The same sanction will apply when the ball is in play and a player or team official commits an infringement to stop a clear scoring opportunity. The revised rules also include a mandatory suspension when an uncontested shot strikes the goalkeeper’s head directly in open play, as well as clearer equipment regulations, including visible jersey numbers between 1 and 99, the exclusive use of soft protective gear and the requirement for players to compete barefoot, with socks permitted.

Wheelchair handball changes to reinforce inclusivity

The rule update also affects wheelchair handball, particularly the four-a-side format, where a new provision has been introduced to preserve the competitive balance of the mixed-gender discipline. If a team loses its only female player due to injury or disqualification, it must play the remainder of the match with one player fewer, while its total classification points will be capped at eight.

The revised rules also clarify technical aspects such as court dimensions, substitution zones and wheelchair specifications, which must undergo safety inspections before each tournament. In addition, the regulations detail the criteria for two-point goals — including shots following a complete 360-degree spin or goals scored by the goalkeeper — and the procedures for shoot-outs to break ties, reflecting the IHF’s objective of improving safety, competitive fairness and understanding of the game across all handball disciplines.