Handball: Match with Student Referee

Team handball games refereed by students, with a scorekeeper and timer, where players apply the basic rules and then evaluate the officiating. Students learn the rules, play as a team and take on responsibility.

How to play

1. Review the key rules: no more than 3 steps and 3 seconds holding the ball, nobody but the goalie inside the 6 m goal area, free throw from the spot of the foul and a 7-meter throw when a clear scoring chance is stopped (5 min).
2. Make 4 teams of 6 (5 on the court: 4 court players and a goalie, plus one sub); the extra student starts as referee.
3. Game 1, A vs. B (8 min): one player from team C referees, another from C keeps score and fouls, and team D watches one specific rule, such as traveling.
4. Game 2, C vs. D (8 min): now team A referees and keeps score, and team B observes.
5. Game 3 between the two winners (8 min); the losing teams officiate and a new student takes the whistle.
6. Wrap-up: each team mentions one good call and one questionable call, and the referee explains what they saw (6 min).

Rules

• Referee decisions are respected; questions are discussed at the end, not during play.
• No grabbing, pushing or hitting an opponent's throwing arm.
• Shots are taken from outside the goal area and never aimed at the goalie's head.
• Everyone on the team gets similar playing time.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serve as scorekeeper, timer or table official, or play in a side zone where nobody can guard them.
• Hearing impairment: the referee pairs every whistle with a clear hand signal and raises an arm to stop play.
• Fitness level: use a soft foam ball for anyone who needs it and balance teams by skill level.

Learning goals

• Apply the basic rules of team handball in real game situations.
• Take on the role of referee, scorekeeper or player responsibly.
• Respect officials' decisions and disagree politely.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handball goals: 2
• handballs: 4

Teacher tip

Give the referee a card with the 5 rules and basic hand signals, and back up their calls out loud for the first few minutes. One sanitized whistle per referee prevents arguments and is more hygienic.

More main activities for High School