IHF

IHF Unveils New Youth Handball Rules to Promote All-Round Player Development

By Editor

Posted on 2. November 2025.

Germany have clinched the title in the inaugural edition of the 1st IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, with a dramatic 44:43 win against Egypt, after overtime.

The International Handball Federation (IHF) has introduced a new set of rules for the upcoming U17 World Championship, aiming to shift the focus from results to development. The changes are designed to prevent the rise of “specialists” and encourage young players to build skills in both attack and defense.

“The goal is to focus on player development and create a framework where athletes can grow on both sides of the court,” the IHF stated.

 Substitutions Only in Possession

Teams will now be allowed to make field-player substitutions only when in possession of the ball.
That means no defensive substitutions once the team loses the ball and retreats.
The only exception applies in the event of an injury.

If a substitution occurs while the team is not in possession, it will be considered illegal and punished with a two-minute suspension for the player involved.

7-vs-6 Strategy Banned

One of the biggest tactical shifts: the 7-vs-6 formation is no longer allowed.
Each team must always have a goalkeeper on the field — replacing the goalkeeper with an outfield player is prohibited.

Outfield players wearing bibs can act as goalkeepers within their own half, but if they cross the halfway line, it results in a two-minute suspension, or a red card in case of a collision.

Three Referees System Expands

The IHF will continue experimenting with three referees per match, a system first tested at the 2022 Club World Championship.
This format has since been applied in the President’s Cup, developing nations tournaments, and other youth events, improving visibility and control across the court.

Game Format and Equipment

Matches will consist of two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime.
A size 2 resin-free ball will be used — the same model already tested at the 2022 U18 World Championship and IHF Trophy events.

According to the federation, the resin-free ball “underlines the IHF’s commitment to player safety, sustainability, and inclusivity.”