International Korfball Federation

Ball (Rule 2.3): Korfball is played with a round, number 5 ball approved by the IKF. Its circumference must be 68.0–70.5 cm and its weight must fall between 445 g and 475 g inclusive.

Boundary lines (Rule 1.3): The field is bounded by clearly visible endlines, sidelines, and a centre line, each 3.0–5.0 cm wide. These may also be formed with tape of the same width fixed to the floor.

Team composition (Rule 5.1): Each team declares four men and four women as its starting line-up, with two players of each gender placed in each of the two zones (defence and attack). Remaining players are listed as substitutes.

Playing time (Rule 5.2): A match is played in two halves of 25 minutes of real (running) playing time, each half divided into two equal periods by a one-minute technical time-out. The time clock stops whenever the referees blow their whistle for a...

Definition of a goal (Rule 5.5): A goal is scored when the ball has, from above, completely passed through the korf, provided it was not thrown from underneath the korf. It is also a goal if the referees judge that the ball would certainly have fa...

Free pass (Rule 7.4): A free pass is signalled by the referee raising an arm with an open palm and indicating the direction of the non-offending team. The defending player must retreat to the required distance, and the attacking player taking the ...

Pre-match hazard checks (Rule 4.6.a, 4.6.h): Before every match, the referee duo must confirm that the hall, field of play, material, and equipment satisfy the specifications in Sections 1–3, and must not tolerate non-compliance; dangerous obstacl...