COMPETITION REGULATIONS
September 2013
Table of Contents:
1
Administration .............................................................................................................................3
2
Finances .......................................................................................................................................3
3
Technical Organisation .................................................................................................................5
4
Prizes ...........................................................................................................................................9
5
Doping Control ............................................................................................................................11
6
Clothing of Players ......................................................................................................................11
7
Advertising .................................................................................................................................13
8
Registration of Players / Entries and Active Participation ............................................................14
9
Match Day Regulations ...............................................................................................................21
10
Playing Halls and Handballs ........................................................................................................24
11
Protests and Appeals ..................................................................................................................25
12
MHA Delegates ...........................................................................................................................25
13
Extra-ordinary Instances .............................................................................................................25
14
Super Cup ...................................................................................................................................26
15
MHA Cup ....................................................................................................................................27
16
1st and 2nd Division Leagues ........................................................................................................27
17
U-17 Leagues .............................................................................................................................29
18
U-15 and Lower Category Leagues .............................................................................................29
19
KO Competition .........................................................................................................................30
20
Non Obedience of the applicable Points ....................................................................................30
Enclosure 1 – Substitution Area Set-up ......................................................................................31
Enclosure 2 – Pre Match Procedure ...........................................................................................32
Enclosure 3 – Post Match Procedure .........................................................................................36
Enclosure 4 – Transfer Fees ......................................................................................................37
Enclosure 5 – Age Requirements ..............................................................................................38
Notes .......................................................................................................................................39
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1.0
Administration
1.1
The Malta Handball Association (MHA) organises all local handball competitions. Laws
and Regulations governing handball competitions shall be stipulated by the Council.
Any handball related activity organised by an affiliated club or individual shall be
subject to approval by the MHA. The MHA shall receive communication of such event
by end of August of the preceding season.
1.2
The National Competitions shall take place between the 1st of September and the end
of August of the following year.
2.0
Finances
2.1
The following costs are to be borne by the participating clubs:
2.1.1 Travelling costs: The travelling costs of the entire team to and from and during
the competitions are to be borne by same.
2.1.2 Participation fee: Clubs taking part in MHA competitions shall pay to the MHA a
participation fee, which shall be stipulated by the AGM. These can be amended
by the 1st Council Meeting. The fee shall be paid in before the competitions
commence and shall cover the whole playing season. A participating club that
withdraws any team from any of the competitions before or after they
commence shall forfeit all payments made and if it withdraws a team during a
competition the club shall be subject to a fine of €250 as in Arbitration
Regulation Section 7.9
2.1.3 Accident and health insurance: Clubs participating in all or one of the
competitions may arrange at their own expense accident and health insurance
for all its members to include officials, any technical staff and players. The MHA
shall not be held responsible for accidents or illnesses directly or indirectly
occurring during any of the competitions falling under its auspices. All clubs are
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to have at their disposal, during all competitions, a First Aid Kit and they are also
to ascertain that a team official is certified in the use of such kits.
2.1.4 Special financial regulations: The Management may, from time to time, issue
ad hoc or special financial regulations related to the method of payment for the
competitions.
2.2
Television, radio, film, video and advertising rights
2.2.1 Television, radio, film, video and advertising rights of all matches shall rest with
the match organiser (MHA) and the venue provider. The MHA has the right to
display in all matches, free of charge, advertising banners/strips of a maximum
length of 5m anywhere within the range covered by TV cameras. This will
belong to the major sponsor of the league competition. Other boards belonging
to clubs will only be displayed once the interested parties inform the
Management in writing not later than a week before the match/es involved. A
club shall have the right to display a maximum of two (2) boards
(measurements to be specified by MHA) during its own matches and are to be
provided by the same. Clubs are responsible for setting up and dismantling
such advertising boards. The MHA has the right to refuse any advertising boards
that are in direct conflict with its sponsors or which are not in accordance with
rule 7.1.1. The MHA cannot be held liable to any damages sustained to such
boards.
2.2.2 The MHA alone has the right to confer T.V. broadcasting radio and film rights
(incl. Video-taping) as well as publicity rights in sports centres. The organiser
(MHA) may ask for a sum to be agreed upon in advance for any permanent
advertising inside the hall on behalf of the team sponsors.
2.2.3 Media Recording: Upon application to the MHA, all clubs shall be permitted to
make video recording for teaching and training purposes as well as for
promotional purposes. Persons recording a match on video/dvd or any other
media and/or taking photographs who are unable to produce a permit issued by
the MHA may be asked to leave the hall.
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2.2.4 Inappropriate use of all media material included but not limited to filming and
photography shall be referred to the disciplinary commissioner. Articles,
photos, video clips, etc. printed or uploaded, used in any media or social media
which are deemed by the MHA or any registered club as inappropriate or bring
into disrepute the MHA or the sport hall shall be referred to the Disciplinary
Commissioner. Reports in this respect are to be made in writing and are to
include relative evidence. Reports are to be addressed to the CEO of the
Association.
3.0
Technical Organisation
3.1
Venues: Venues shall be proposed by the organiser (MHA) & approved after inspection
of halls, sport centres and multi-purpose gyms.
3.2
Rules of the game, time-keeping and supervision
3.2.1 Matches: All competition matches are to be played according to International
Rules of the game. Special rules may be applied by the MHA to specific
competitions.
3.2.2 Time-keeping: All matches will be provided with an electric time-keeping
apparatus which can be read without difficulty and operated from the official's
table. If this is not available, other forms of equipment may be used.
3.2.3 Supervision: The MHA Delegate, Referees, score-keeper and time-keeper shall
be appointed by the organiser.
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3.3
Match system & points
3.3.1 Playing time: IHF Rule 2 shall apply.
3.3.2 Points are awarded as follows:
win
3 points
draw 1 point per team
loss
0 points
3.3.3 Teams’ ranking in a group/league competition is obtained by adding up the
number of points won by each team in each group match.
3.3.4 Equality of points during and after matches – national leagues and other
competitions played on a round robin format
If two or more teams are equal on points, their ranking is determined as
follows:
During the competition matches:
a) superior goal difference from all group matches (achieved by subtraction)
b) higher number of goals scored in all group matches
c) by alphabetical order
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After completion of the competition matches:
a) higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the
teams in question
b) superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in
question
c) higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams
in question
d) superior goal difference from all group matches (achieved by subtraction)
e) higher number of goals scored in all group matches
If this procedure does not lead to a decision after completion of all competition
matches, a draw must decide the ranking. The draw must be carried out by the
MHA, if possible in the presence of at least one (1) representative of each team
concerned.
3.4
Same number of goals in a knock-out, semi-final and final matches
3.4.1 The knock-out, semi-finals and final matches are played in two times thirty (2 x
30) minutes with a half-time break of ten (10) minutes.
3.4.2 If the result stands as a draw at the end of the normal period time, an extra
time of two times five (2 x 5) minutes with a half-time break of one (1) minute
and a changeover is played after a five (5) minutes break.
3.4.3 If the result stands as a draw at the end of the first extra time, an additional
extra time of two times five (2 x 5) minutes with a half-time break of one (1)
minute and a changeover is played after a five (5) minutes break.
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3.4.4 If the two teams are still equal after the second period of extra time, the
winners are determined by penalty throws.
3.5
Penalty throws rules
3.5.1 Rules on the execution of penalty throws:
a) Prior to the penalty throws, each team nominates five (5) players eligible to
play at the end of the match by handing over a list with the numbers of five
(5) players. Each of the nominated players shall execute one throw,
alternating with their opponents. Teams may choose the order of their
throwers freely.
b) The goalkeepers may be chosen freely and substituted in accordance with
the Rules of the Game. Goalkeepers may act as throwers and throwers as
goalkeepers.
c) The goal to be used must be decided by the referees. The referees draw lots
for deciding which team throws first. The team winning the draw has the
right to decide whether it wishes to throw first or last.
d) The team having scored the highest number of goals after both teams have
executed their five (5) throws wins. If the match is still undecided after the
first round of penalty throws, the process is repeated until a decision is
reached. The other team begins. In the second set of five throws each, a
further five players entitled to play have to be nominated (players having
already thrown may be nominated again).
e) A decision in the second round of penalty throwing is reached once there is
a difference in goals after both teams have executed the same number of
throws.
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f) Players and goalkeepers eligible to play are those players on the match
report who are not disqualified, excluded or suspended when the whistle
finished the second extra time.
g) Serious violations during the penalty throws will be punished by
disqualification in all cases. If a court player or a goalkeeper is disqualified or
injured, a substitute with playing eligibility must be nominated.
h) During each individual throw, only the player executing the throw, the
defending goalkeeper and the referees are allowed to be in the respective
half of the playing court.
i) In the case that the number of players eligible to play is lower than five (5),
the team concerned has the right to nominate players for a second throw
during the same round.
3.6
Transmission of results & final league table
3.6.1 It is the duty of the organiser (MHA) to inform the press & news agencies of the
final results, half-time scores & any special occurrences after each match.
4.0
Prizes
4.1
Winners of league competitions will each receive up to 20 medals, a trophy to be kept
by the club until the start of the following season and a miniature trophy. Runners-up
in league competitions shall receive a trophy. Prizes for other competitions shall be
decided upon by the Management.
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4.2
The Best Player Award is an award for local players only and it shall be given in all
senior league divisions. The Most Promising Player Award, also open for non-Maltese
players, shall be given in all younger age categories.
4.3
An award shall be given to the best performing non-Maltese player in all senior
divisions. There must be at least 5 non-Maltese contenders in order for the award to
be given.
4.4
The All Star Team Award shall be open to all players (local and foreign).
4.5
The system used to award the winners in 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 shall be decided by the
Management Board in consultation with the participating clubs.
4.6
The top scorers of the 1st and 2nd Division leagues will receive a medal or trophy. If
two or more players are joint first having scored the same number of goals, then each
of these players will be awarded with a medal or a trophy.
4.7
The Management may award a fair play token to any club for fair play. The system
used shall be decided by the Management Board in consultation with the participating
Clubs.
4.8
It shall be the practice that competition winners shall be presented with the respective
trophy and or other awards on the field of play right after the decisive match. Should
this not be possible the management may decide an alternative presentation method.
4.9
Individual awards shall be presented at the end of season function.
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5.0
Doping control
5.1
Doping control shall be performed in accordance with the National and International
Anti-doping regulations. The Anti-doping Regulations plus attachments are an integral
part of the MHA Regulations.
6.0
Clothing and players
6.1
Each team is required to have at least one (1) full team kit in light colours and one (1)
full team kit in dark colours for all MHA competitions’ matches. Blue and red are
considered dark colours. In case of multi-coloured shirts in any of the full team kits,
only one of the colours - and not the main colour – can be repeated in the other full
team kit.
6.2
Goalkeepers’ kit must differ from court players’ kit of both teams and from the
goalkeeper kit of the opposing team, in both dark colour and light colour kit options.
6.3
The players’ shirts numbers must be affixed on the back and front of each player’s
shirt. The numbers must be clearly legible, must range from 1 to 99 and be at least 20
cm high on the back and at least 10 cm high on the front. The colour of the number
must contrast clearly with colour of the shirt.
6.4
The players’ surnames as announced in the Team Sheet may be displayed in clearly
legible Latin letters of a minimum height of 10 cm on the backs of the shirts above the
players’ numbers.
6.5
Exceptions to the above mentioned requirements regarding players’ surnames size on
shirts due to long players’ names must be subject to MHA prior approval.
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6.6
In case two players of the same team have identical surnames, the respective club
must inform the MHA and come to an agreement about the surnames to be displayed
on the back of their shirts in due time prior to the deadline to submit the team sheet.
6.7
A list of the first and second playing kits of each team (players and goalkeepers) shall
be provided prior to the commencement of competitions. The MHA must provide all
the above information to all concerned prior to the commencement of the
competitions. The home team shall always wear the first kit unless otherwise agreed
upon by the teams and the MHA.
6.7.1 For this purpose a technical meeting will be held prior to the start of the
handball season.
6.8
Preferably players should wear the same numbers during the entire league.
6.9
Each team is obliged to have the two sets of full team kits (light colour or dark colour
option) with which they will play at their disposal for every match.
6.10
If any MHA Official (MHA delegate or MHA referees), believe that the colours of the
full team kits chosen by the teams are likely to cause confusion, the guest team must
use its other full team kit.
6.11
At the request of any MHA Official (MHA delegate or MHA referees), the team officials
must change the colour of their clothing.
6.12
Players substituting the goalkeeper should either wear a goalkeeper’s shirt with the
same player’s number or a bib of the same colour of the goalkeeper’s shirt. Both front
and back numbers should remain visible at all times.
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7.0
Advertising
7.1
Type of advertising
7.1.1 The use of company and product names as well as brand names and product
groups is allowed as long as they are not contrary to public morality. Advertising
must not be of political, religious, racist or ideological nature.
7.1.2 Restrictions based on national legislation shall be duly observed.
7.2
Advertising on players’ kits
7.2.1 Advertising is allowed on players' match and training clothing.
7.2.2 Advertising on clothing shall not be associated with any material benefits for
individual persons who are not team sponsors.
7.2.3 Players' playing clothes must comply with the provisions of the Game Rules.
7.2.4 Advertising on playing clothes must not impair legibility of the players' numbers
and/or names on shirts.
7.2.5 Players wearing irregular clothing must not be allowed access to matches.
7.2.6 The area on the back of the shirts above the player’s number must be free of
any advertising or writing (see Enclosure 2). Only the surname of the player
must be visible.
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7.3
Advertising in Sports Hall
7.3.1 The MHA has the right to conduct its own advertising or display additional
advertising at league games.
7.3.2 If the MHA has a main sponsor that sponsor's advertising shall be accorded
preference. (see also 2.2)
8.0
Registration of players/Entries and active participation
8.1
All handball players and officials shall be required to register with the Malta Handball
Association. Registration of players shall come into effect as of the submission date.
8.1.1 A team may register up to 20 players. The number of players may be increased
up to 20 during the playing season.
8.1.2 The MHA shall distinguish between three (3) types of registered players:
a) Non-contract junior players
b) Non-contract senior players
c) Contract players
8.1.3 Non-Contract Junior Players (eligible to play in the U-17 Leagues) shall be
registered with the club and the MHA and shall remain registered with the same
club for a further one (1) calendar year following his/her last match.
8.1.4 Non-Contract Senior Players,17 years and over, shall be registered with the club
and the MHA and shall remain registered with the same club for a further two
(2) calendar years following his/her last match.
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8.1.5 Contract players, 17 years and over, shall be registered with the club and the
MHA. Their registration shall be regulated by the terms and conditions laid in
the contract which shall be submitted to the MHA upon registration. The
contract shall be in conformity with the MHA Laws and Regulations. Contracts
will be deemed void if such are not in observance of the Laws and regulations of
the MHA.
8.1.5.1
Contracts shall include:
A) DURATION , BEGINNING AND END DATE OF AGREEMENT
b)
c)
d)
VALUE OF PLAYER FOR TRANSFER PURPOSES BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF CONTRACT
SIGNATURE OF BOTH PARTIES AND A WITNESS
DETAILS OF PARTIES INVOLVED INCLUDING WITNESS, NAME AND SURNAME AND
ID CARD
NUMBER
8.1.6 U-17 players do not form part of the 20 registered by a senior team. All U-17
players are entitled to participate both in the 1st and 2ndSenior Division.
8.1.7 All U-19 players are entitled to participate both in the 1 st and 2ndSenior Division
until Season 2015-16.
8.1.8 Registered players that are either free released or transferred may be replaced
at any time during a playing season. The replacement must not have taken field
with another club local or foreign during the playing season. Such replacement
forfeits payments.(see however8.4.4)
8.1.9 A team shall register up to six (6) officials that can be changed at any time
during the playing season. Only up to four (4) of these officials may be listed in
the official team sheet. Officials may be active players within a club. However,
officials from one club may not be officials or active players of another club.
Clubs are however, allowed to share medical officials. A request to the MHA
shall be made in this respect.
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8.1.10 All club coaches must be qualified in order to obtain their licence to perform
during MHA competitions. The MHA shall issue an updated list of courses and
respective qualifications it recognises. Upon application unqualified coaches
may be granted a one-time temporary licence for a maximum period of 6
months.
8.1.11 Two passport size photos and a copy of the identity card or birth certificate of
each player and official are to be submitted together with the MHA form.
8.2
Eligibility to participate
8.2.1 In accordance with section 8 only registered players are eligible to participate in
the competitions.
8.2.2 A non-registered player may participate in the National Leagues only if s/he (or
the club concerned) submits his/her application at a time stipulated by the
Management Board.
8.2.3 Clubs should be provided with an updated list of eligible players to play for each
team in the various categories. This list consisting of names, surnames and DOB
shall be communicated to all clubs whenever it is updated. Clubs may be
permitted to view the actual registration forms at a fee as stipulated by the
Management.
8.3
Transfer of players / Players on Loan
8.3.1 Club members are not permitted to contact in any form any players or coaches
belonging to other clubs for transfer purposes. Should a club be interested in
engaging any player or official belonging to another club, it should first make an
official contact with the player’s/official’s club and register the interest in
writing. The player or official involved may also be copied in all correspondence.
In order to avoid misunderstandings the MHA should be copied in all
16
correspondence. The MHA may grant permission to contact third party players
or officials directly after a period of 10 days has elapsed from receipt of interest.
Infringements of this regulation shall be referred to the Management board
and/or the Disciplinary Commissioner. Harsher penalties may be imposed on
those club members who do not abide by this regulation and are also MHA
officials.
8.3.2 Coaches and players are also forbidden from attending training sessions and/
other activities of other clubs prior and also during the playing season. Special
concession may be made by the MHA upon application of both the club and the
player concerned. Infringements shall also be referred to the Management
board and/or the Disciplinary Commissioner.
8.3.3 Non-Contract and Contract registered players may request to be released from
their respective clubs at any time. The receiving club shall make a request on
the appropriate Transfer Request Form signed by the secretary of the club to
the releasing Club. Copy of such TRF shall reach the MHA. The MHA shall
immediately contact releasing Club to verify whether it had received
request.MHA should be provided with an acknowledgement of receipt of
transfer by the releasing club. TRF shall be signed by both the Receiving Club
and the Player.
8.3.4 In the case of contracted players these may be released subject to the terms
and conditions of their contract.
8.3.5 Transfer of Non-Contract players shall come into effect 14 days from request.
The MHA shall receive from receiving club or player the transfer fee as
stipulated by MHA. Fees shall be payable within 10 days from request of
release. The MHA shall transfer the amount due to the releasing club (At start
of or during competitive season but never during rest period between seasons).
8.3.6 If payment fails to reach the MHA within 10days from date of request, the
transfer shall be void.
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8.3.7 If the releasing club wishes to object to the transfer of the player concerned, it
must communicate its objections to the MHA within 7 days from request of
transfer. The MHA shall consider all objections and a decision will be taken
before the 14th day. A Club-Official/Player Relations Board nominated by the
Management Board will be set up for the purpose. The board may impose an
administrative fine of €25 on the party which is at fault.
8.3.8 If a team does not to take part in a competition all players of that team shall be
automatically free released only if the said players cannot be employed in
another team within the same club. Only 10% of Transfer Fees shall apply and
these shall be payable to MHA.
8.3.9 A player may be transferred to another club on loan basis. The period of loan
may not exceed the player’s registration period or the balance remaining
whether on contract or not. The loan shall not exceed a period of one year. The
normal transfer procedure shall be followed. The TRF form shall be signed by
the player concerned, the receiving club and the releasing club.
8.3.10 Players on loan may only act as team officials of the team they have been
loaned to.
8.4
Transfer and Loan Fees
8.4.1 The MHA shall distinguish between two (2) categories of non-contracted players
- Category B: Handball players 16 years and under
- Category A: Handball players 17 years and over
Category B players: Transfer fee of €115 shall apply
Category A players: Transfer fee as stipulated in enclosure 4
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8.4.2 A non-contract player being registered by a club shall remain registered with
the same club for two (2) calendar years following his/her registration date or
his/her last match in the case of players aged 17 and over. In the case of players
aged 16 years and under, they will remain registered with the same club for one
(1) year following his/her registration date or his/her last match. The loan
period shall be considered as time spent with the club and shall be deducted
from the registration period. If a non-contract player stops playing for the
period indicated above following his/her last match he/she shall be free
released. There will be no obligations towards the club and the MHA.
8.4.3 No player can move from one club to another during the same playing season
once he/she has already taken field with another club team except during the
transfer window period. The transfer window is a 6 day period to be held
between the 2nd and 3rd day of the respective National Leagues. The transfer
window shall only apply for 1st and 2nd Division players (including U-19 players)
and players may only be transferred on loan basis. A maximum of two players
from each team may be transferred on loan basis until the end of the season. As
in Regulation 8.1.4, players being transferred on loan basis during the transfer
window may be replaced with others. The transfer window regulation does not
apply to the Younger Age Category Players (YAC) i.e. 16 years and under.
8.4.4 Transfer fees as stipulated in enclosure 4 shall apply. In case of players who
have been issued an International Transfer Certificate, any expenses related to
the issuance of the certificate (excluding bank charges and MHA administrative
fees) shall be added to the local transfer fees. Proof of expenses incurred must
be submitted accordingly.
8.4.5 A fee of €115 payable to the releasing club shall apply on players being
transferred on loan basis. An added €25 shall apply in cases where National
Team Players called for Senior National Teams are transferred on loan basis.
National Team Players are those who have been called since EHF Challenge
Trophy 1999.
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8.4.6 The MHA shall retain 10% of the transfer and loan fees of both contracted and
non-contracted at all times even if players are free released, except for those
players who stop playing for one (1) or two (2) calendar years as the case may
be and for those whose contact has expired.
8.4.6.1
For contracted players the 10% fee shall be calculated on the
declared written value of player as stipulated in the contract.
8.4.7 A player may be free released at any time. Once free released a player may join
and take field with any other club up to a maximum of two (2) clubs.
8.4.8 A player whose contract expires is considered free released and may join and
take field with any other club during a playing season up to a maximum of two
(2) clubs.
8.5
Non-Maltese Players
8.5.1 All non-Maltese players as well as returning local players who were issued an
international transfer certificate to play in another country shall make available
to the MHA:
a)
a letter requesting the MHA to apply for the International Transfer
Certificate. Until such certificate is issued (if applicable) the player
concerned shall not be eligible to play in the national league.
b)
copy of passport
c)
MHA registration form
8.5.2 Registration of player shall come into effect when the International Transfer
Certificate is issued.
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8.5.3 The MHA shall process application of International Transfer Certificate within 7
days of receipt of request. An administration fee of €15 shall apply.
8.5.4 The MHA shall pass on to the receiving club any other charges the MHA might
incur for the issuance of the International Certificate. Any income obtained from
international transfers of local players shall be passed on to the releasing club.
The MHA shall retain €15 of such income as an administrative fee.
8.5.5 There is no limit as to the number of non-Maltese players a club may register
(see Regulation 8.1.1). However, only 3 non-Maltese may be included in the
team sheet at one time in a 1st and 2nd Division Game. This regulation does not
apply to U-17 non-Maltese players playing in 1st and 2nd division games.
9.0
Match day regulations (see IHF Rule 4)
9.1
Teams must be on court, with at least 5 players, 10 minutes before the scheduled time
of the game. If one or both teams are not present on court at the start of game
(scheduled time) a ten minute grace period will be respected. A walk-over will be
awarded if one of the team still fails to turn up with at least 5 players after the 10
minute grace is over.
9.2
TEAM SHEET: Only players listed on team sheet are eligible to participate. Players and
officials not present at the beginning of the match should not be included in the team
sheet. However, the number of players on a team can be increased up to16at any time
during the game, including overtime. This also applies to officials. The maximum
number of team officials on the team sheet is 4.
9.3
Players and team officials who arrive late must obtain their entitlement to participate
from the officials' table.
9.4
Clubs have to present a printed MHA Team-Sheet to the MHA Delegate 10 minutes
before the scheduled time of the start of the match. All shirt numbers have to be
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written in ascending order. Team sheets must be duly filled and signed by the
responsible team official.
9.5
Match Procedure
9.5.1 All MHA competition matches are played in conformity with the applicable
Rules of the Games promulgated by the International Handball Federation (IHF)
subject to the following specifications:
a) Teams can play with up to sixteen (16) players
b) Only four (4) officials are eligible to be in the substitution area during the
match
c) Chairs instead of benches can be installed in the substitution area
d) The requirements concerning the substitution area set-up defined in
Enclosure 2 prevail
e) Time-outs: Each team has the right to receive a maximum of three team
time-outs during regular playing time but not during overtime. No more than
two team time-outs may be granted in each half of the regular playing time.
Between two team timeouts of a team, the opponent must be at least once
in possession of the ball. 3 green cards, bearing numbers 1, 2, and 3
respectively, are ‘available for each team. The teams receive cards bearing
numbers ‘1 and ‘2’ in the first half of the game and the cards no. 2 and no. 3
in the second half provided they received no more than one team time-out
in the first half. In case they received two team time-outs in the first half,
they receive only green card no. 3. Within the last 5 minutes of the regular
playing time only one team timeout per team is allowed.
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f) Half-times: In all matches scheduled to start every one and a half hour, the
half-time break shall be of 5 minutes. In all matches scheduled to start every
two hours, the half-time break shall be of 10 minutes.
9.6
Additional requirements
9.6.1 During the team line-up, the entire team must wear identical clothing either the
approved full team kit to be worn during the match or tracksuits (except
goalkeepers).
9.6.2 Players are allowed to wear thermo-trousers as long as the colour matches the
full team kit to be worn during the match.
9.6.3 The team officials on the bench must wear clothing having clearly distinct
colour(s) from the colour(s) of the opponent team’s playing kit.
9.6.4 Post-Match Procedure: At the end of the match, both teams shall line-up in the
middle of the court and pass by giving ‘high five’. Players who have received a
red card during the match are not allowed to take part in the post-match
procedure.
9.7
Match report preparation
9.7.1 The match report containing the names of the players and officials of the teams
as well as their respective numbers or letters is prepared by the nominated
scorekeeper based on the Teams’ sheet. It is checked by the MHA delegate(s)
and handed over to the team officials in charge in due course before the throwoff of the match.
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9.7.2 The match report must be signed by an official of each team and be handed
over to the MHA delegate(s) five (5) minutes prior to the throw-off of the
match.
9.7.3 The MHA delegate coordinates and is responsible of the match report
procedure before the throw-off.
9.8
Red carded players and officials (during games)
9.8.1 A red carded player or official shall immediately leave the playing court and
head straight to the respective team’s dressing room through passages as
indicated by the MHA Delegate or referees.
9.8.2 Red carded players or officials are not allowed to continue to watch the game
from the stands.
9.9
Supporters
9.9.1 At the beginning of each playing season each club shall be allocated a specific
seating area on the stands. Club supporters shall adhere to their respective
seating allocation at all times.
10.0 Playing halls and handballs
10.1
League matches shall be played in halls on the playing surfaces considered appropriate
by the MHA.
10.2
Substitution area (see IHF Regulations on Substitution Area): During the matches only
the players and team officials on the score sheet may be allowed to stay in the
substitution area.
24
10.3
League matches shall be played with balls approved by the MHA.
11.0 Protests and appeals
11.1
All protests and appeals (bearing a fee of €50, refundable should they be won in ‘toto’)
lodged during the league will be subject to the general provisions as provided in the
Arbitration Regulations of the MHA.
12.0 MHA Delegates
12.1
The main duty of these delegates is to ensure a proper carrying out of the match. They
should try to avoid any protests. A delegate is, however, not a referee. The MHA
Delegate does not make any decisions, he can only give recommendations. When on
duty, he/she carry with him/her IHF / MHA regulations as well as the Rules of the
Game.
12.2
During the match, the officially appointed delegate shall be seated at the
timekeeper's table to be able to intervene if necessary.
13.0 Extraordinary instances
13.1
For a walk-over the result will be 30-0.
13.1.1 A team may be disqualified after the 2ndwalk-over.
13.1.2 If during the league, a team or more has already given a walk-over and at a later
stage is either disqualified or decides not to continue, points and goals in favour
are subtracted to bring all clubs equal.
25
13.2
In case of extraordinary instances such as electricity cuts or blackouts, before or during
the matches, the referees and the MHA delegate will deal with the case as it arises.
They will do their utmost to have the game played.
13.3
If the game is stopped for more than 15 minutes the game will be continued on
another day. The Management Board shall decide when and where the game shall be
continued.
13.4
In cases where players are seriously injured the game may be interrupted by the
referees for not more than 15 minutes. The game shall then continue.
13.5
One or no referees present: The MHA delegate or referees present may accept to
referee the match. One referee may on his/her consent and by approval of the MHA
Delegate officiate the match by him/herself.
14.0 Super Cup
14.1
The Super Cup is the first competition of the season for the senior teams and it is
played between the National League winners and the K.O. winners of the previous
season.
14.2
In case the same team wins both competitions the Super Cup is played between the
National League winners and K.O. finalists of the previous season.
14.3
All players registered with the clubs concerned are eligible to participate (see however
Enclosure 5 for minimum age requirements).
26
15.0 MHA Cup
15.1
The MHA Cup follows immediately after the Super Cup and is a round robin
tournament for the senior teams.
15.2
The Management shall decide on the number of rounds for the MHA Cup.
15.3
All players registered with the clubs concerned are eligible to participate (see however
Enclosure 5 for minimum age requirements). A second division team may participate in
the MHA Cup as long as there is no other team from the same club competing in the
1st Division.
16.0 1st and 2nd Division Leagues
16.1
Only one (1) team from each club is allowed to participate in the 1st Division League.
16.2
More than one (1) team from each club is allowed to participate in the 2 nd Division
League.
16.3
All U-19 players are eligible to play in both the 1 st and 2nd Division Leagues. (ex. U-19
players are those born in 1994 taking part in competitions during season 2012-13).See
however Enclosure 5 for minimum age requirements.
16.4
All senior players (19 and over) not playing in the 1 st Division may are eligible to play in
the 2nd Division.
16.5
Each 2nd Division League team may register players who play in the Senior 1stDivision
league as follows:
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Season 2012-13 – 4 players registered of whom only 2 may be fielded
Season 2013-14 – 3 players registered of whom only 2 may be fielded
Season 2014-15 – 2 players registered of whom only 1 may be fielded
Season 2015-16 onwards – no players may be registered from 1st Division
16.6
The list of players shall be communicated to the MHA one (1) week prior to the start of
the 2nd Division League. Players may be replaced as long as they have not taken field
with the team in the 2nd Division League.
16.7
Such players cannot be national team players or foreigners (over 17 years of age)
playing in the 1st Division.
16.8
National Team Players are those who have played for the senior national team in
official matches played in the previous three seasons.
16.9
New senior teams shall start from 2nd Division. The team winning the 2ndDivison
League shall be eligible to promotion to 1st Division. However, should the team be
represented by another team from the same club in the 1 st Division then the team
shall not be allowed promotion. The right for promotion shall be transferred to the 2 nd
classified team on the same conditions. The winning team or 2nd classified team shall
have the right to refuse promotion.
16.10 There will be no relegation of teams from 1st to 2nd Division unless there are more than
8 teams taking part in the 1st Division.
16.11 Senior players will not be allowed to be transferred from one division to another
during the playing season.
16.12 All other regulations shall apply.
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17.0 U-17 Leagues
17.1
All those players 17 years and under (including non Maltese) are eligible to participate
in the U-17 Leagues. (see however Enclosure 5 for minimum age requirements)
17.2
U-17 players may take part in all MHA Competitions.
17.3
All other regulations shall apply.
18.0 U-15 & Lower Category Leagues
18.1
All those players 15 years and under (including foreigners) are eligible to participate in
the U-15 Leagues (see however Enclosure 5 for minimum age requirements)
18.2
Games shall be played in 3 segments of 15 minutes each with a 1 min break between
segments.
18.3
Each team has the right to receive a maximum of two team time-outs during the
match. Two team time-outs may be granted to one team in one segment of the match.
Within the last 5 minutes of the match only one team time-out per team is allowed.
18.4
Teams are not allowed to
18.4.1 Use any combined zone/man to man marking systems like (5:0+1 or 4:0+2). A
full man-to-man defense system is allowed.
18.4.2 Use offence-defence substitutions.
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18.5
During the match and in the case where a team makes use of one of these two tactical
moves, the delegate/referees shall inform the responsible team official concerned who
must immediately correct his/her team's behaviour. A second repetition of one of the
tactical moves will automatically bring the termination of the match and a walk-over is
awarded to the opponents' team.
18.6
In the case, where a team makes use of one of the tactical moves for the first time in
the last 5 minutes of the match, the delegate/referees shall immediately end the
match and a walk-over is awarded to the opponents' team.
18.7
Goal average shall not be taken into account. If after all matches are played two or
more teams share equal points at the top of the table, all teams concerned shall be
declared joint winners. In such cases only the top teams sharing equal points shall be
awarded trophies and medals.
18.8
All other regulations shall apply.
19.0 KO Competition
19.1
The KO Competition is the last competition of the season for senior teams taking part
in both 1st and 2nd Division Leagues. However, only 2nd Division teams that are not
represented in the 1stDivision League are eligible to participate in the KO Competition.
19.2
All players registered with the clubs concerned are eligible to participate (see however
Enclosure 5 for minimum age requirements).
20.0 Non-obedience of the applicable points
20.1
Non-obedience of one or more of the provisions stated in these regulations
must be referred to the MHA management board which is empowered to issue
administrative fines as stipulated by the Arbitration Regulations.
30
ENCLOSURE 1:
SUBSTITUTION AREA SET-UP
The substitution area of the playing halls hosting the MHA matches must measure: 2mx24m. Adhesive tape or any other kind of stickers may be affixed on
the substitution area.
A judges’ table of an approximate size of 3m x 0,75m x 0,60m must be set-up. Places at the judges’ table must be reserved for the MHA delegate(s), the timekeeper and the score-keeper.
Benches or sixteen (16) chairs must be installed in the substitution area on each side of the judges’ table side. Chairs must be tied together. The first chair must
be placed on each side 3,5m maximum from the centre line.
Those requirements are detailed in the following graphs:
31
ENCLOSURE 2:
PRE-MATCH PROCEDURE
Countdown 15 minutes before the throw-off
1) Flag, mascots, referees, teams ready at the entry meeting point.
•Entry meeting point = pre-defined corner of the playing hall
•No more possibility to leave the playing court area for any person participating to the pre-match procedure
2) Start of the protocol flag presentation by 4 “flag presenting children”
•The children march the one after the other to the centre of the playing court, turn at the centre, head the judges’ table, walk in its direction and
stop 5 meters in front of it
•The front children kneel down
3) Line-up of Team A/B
•Referee A enters the court
•Mascot child of Team A/B enters the court and stands in line on the right of referee A
•Captain of Team A/B enters the court and stands in line, on the right of the mascot child
•Other players of Team A/B enter the court and stand in line
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4) Line-up of Team B/A
•Referee B enters the court
•Mascot child of Team B/A enters the court and stands in line, on the left of referee B
•Captain of Team B enters the court and stands in line, on the left of the mascot child
•Other players of Team B/A enter the court and stands in line
•The mascot children carry the flags of the country of the respective teams.
•The mascot children are the link between the referees and the captains of the respective teams.
5) Introduction of Team A – players and officials
6) Introduction of Team B – players and officials
7) Introduction of the referees, MHA officials / Start of the TV transmission (optional)
8) National anthem of Team A
•Mascot child of Team A steps forward, turns 90° to team A presenting the national flag of team A
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9) National anthem of Team B
•Mascot child of Team B steps forward, turns 90° to team B presenting the national flag of team B
10) Fair play announcement/Final match preparations of the teams
11) Throw-off / Order by MHA delegate supported by the floor manager
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35
ENCLOSURE 3
POST-MATCH PROCEDURE
36
ENCLOSURE 4
Age
TRANSFER FEES
Basic
Value
Promotion
Only
National Team Caps
Playing Experience
Awards*
1-5 yrs
6-10 yrs
11-15
yrs
Subtract
add
add
add
add
add
add
add
add
100
100
25
50
75
100
25
50
25
50
50
100
150
25
50
50
100
25
50
25
50
25
50
100
200
25
50
50
100
25
50
25
50
500
25
50
100
250
25
50
50
100
25
50
25
50
32-35
350
25
50
100
100
25
50
50
100
25
50
25
50
36 and
over
NIL
NIL
NIL
NIL
NIL
NIL
NIL
NIL
NIL
Nil
NIL
Nil
NIL
1 to 5
6 to 15
16+
add
add
add
add
17-21
350
25
50
22-24
400
25
25-27
450
28-31
*Awards during the previous season
37
15+ yrs
BP Promo
BP Senior
TS Promo
TS Senior
ENCLOSURE 5
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Under 15
Players shall be born in the years as indicated below.
2013-2014
1999
2000
2001
2002
A player born in 2003 shall be eligible to play in the U-15 category as of his/her 11th birthday.
Under 17
Players shall be born in the years as indicated below.
2013-2014
1997
1998
1999
2000
A player born in 2001 shall be eligible to play in the U-17 category as of his/her 13th birthday.
1st & 2nd Division Leagues including Super Cup, MHA Cup and KO Competitions
Players shall be born in the years as indicated below.
2013-2014
1998 and older (15 years and older)
A player born in 1999 shall be eligible to play in the Senior categories as of his/her 15 th
birthday.
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Notes:
39