Handball

Clause history · American four-wall

Rule 2.1 Courts: how the wording changed

42 rulebooks state this rule, from 20 June 1990 to 26 January 2025. The wording was reworded or changed 11 times.

How to read this page

Rulebook by rulebook

The table has one row per rulebook; each date jumps to its wording below.

Every rulebook this rule appears in, in date order, with the kinds of change found
DateRulebookClauses, by kind of change
20 June 1990USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 19906 first recorded
31 January 1999USHA Four-Wall Rules, 31 January 19991 unchanged, 2 punctuation only, 2 reworded, 1 changed
31 January 1999American four-wall, 31 January 19992 unchanged, 1 punctuation only, 2 reworded, 1 changed
19 January 2005USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 20044 unchanged, 1 reworded, 1 changed
1 April 2005USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 20051 first recorded
15 April 2005USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 20053 unchanged, 2 punctuation only, 1 reworded
June 2006USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 20066 unchanged
June 2006American one-wall, small ball, June 20061 unchanged
June 2006USHA One-Wall Rules, June 20061 unchanged
May 2007USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 20076 unchanged
13 October 2007American three-wall, 13 October 20073 unchanged, 1 punctuation only, 1 reworded, 1 changed
June 2008USHA One-Wall Rules, June 20081 unchanged
2012USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20123 unchanged, 3 punctuation only
2014USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20146 unchanged
January 2014USHA One-Wall Rules, January 20141 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 20156 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 20151 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 20153 unchanged, 3 punctuation only
22 January 2017USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 20176 unchanged
22 January 2017USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 20171 unchanged
22 January 2017USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 20176 unchanged
27 January 2019USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 20195 first recorded, 6 unchanged
27 January 2019USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 20191 unchanged
12 July 2019American four-wall, 12 July 201911 unchanged
12 July 2019American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 20191 unchanged
26 January 2020USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 202011 unchanged
26 January 2020USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 20201 unchanged
20 September 2020USHA One-Wall Rules, September 20201 unchanged
21 September 2020USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 202011 unchanged
22 January 2021USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 202111 unchanged
22 January 2021USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 20211 unchanged
9 December 2021USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 202111 unchanged
23 January 2022USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 202211 unchanged
23 January 2022USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 20221 unchanged
27 November 2022American four-wall, 27 November 202211 unchanged
17 January 2024American four-wall, 17 January 202411 unchanged
26 January 2024USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 202411 unchanged
26 January 2024USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 20241 unchanged
17 July 2024American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 20241 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA Four-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 202511 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA One-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 20251 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 26 January 202511 unchanged

The wording

Each part of the rule is followed on its own, oldest rulebook first. Rulebooks of other codes that borrowed the wording appear in their place by date.

Rule 2.1, part 1 of 11

Begins: “The specifications for the standard four-wall handball court are”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    The specifications for the standard four-wall handball court are

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    The specifications for the standard four-wall handball court are are:

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 American four-wall

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    The specifications for the standard four-wall handball court are are:

    1 word added, 1 removed.

  4. 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    The specifications for the standard four-wall three-wall handball court are:

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  5. 1 April 2005 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball)

    First recorded automatic

    The specifications for the standard one-wall handball court are:

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  6. 5 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Read the rule
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
    • June 2006 American one-wall, small ball (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005.
    • June 2006 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Read the rule
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006.

  7. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    The specifications for the standard four-wall three-wall handball court are:

    1 word added, 1 removed.

  8. 31 more rulebooks with the same words
    • June 2008 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Read the rule
    • 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Read the rule
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • January 2014 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA One-Wall Addendum (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA One-Wall Addendum (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
    • 12 July 2019 American one-wall, small ball (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 20 September 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2024 USHA One-Wall Rules (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Read the rule
    • 17 July 2024 American one-wall, small ball (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA One-Wall Rulebook (American one-wall, small ball) Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

Rule 2.1, part 2 of 11

Begins: “In the event the referee determines reasonable time is…”

  1. 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    In the event the referee determines reasonable time is being exceeded or abused he/she shall request the towel be returned, then declare “play ball” and proceed explicitly per Rule 4.1.E.Time; that is, the receiver shall be allowed a maximum of 10 seconds to assume a receiving position, after which the score shall be called and the server allowed a maximum of 10 seconds to put the ball in play.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 11 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

Rule 2.1, part 3 of 11

Begins: “Any failure to adhere to or abuse of this…”

  1. 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    Any failure to adhere to or abuse of this procedure may be subject to Rule 4.9.A.9 Technical.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 11 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

Rule 2.1, part 4 of 11

Begins: “At no time is a player allowed to leave…”

  1. 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    At no time is a player allowed to leave the court except at the referee’s direction to directly obtain a towel and return directly to the court.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 11 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

Rule 2.1, part 5 of 11

Begins: “A player otherwise leaving the court is subject to…”

  1. 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    A player otherwise leaving the court is subject to Rule 3.4.D.3) Forfeitures.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 11 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

Rule 2.1, item 2

Begins: “2.) Service line. The service line is parallel to…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    2.) Service line.
    The service line is parallel to the short line and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the outside of the short line.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    2.) Service line.
    The service line is parallel to the short line and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the outside edge of the short line.

    1 word added.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 American four-wall

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    2.) Service line.
    The service line is parallel to the short line and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the outside edge of the short line.

    1 word added.

  4. 5 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Read the rule
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
    • 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

  5. 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

    2.) 2) Service line. The service line is parallel to the short line and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the outside edge of the short line.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  6. 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
  7. 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  8. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    2.) 2) Service line. The service line is parallel to the short line and its outside edge is 5 feet in front of the outside edge of the short line.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  9. 14 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

Rule 2.1, item 4

Begins: “4.) Service boxes. A service box is located at…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    4.) Service boxes.
    A service box is located at each end of the service zone by lines whose outside measurements are 18 inches from and parallel to each side wall.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    4.) Service boxes.
    A service box is located at each end of the service zone by lines whose which have outside measurements are of 18 inches from from, and parallel to to, each side wall.

    5 words added, 4 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 American four-wall

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    4.) Service boxes.
    A service box is located at each end of the service zone by lines whose which have outside measurements are of 18 inches from from, and parallel to to, each side wall.

    5 words added, 4 removed.

  4. 5 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Read the rule
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
    • 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

  5. 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

    4.) 4) Service boxes. A service box is located at each end of the service zone by lines which have outside measurements of 18 inches from, and parallel to, each side wall.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  6. 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
  7. 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  8. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    4.) 4) Service boxes. A service box is located at each end of the service zone by lines which have outside measurements of 18 inches from, and parallel to, each side wall.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  9. 14 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

Rule 2.1, item 5

Begins: “5.) Receiver's restraining lines. Five feet back of the…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    5.) Receiver's restraining lines.
    Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending 6 inches from the side wall.
    These lines are parallel to the short line. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    5.) Receiver's restraining lines.
    Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending at least 6 inches from the side wall.
    These lines are lines, parallel to the short line. line, may also be marked as a broken line extending from side wall to side wall.. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    19 words added, 3 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 American four-wall

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    5.) Receiver's restraining lines.
    Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending at least 6 inches from the side wall.
    These lines are lines, parallel to the short line. line, may also be marked as a broken line extending from side wall to side wall.. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    19 words added, 3 removed.

  4. 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  5. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    5.) Receiver's restraining lines. Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending at least 6 inches from the side wall. These lines, parallel to the short line, may also be marked as a broken line extending from side wall to side wall.. wall. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  6. June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
  7. May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic

  8. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    5.) Receiver's restraining lines. Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending at least 6 inches from the side wall. These lines, parallel to the short line, may also be marked as a broken line extending from side wall to side wall.. wall. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    1 word added, 1 removed.

  9. 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

    5.) Receiver's 5) Receiver’s restraining lines. Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending at least 6 inches from the side wall. These lines, parallel to the short line, may also be marked as a broken line extending from side wall to side wall. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    2 words added, 2 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  10. 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
  11. 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  12. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    5.) Receiver's 5) Receiver’s restraining lines. Five feet back of the outside edge of the short line, lines should be marked on the floor extending at least 6 inches from the side wall. These lines, parallel to the short line, may also be marked as a broken line extending from side wall to side wall.. wall. (See Rule 4. 4.A).

    3 words added, 3 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  13. 14 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

Rule 2.1, item A

Begins: “A. Dimensions. The court is 20 feet wide, 20…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    A. Dimensions.
    The court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with back wall recommended minimum height of 14 feet.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    A. A.) Dimensions.
    The court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with back wall recommended minimum height of 14 feet.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 American four-wall

    Unchanged automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    A. Dimensions.
    The court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with back wall recommended minimum height of 14 feet.

    no words changed.

  4. 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Dimensions. The court is dimensions are: 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with back wall side walls recommended minimum height length of 14 44 feet.

    6 words added, 7 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  5. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Dimensions. The court is 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with the back wall having a recommended minimum height of 14 feet.

    3 words added.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  6. June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
  7. May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic

  8. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Dimensions. The court is dimensions are: 20 feet wide, 20 feet high and 40 feet long, with back wall side walls recommended minimum height length of 14 44 feet.

    6 words added, 7 removed.

  9. 18 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Read the rule
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

Rule 2.1, item B

Begins: “B. Lines and zones. Handball courts shall be divided…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    B. Lines and zones.
    Handball courts shall be divided and marked on the floors with 2-inch-wide lines.
    Recommended colors are white or red.
    The lines shall be marked as follows:

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 3 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 31 January 1999 American four-wall Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  3. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    B. Lines and zones.
    Handball courts shall be divided and marked on the floors with 2-inch-wide 2-inch wide lines.
    Recommended colors are white or red.
    The lines shall be marked as follows:

    2 words added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  4. June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic
  5. May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes Unchanged automatic

  6. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Unchanged automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    B. Lines and zones.
    Handball courts shall be divided and marked on the floors with 2-inch-wide lines.
    Recommended colors are white or red.
    The lines shall be marked as follows:

    no words changed.

  7. 3 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Read the rule
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  8. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Unchanged automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    B. Lines and zones.
    Handball courts shall be divided and marked on the floors with 2-inch-wide lines.
    Recommended colors are white or red.
    The lines shall be marked as follows:

    no words changed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  9. 14 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

Rule 2.1, item C

Begins: “C. Towels. In tournament play a towel should be…”

  1. 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    C. Towels. In tournament play a towel should be made available for wiping moisture on the court surfaces. Reasonable time should be allowed by the referee for this purpose only. Players should obtain a towel and proceed directly to the surface to be wiped, then directly return the towel. Players are not to interrupt this procedure to wipe any part of their body or eye guards. The respective 10 seconds allowed per Rule 4.1.E.Time and regular time outs are for this purpose.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 11 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule

All rules: clause history. The family tree is at Rulebooks.