Handball

Clause history · American one-wall, small ball

Rule 4.2 Doubles: how the wording changed

48 rulebooks state this rule, from 20 June 1990 to 26 January 2025. The wording was reworded or changed 9 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 19902 first recorded
14 October 1994USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 19942 first recorded
31 January 1999USHA Four-Wall Rules, 31 January 19991 unchanged, 1 reworded
31 January 1999American four-wall, 31 January 19991 unchanged, 1 reworded
2000USHA One-Wall Rules, 20002 unchanged
9 March 2001USHA One-Wall Rules, March 20012 unchanged
7 October 2001USHA One-Wall Rules, 7 October 20012 unchanged
8 April 2002USHA One-Wall Rules, 8 April 20022 unchanged
20 August 2002USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 20022 unchanged
19 January 2005USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 20042 unchanged
1 April 2005USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 20051 unchanged, 1 reworded
15 April 2005USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 20052 reworded
June 2006USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 20062 unchanged
June 2006American one-wall, small ball, June 20062 unchanged
June 2006USHA One-Wall Rules, June 20062 unchanged
May 2007USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 20072 unchanged
13 October 2007American three-wall, 13 October 20072 reworded
June 2008USHA One-Wall Rules, June 20082 unchanged
2012USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20122 unchanged
2014USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20142 unchanged
January 2014USHA One-Wall Rules, January 20142 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 20152 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 20152 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 20152 reworded
22 January 2017USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 20172 unchanged
22 January 2017USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 20172 unchanged
22 January 2017USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 20172 unchanged
27 January 2019USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 20192 unchanged
27 January 2019USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 20192 unchanged
12 July 2019American four-wall, 12 July 20192 unchanged
12 July 2019American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 20192 unchanged
26 January 2020USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 20202 unchanged
26 January 2020USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 20202 unchanged
20 September 2020USHA One-Wall Rules, September 20202 unchanged
21 September 2020USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 20202 unchanged
22 January 2021USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 20212 unchanged
22 January 2021USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 20212 unchanged
9 December 2021USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 20212 unchanged
23 January 2022USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 20222 unchanged
23 January 2022USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 20222 unchanged
27 November 2022American four-wall, 27 November 20222 unchanged
17 January 2024American four-wall, 17 January 20242 unchanged
26 January 2024USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 20242 unchanged
26 January 2024USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 20242 unchanged
17 July 2024American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 20242 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA Four-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 20252 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA One-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 20252 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 26 January 20252 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 4.2, item A

Begins: “A. Server. At the beginning of each game in…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    First recorded automatic

    A. Server.
    At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game.
    Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up.
    This player must continue to serve first throughout the game.
    When the game's first server is put out on his initial serve, the side is out.
    Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs.
    It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 14 October 1994 USHA One-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's first server is put out on his initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Unchanged automatic

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

    A. Server.
    At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game.
    Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up.
    This player must continue to serve first throughout the game.
    When the game's first server is put out on his initial serve, the side is out.
    Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs.
    It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    no words changed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  4. 31 January 1999 American four-wall (American four-wall)

    Unchanged automatic

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

    A. Server.
    At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game.
    Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up.
    This player must continue to serve first throughout the game.
    When the game's first server is put out on his initial serve, the side is out.
    Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs.
    It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    no words changed.

  5. 6 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2000 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994. Read the rule
    • 9 March 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 7 October 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 8 April 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 20 August 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

  6. 1 April 2005 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002.

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's first server is put out on his his/her initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  7. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's first server is put out on his his/her initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  8. 4 more rulebooks with the same words
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • June 2006 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005.
    • June 2006 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Read the rule
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006.

  9. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's first server is put out on his his/her initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

  10. June 2008 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Read the rule

  11. 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Unchanged automatic

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

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's game’s first server is put out on his/her initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  12. 3 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • January 2014 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Read the rule

  13. 6 February 2015 USHA One-Wall Addendum

    Unchanged automatic

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014.

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's game’s first server is put out on his/her initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  14. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    A. Server. At the beginning of each game in doubles, each side informs the referee of the order of service, which must be followed throughout the game. Only the first server on the first serving team may serve the first time up. This player must continue to serve first throughout the game. When the game's game’s first server is put out on his his/her initial serve, the side is out. Thereafter, both players on each side shall serve until an out for each occurs. It is not necessary for the server to alternate serves to the opponents.

    2 words added, 2 removed.

  15. 24 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA One-Wall Addendum 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.
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
    • 12 July 2019 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 20 September 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2024 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Read the rule
    • 17 July 2024 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA One-Wall Rulebook 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.

Rule 4.2, item B

Begins: “B. Partner's position. On each serve, the server's partner…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    First recorded automatic

    B. Partner's position.
    On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with his back to the side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line.
    Violations are called "foot faults".

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 14 October 1994 USHA One-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    B. Partner's position. In doubles, the server's partner must stand outside the side lines, astraddle the indicated service line, and may not enter the playing zone until the served ball passes him. A violation is called a "foot fault."

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

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

    B. Partner's position.
    On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with his back to the nearer side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line.
    Violations are called "foot faults". “foot faults."

    3 words added, 2 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  4. 31 January 1999 American four-wall (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

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

    B. Partner's position.
    On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with his back to the nearer side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line.
    Violations are called "foot faults". “foot faults."

    3 words added, 2 removed.

  5. 7 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2000 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994. Read the rule
    • 9 March 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 7 October 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 8 April 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 20 August 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.
    • 1 April 2005 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002. Read the rule

  6. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    B. Partner's position. On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with his his/her back to the nearer side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called “foot faults."

    1 word added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  7. 4 more rulebooks with the same words
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • June 2006 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005.
    • June 2006 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Read the rule
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006.

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

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    B. Partner's position. On each serve, the server's partner shall stand erect with his his/her back to the nearer side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called “foot faults."

    1 word added, 1 removed.

  9. June 2008 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Read the rule

  10. 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Unchanged automatic

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

    B. Partner's Partner’s position. On each serve, the server's server’s partner shall stand erect with his/her back to the nearer side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called “foot faults." faults.”

    3 words added, 3 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  11. 3 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • January 2014 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Read the rule

  12. 6 February 2015 USHA One-Wall Addendum

    Unchanged automatic

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014.

    B. Partner's Partner’s position. In doubles, the server's server’s partner must stand outside the side lines, astraddle the indicated service line, and may not enter the playing zone until the served ball passes him. A violation is called a "foot fault." “foot fault.”

    4 words added, 4 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  13. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    B. Partner's Partner’s position. On each serve, the server's server’s partner shall stand erect with his his/her back to the nearer side wall and with both feet on the floor within the service box until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called “foot faults." faults.”

    4 words added, 4 removed.

  14. 24 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA One-Wall Addendum 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.
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
    • 12 July 2019 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
    • 26 January 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 20 September 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2024 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Read the rule
    • 17 July 2024 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA One-Wall Rulebook 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.

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