How to become a Referee

referee showing the travel violations signal

Are you a player just looking to gain a better understanding of the rules or do you have dream to officiate matches at the world championships. Regardless what you strive for everyone start out the same. 

Fact is that without referees we wouldn’t be able to hold games or host tournaments. So thank you for showing interest in learning more about refereeing.  

How do I start?

If you have never even seen a full beach handball match, now is the time to watch one. Beach Handball Match: USA vs MEX, 2023 IHF Global Beach Tour

Theory lessons for beach handball

Most certifications require you to study the rule book and referee theory for some time.

Nothing beats reading the IHF rule book directly. However there are additional resources to learn about refereeing and the unspoken conventions for referees (running paths, whistle sounds etc.) 

If you have done the theory work above you should be well setup for the test. In addition we offer an online quiz with all possible questions from the IHF catalog on the Rules Page. The questions are sorted by chapter and you can directly look up the rules responsible for an answer. 

Many referee have let us know that the online quiz has helped them prepare for rule exams for their certification and often go through a couple of questions before a match or tournament to refresh their memory.

Praxis lessons for beach handball

Gaining praxis and experience in refereeing will be key for your development as a referee. Since beach handball is being officiated in pairs, the easiest way to gain experience is to pair up with an experienced referee at beach handball tournaments. They will be able to pick up calls you miss and provide feedback early on. Most beginners are comfortable officiating games alone or with another inexperienced partner after 5-6 games. 

Since tournaments are still very infrequent, local club practices represent another opportunity to practice your refereeing skills. Many teams scrimmage or have games during their practice and appreciate having a referee even if you are still learning.  

Referee Registry

To facilitate beach handball tournament organizers we have started a database for beach handball referees.

If you want to be added to the list of beach referees please send Michelle Mensing the following information:
– Name
– Date of Birth
– email
– phone number
– City, State
– if prior experience: number of games officiated
– indoor handball certification level if applicable

    Certification Process in the US

    The referee certification process in the US is governed by the National Referee Committee (NRC) of USA Team Handball. Generally there are three different level to be achieved in the US, once you achieved the highest national level the NRC can recommend you to the continental and international referee contingent which will allow you to officiate international matches.  

    USABH Referee Level 1

    • No prior practical referee experience required
    • Minimum passing score on the rules of the game exam (passing score is 70%)
    • Minimum of 5 hours of theory & praxis on beach handball (the hours can be accumulated over multiple virtual and in-person trainings)
    • To keep level 1 status, the referee must meet the above requirements

    USABH Referee Level 2

    • Minimum of 1 year at level 1 plus refereed 20 matches
    • Minimum passing score on the rules of the game (passing score is 80%)
    • Pass the physical test (beach specific test, see 14.11)
    • Must attend at least one referee clinic annually
    • To keep level 2 status, the referee must meet the above requirements

    USABH Referee Level 3

    • Minimum of 2 years at Level 2 plus refereed 70 matches
    • Minimum passing score on the rules of the game (passing score is 85%)
    • Pass the physical test (beach specific test, see 14.11)
    • Must attend at least one referee clinics annually
    • To keep level 3 status, the referee must meet the above requirements

    Certification Process in Canada

    Canada currently does not have their own certification system for referees. However referees that participate in US and Canadian Tournaments can request observation by US referees to help them grow and support recommendations to the Canadian Referee Group. 

    Discussions are in progress to introduce a certification system in Canada as well.