Reglement

1. Tournament Schedule

The sports program of the tournament is as follows:

April 3, 8:00 - 21:00 = Preliminary groups

April 4, 8:00 - 21:00 = Preliminary groups

April 5, 8:00 - 21:00 = Play-off A and Play-off B

April 6, 8:00 - 17:00 = Semi-final matches, third-place matches, and final matches of Play-off A, the award ceremony. Play-off matches, semi-final matches, and final matches of Play-off B.

2. Categories and Player Eligibility

The following categories are announced for the Prague Handball Cup 2026

MA – Boys born in 2007–2008 WA – Girls born in 2007–2008

MB – Boys born in 2009–2010 WB – Girls born in 2009–2010

MC – Boys born in 2011–2012 WC – Girls born in 2011–2012

MD – Boys born in 2013–2014 WD – Girls born in 2013–2014

ME – Boys born in 2015 and younger WE – Girls born in 2015 and younger

Players older than the age limit for a given category are not allowed to participate. If a player, who is older than the rules of the tournament allow, enters the match, the team will be penalized for the respective matches with loss by default. Younger players are allowed to participate in an older category. However, players are permitted to compete in only one category above their designated age group, i.e. players from category E may play in category D, players from category D may play in category C, and so on. Each player may represent only one team within a single category.

In categories MD and ME, up to three girls per team are allowed to participate. In category WE, up to three boys per team are allowed to participate. Each such player may play for only one team within category D or E. Clubs, school teams, or regional selections are eligible to participate in the tournament.

3. Rules

Matches are played according to the international rules approved by the IHF, with the following modifications

• the game clock is not stopped during 7-meter throws or player suspensions,
• teams are not allowed to take time-outs,
• the three-possession rule after on-court medical treatment does not apply.

The above modifications do not apply to the Play-off A finals and third-place matches, where each team is entitled to one time-out per half.

If a player or official receives a blue card, they are automatically suspended from participating in the nearest following match.

On some courts, the centre throw-off area may not be marked.

The team leader must be at least 18 years of age no later than on the first day of the tournament (April 3, 2026).

The organizer reserves the right to exclude from the tournament any team that deliberately leaves the playing court during a match. The results of such a team will be annulled.

An official protest may be submitted in writing to the Hall Supervisor within 15 minutes after the end of the match, together with a deposit of 1 000 CZK or 40 EUR. If the protest is rejected, the deposit is forfeited in favour of the organizer.

All matters not covered by the IHF Rules of Handball or this official tournament reglement will be decided by the tournament Jury.

4. Competition Format

The competition format is the same for all age categories.

4.1. Preliminary Groups

• teams are drawn into groups of 6 to 8 teams,
• matches are played in a round-robin format,
• the top three teams from each Preliminary group advance to Play-off A,
• the remaining teams continue in Play-off B.

4.2. Play-off A

• based on their placement in the Preliminary Groups, teams are seeded into Play-off A,
• matches are played in a knock-out format,
• the losing semi-finalists play a match for 3rd place.

4.3. Play-off B

• based on their placement in the Preliminary Groups, teams are seeded into Play-off B,
• matches are played in a knock-out format.

The organizer reserves the right to modify the competition format depending on the number of registered teams in each age category. Any modifications to the competition format will be announced no later than 14 days before the start of the tournament.

4.4. Ranking regulation

To determine the rankings in the Preliminary Groups, the first applicable criterion from the following list will be used

1) higher number of points earned in the group

2) higher number of points earned in head-to-head matches

3) greater goal difference in head-to-head matches

4) higher number of goals scored in head-to-head matches

5) greater goal difference from all matches in the group

6) higher number of goals scored in all matches in the group

7) draw

4.5. Shoot-out

In case a knock-out stage match, a final and 3rd place match ends in a draw, the match will be decided by a "shoot-out". In category E, drawn results will be decided by seven-meter throws instead of “shoot- out”. The procedure for performing seven-meter throws is the same as for the “shoot-out”.

The team leader will select 5 players (who are eligible to play) who will take turns with the opposing players in the “shoot-out” attacks. Players suspended by two-minute suspension, which has not yet expired at the end of regulation, or those who have been disqualified, cannot participate in the “shoot- out”.

Before the “shoot-out”, the referees use the toss to determine the starting team. The toss winner has the right to choose whether his team prefers to attack or catch first.

At the start of the actual attack, the attacking goalkeeper must stand on the goal line with at least one foot. The attacking player with the ball must stand with at least one foot on the 9-meter line (anywhere on the court). When the referee whistles, the player passes the ball back to his goalkeeper on the goal line. During the pass, the ball is not allowed to touch the ground. Once the ball has left the player’s hand the attacking goalkeeper may move forward and must pass the ball within 3 seconds to his teammate, who is running towards the opponent’s goal. During this pass, the ball is not allowed to touch the ground, also. The player must catch the ball and try to score a goal without dribbling or any other handball rule violation. Both goalkeepers must remain in their goal areas.

If the attacking goalkeeper or the player violates a rule, the attack is considered unsuccessful. The team that scores more goals from 5 attacks is the winner. If both teams score the same number of goals, the “shoot-out” continues with one attack for each team, until the final decision has been reached. At this stage, the team that performed the last attack of the original five-attack “shoot-out” attacks first. The following attacks can be performed by any eligible players except for the condition stated in the first paragraph.

An instructional video for the “shoot-out” can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrMZ_hdaurs

5. Roster

5.1. Club roster

Every club that has signed up for the tournament is obliged to fill out a list of all participants (the so- called club roster) electronically in the club zone called MyPHC. In this list, it is necessary to assign the players and leaders to the teams of the respective categories (the so-called team roster). Players or team leaders, who are not included in the team roster cannot start the match.

Club or team rosters must be completed by the club at latest at the time of accreditation of the team upon arrival, otherwise the team cannot be accredited. Changes in the club roster (with the exception of increasing the number of participants) can be made by clubs until midnight of April 2, 2026. After that, changes can only be made in the Tournament office.

5.2. Match roster

Before each match, the team leader is required to electronically fill out the match roster, which must include a list of players (including their jersey numbers) and team officials participating in the match.

A maximum of 16 players may take part in a match for each team, and all of them must be listed on the match roster. Each team must also have at least one and no more than four team officials, who must likewise be listed on the roster.

No later than 10 minutes before the start of the match, each team leader

• fill out the electronic match roster in the "MyPHC" system (access to MyPHC must be granted by the club manager),

• reports the color of the jerseys (In case of identical jersey colors, the team listed second in the match schedule must change its jerseys.).

If the team leader is unable to complete the electronic match roster, he must submit a properly and legibly completed match roster form (which can be requested from the hall staff).

The match roster must include a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 16 players, and a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 4 team officials.

All players must have a number on their jersey that matches the numbers on the match roster. Numbers must be on the back of the jersey. In the same match, it is not possible for several players to use the jersey with the same number. In the case of matching jersey colors, the team listed in the second place must change the jersey color.

6. Match

Each team shall play at least six matches. Two referees shall be appointed to officiate each match.

6.1. Match time

All matches are played in two halves of 15 minutes each, with a 2-minute break for changing sides. Teams are not required to switch sides at halftime if both teams agree beforehand and inform the referees prior to the start of the match.

6.2. Waiting time

All teams are required to follow the official match schedule. The standard waiting time is 5 minutes. If a team is not ready to play after this period, or fails to inform the hall supervisor of its expected arrival time, the match may be forfeited by decision of the tournament Jury, with a result of 5:0 in favour ofthe opposing team. In exceptional cases, the tournament jury may decide to delay the start of the match or reschedule it to a later time.

6.3. Proof of Identity

Each player must have their own personal identification document with a photograph available during the match — for example, a passport, national ID card, or European Union ID card. Each participant (player or team official) must also carry a completed Activity Card issued by the organizer during the match. An electronic copy of an identification document with a photograph is acceptable.

6.4. Verification

A team leader may request the verification of a player's identity (hereinafter referred to as "verification") at any time during a match. The hall supervisor or members of the tournament Jury may also initiate such a check. A fee of CZK 250 or EUR 10 must be paid for each player being verified to the hall supervisor before the verification begins (with a receipt provided). If the confrontation is initiated by the hall supervisor or a Jury member, no fee is required. The verification will take place at the next stoppage of play.

The verification is carried out by the match referee or Jury members in the presence of the responsible team leaders and the hall supervisor. The verification is performed by checking the details on the match documents against the photograph and information found on an official identity document, such as a passport, national ID card, or EU ID card.

The result of the verification will be accurately recorded in the match report. The particular match will be completed as scheduled. If it is determined that the player’s participation was unauthorized, the player will be excluded from the remainder of the match. The hall supervisor will report this to the tournament Jury. The Jury will then decide whether the match result should be lost by default or whether the result achieved on the field should stand. The result achieved on the field may be upheld if it is more favourable to the team that requested verification than a score of 5:0.

If the player does not have a valid document during the verification, they must present it before the start of the team’s next match (if it is played on the same day) or no later than the end of the playing day to the hall supervisor where the verification took place. If this is not possible within the given time frame, the player must present the document at the Tournament office along with the team leader. The verification will then be carried out by a member of the Jury or the hall supervisor of the relevant hall. If it is confirmed that the player’s participation was legitimate, the result of the completed match will remain valid.

In play-off matches, if a player fails to present a valid document within 30 minutes after the match has ended, the result will be lost by default in favour of the opposing team. The team that requested the verification and lost the play-off match must wait for the resolution of the verification. If it is determined that the player’s participation was unauthorized, the requesting team will continue in the competition.

In the case of a justified verification, the match will be won by default in favour of the opposing team by a score of 5:0, or the tournament Jury may decide to uphold the result achieved on the field. In this case, the fee will be refunded. If the verification is found to be unjustified, the fee will be retained by the organizer.

7. Balls

The organizer allows to play with regular handballs as well as with special balls, on which resin cannot be used ("resin-free" balls), with dimensions specified in the international handball rules:

IHF 3 or resin-free IHF 3: MA

IHF 2 or resin-free IHF 2: MB, MC, WA, WB

IHF 1 or resin-free IHF 1: MD, WC, WD

IHF 0 without resolution of regular and resin-free: ME, WE

Resin-free balls must be certified by the IHF with "IHF approved PRO resin free" or "IHF approved resin free".

The final matches will be played with Molten balls provided by the organizer for these matches.

7.1. Use of resin

The organizer in agreement with the sports hall operators has established the following rules for the use of handball resin (the term "use of resin" is defined as resin placed on any part of the body or equipment and on the ball. A “resined ball” is defined as a ball that leaves a visible mark on the playing surface when it comes into contact with it.) The Prague Handball Cup is played either in halls with a prohibition or with limited use of handball resin.

7.2. Halls with a prohibition of the use of handball resin

In such marked halls, the use of resin is strictly forbidden in the entire area of the hall (playing court, dressing rooms, auditorium, areas around the playing court, etc.). The use of regular and resin-free balls is allowed in the halls where resin is forbidden. The ball for the match is provided by the team listed first in the draw.

These halls are mainly used for teams from age categories C, D and E.

A team that violates the prohibition of resin on the playing court during the match will be punished with the following game consequences

a) a warning in the case of the first violation detected during the tournament

b) a loss by default (0:5) against the guilty team in the case of the second violation during the tournament

c) possible disqualification from the tournament in the case of further violations

A team that violates the prohibition of using resin outside the playing court (or on the playing court when not playing) will be punished with a penalty of 1 000 CZK or 40 EUR.

The list of halls with a prohibition of the use of resin will be published on the website.

7.3. Halls with limited use of handball resin

In such marked halls, the use of resin is strictly forbidden in the entire area of the hall (dressing rooms, auditorium, areas around the playing court, etc.) except for the playing court.

The resin has to be placed in the substitution area in a clean protective cover.

In halls with limited use of resin it is allowed to use only a regular ball. The ball for the match is provided by the team listed first in the draw.

In these halls preference is given to teams in the A and B age categories in the draw.

Any team that violates the prohibition of using resin outside the playing court will be punished with a penalty of 1 000 CZK or 40 EUR.

The list of halls with limited use of resin will be published on the website.

7.4. Rights of the hall supervisor and referees

In the case of a violation of the prohibition of the use of resin, the hall supervisor (delegated representative of the organizer) is authorized in the cases defined in this reglement

a) to charge a penalty on the spot

b) to stop the match

c) in cooperation with the referees, to deal with the game consequences

In the case of a violation of the prohibition of the use of resin during a match, the referee is authorized to decide about the playing consequences.

8. Halls

The tournament is played in indoor sports halls with official court dimensions. Categories E and D may play in halls with smaller courts, measuring 36 × 18 meters.

Guidelines for behavior in the halls

• due to the limited number of changing rooms in the halls, the changing rooms are not locked,
• the organizer is not responsible for belongings left in the changing rooms and in all other areas of the sports hall,
• warm-up with balls is permitted only on the playing court,
• In some halls, loud music, drumming, or similar noise is not permitted (it is always necessary to follow the organizer’s instructions),
• It is strictly forbidden to bring or consume food on the playing court in all halls,
• In some halls, the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages may be restricted or completely prohibited.
• Spectators and all participants must not interfere with the course of the match or behave inappropriately towards teams, referees, or other participants.
• Each team is responsible for the behavior of its supporters. Inappropriate behavior or actions by supporters may result in the team’s exclusion from the tournament.

The organizer reserves the right to expel from the venue any individuals violating the above provisions or the operational regulations of the respective sports hall or school premises. Referees are entitled to interrupt any match affected by such a violation until proper order has been restored.

8.1. Medical Services

All participants take part at their own risk. A medical service will be present in each sports hall to provide first aid and basic treatment of minor injuries. This service is provided free of charge. In case of an injury requiring hospital treatment, all related medical expenses, including possible hospitalization, must be covered by the participants themselves. It is strongly recommended that all participants carry their health insurance card or, in the case of foreign participants, proof of international health insurance at all times.

9. Award Ceremonies

As part of the final day’s program, two official award ceremonies will take place.

The first ceremony will be held after the final match of Play-off A, category MC. Teams placed 1st and 2nd in categories WE, ME, WD, MD, WC, and MC will be awarded.

The second ceremony will take place after the final match of Play-off A, category MA.

Teams placed 1st and 2nd in categories WB, MB, WA, and MA will be awarded.

Awards for teams placed 3rd and 4th will be presented immediately after the respective third-place matches of Play-off A.

The winners of Play-off B will receive their awards after the final match of their category.

9.1. Play-off A Awards

Teams placed 1st will receive an original trophy and a set of gold medals (maximum 16 per team).

Teams placed 2nd will receive an original trophy and a set of silver medals (maximum 16 per team).

Teams placed 3rd will receive an original trophy and a set of bronze medals (maximum 16 per team).

Teams placed 4th will receive an original trophy.

9.2. Play-off B Awards

The winning team in each category will receive small souvenirs with tournament motifs (maximum 16 per team).

9.3. Best Players

Based on the performances in the final matches of Play-off A, the best players from each final match will be selected and awarded. The presentation will take place immediately after each final match.

10. Tournament Jury

The tournament jury consists of:

• Miroslav Šajner
• Tomáš Březina
• Ondřej Šimůnek