Tournament

The Prague Handball Cup is a tournament for all youth categories and takes place in halls all around Prague. Get to know the rules and the game flow.

Categories

In 2025, the tournament is open to male and female players born in 2006 and later. In the relevant category, younger players can also compete. Older players are not allowed to start outside the boundaries of each category. Up to three girls are allowed in the MD and ME categories, and up to three boys are allowed in the WE category.

Each player can only play for one team in the same category. The tournament is open to clubs, school teams or regional selections.

Boys

  • MA  (2006 - 2007)
  • MB  (2008 - 2009)
  • MC  (2010 - 2011)
  • MD  (2012 - 2013)
  • ME  (2014 - younger)

Girls

  • WA (2006 - 2007)

  • WB (2008 - 2009)

  • WC (2010 - 2011)

  • WD (2012 - 2013)
  • WE (2014 - younger)

Halls

The tournament is played in more than 40 halls all over Prague. Majority of the halls have official size playing courts (40 x 20 m), while smaller playing courts (36 x 18 m) are only for D and E categories. 

In some halls the use of handball resin is prohibited. The information on which halls resin is allowed or forbidden can be found in the list of halls.

List of halls

See the list of halls

Playing time and matches

All matches have a playing time of 2 x 15 minutes. Two referees are delegated to each match.

The organizer guarantees each team to play a minimum of six matches. Successful teams that make it to the final can play up to 11 matches. 

A maximum of 16 players per team can enter a match and at least one team leader must enter.

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 differentiation of regular and resin-free: ME, WE

Playing system 

The preliminary groups have a minimum of six teams in each group. The preliminary groups are played on a round robin system, so each team will play a minimum of five matches. 

Based on their position in the preliminary groups, teams will advance to the main groups or to the play-off B. From the main groups, the teams advance to the play-off A. 

The playing system for each category depends on the number of participating teams and its final form will be published before the beginning of the tournament.

Awards and ceremonies

There will be ceremonies on the final day to award all the participants of the play-off A final matches. They will be awarded with sets of medals and original cups. 

We also award the best players of the final matches, as well as the most successful club of the tournament, who will receive a Super Cup.

Awards will also be given to the participants of the 3rd place play-off A matches and to the participants of winning teams of the play-off B matches in each category.

Read the whole Reglement

Get to know all tournament rules in detail.

Medical care

All participants take part in the tournament at their own risk. There is medical staff present in the sports halls to provide first aid and treatment of minor injuries. In case of treatment in hospital, you must have your health insurance card or travel insurance document. The costs of the treatment are covered by the participants themselves.

Shoot-out

One of the particularities of the Prague Handball Cup is the shoot-out. It is an original way to decide the winner in case the play-off match ends in a draw. It is actually a separate " shoot-outs " (attacking player against the goalkeeper). Watch our instructional video to get familiar with the shoot-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the tournament

What do I need to have with me in the hall?
How many matches per day will I play and will I have time to see Prague?
What is the on-line roster?
Where can parents watch the game or team results?
Are there any refreshments in each of the halls?