Handball decisions are among the most argued-over in football. The law has been rewritten several times in recent years to try to make it clearer.
The basic idea: players should not gain an advantage by using their hand or arm.
What counts as the arm
For handball, the arm’s upper boundary is level with the bottom of the armpit. Contact with the shoulder area is not handball.
When it is an offence
- â–¸Deliberately touching the ball with the hand or arm
- ▸Making the body “unnaturally bigger” with the arm
- â–¸Scoring directly with the hand or arm, even accidentally
- â–¸Creating a goal-scoring opportunity immediately after an accidental touch (for the attacker who handled)
When it is usually not an offence
Contact when the arm is close to the body, when the ball deflects from the player’s own body, or when the arm is supporting the player while falling is generally not penalised. Interpretation still varies.
Changes over time
IFAB, the body that sets football’s laws, updates the wording periodically. Check the latest Laws of the Game for current guidance.
This is general sports information and commentary. Rules, schedules, and records change — check official league, federation, and event sources for the latest details. Consult a qualified coach or medical professional before starting a new training programme.