Refereeing and Rules

New Referee trial Test can be located here

Rules

Korfball is played in 3 basic formats - outdoor, indoor and beach. The differences between indoor and outdoor korfball are minor, relating only to game duration and field size - all other elements are the same. The rules for this standard game format are located here.

Ian Harding monitors the rebound

Beach korfball has taken hold as a very fast, high intensive game using half the space and half the team size. It’s especially popular as a social game format, where teams are picked 'on the day', and the day involves as much socialising as playing. This game, while similar to the indoor game, only uses one korf and attacks start from the corner of a square field. Rules for Beach Korfball are located here. (Note, these rules are yet to be updated by the IKF)

Refereeing

Korfball requires one Referee to officiate a game, and preferably an Assistant Referee and Timekeeper/scorer. The skill of the referee is dependant upon the skill of the teams playing, and the quality of the game is dependant upon the quality of the refereeing. Like all good sportspeople, referees also must keep 'practising' by continually calling games.

Many referee skills can be transported across codes - game management, disputes control, authority and earning respect. Korfball is no different, and any referee who has officiated other ball sports will quickly acquire the skills required to control a quality korfball game.

Referee Training

Rose Podvoiskis in Holland

KNZ runs courses to upskill the budding new referee in the game rules, interpretation, game play and positioning. The course is normally run over 3 sessions of about 2½ hours each. During the last session, the attendees can sit the theory examination and those who pass are able to start their on-court duties. Accredited Referees are entitled to be reimbursed for the game time they officiate.

Accreditation

KNZ has adopted the Referee Accreditation scheme as defined by the British Korfball Association (BKA). This decision permits consistency in refereeing, and also allows accredited referees to slot directly into the structure of the other country. The BKA has defined a structure, an examination scheme, and a peer review methodology to allow the ongoing growth and consistency required by players.

To assist the new or experienced referee in obtaining or renewing their referee accreditation, an on-line referee test has been created. Located at http://www.korfball.org.nz/exam, the test will present a random group of questions from a base of over 120. The test can be retaken as often as desired, to assist in accreditation.

For more information on courses or any other queries, contact