For this time, we delve into the exciting world of beach handball with Ralf Dejaco, often referred to as the father of the sport, as he’s widely recognized for his significant contributions to the development and promotion of beach handball. His professional journey in the sport is marked by his tenure as President of the Italian Handball Federation from 1991 to 1994, where he played a crucial role in fostering the growth of handball in Italy. Dejaco's innovative approach led him to explore the potential of beach handball, becoming a pioneer in its development with the help of other important personalities from Italy and abroad.
His work extended beyond Italy, as part of the propaganda and development commission of International Handball Federation and then responsible for the development of the beach handball of the European Handball Federation, he advocated for the inclusion and promotion of beach handball within the broader handball community, helping to establish the sport's legitimacy and popularity.
Throughout his career, Ralf Dejaco has been a visionary leader, dedicated to the growth and promotion of beach handball where his contributions have had a lasting impact on the sport, making him a key figure in its history and development.
To gain deeper insights into the journey and future of beach handball, we asked Ralf Dejaco for his perspectives. In our conversation, Mr. Dejaco shares key experiences from the early days of beach handball and his vision for the sport's future. He also provides valuable advice for countries like Ireland that lack a beach handball strategy. Here is an excerpt from our discussion:
You've been involved in beach handball from the beginning…
“It all started a long time ago. I am the father of beach handball. From '91 to '94, I was the president of the Italian Federation, and during that time, I was very interested in everything that was happening in Italy, talking a lot with the coaches.
Once, just by chance, I asked a lady who was a coach: "What do you do during the summer months?" She told me: "We play on the beach because people have fun!" I replied: "With our handball rules, it's not so easy on the beach. How do you do it?" And she said: "Yes, someone has made some new rules." I said: "Then I really want to see and understand what you do."
So I went to the beach in Gaeta, Italy with her and saw what they were doing, and then I said: “I like this!".
I was already on the EHF Propaganda Committee, and I talked to someone from the Netherlands who told me: "We also play beach handball!" In '92, I organized a congress in Italy with the Netherlands, and together we decided the first rules. We studied together for three days in a sports school and examined this face of beach handball. Later, as a member of the EHF Propaganda Committee, I brought up this topic, and we discussed it in this committee.
In the committee, there were six people, two were totally against it, but we went ahead. Then we brought everything to a congress in '94, up in the Netherlands, and we did a beach handball demonstration. And so we went on. I always brought up the matter in the committee, and slowly I noticed that all the nations, especially those with more participants, were very interested.
Then I was elected to the EHF in 2000, responsible for beach handball until 2004. I pursued the matter professionally with commissions, which we formed with people from other nations, and we pursued this matter until it really caught on. A few years later, we created a beach handball commission in the EHF, and the same thing was done by the IHF, and then the matter developed quite well.”
How do you see the development of beach handball from the beginning until now?
“The evolution has gone very well, but in recent years it has been a bit more slowed down because there is an attempt to get beach handball into the Olympics. So far it hasn't worked yet, but this would be a very important step.”
What do you think about countries that have not developed indoor handball, for example, Ireland? Do you think beach handball could be a better development opportunity?
“Yes, you are underdeveloped, I know, but effectively you could progress with beach handball. You have plenty of sand, sea, and beaches, and it's fun, isn't it? There's a lot of music, people are relaxed. It's not as demanding as indoor handball. People are more focused on fun, and I would say for Ireland, this could be a good opportunity for advancement.”
For example, at the beginning, how was this sport received in the early years in Italy?
“Very well, but it's increasingly seen that traditionally strong indoor handball players aren't the best in beach handball. In beach handball, there are “speedy Gonzales”, even shorter people are wanted. Especially, a nation that can start with beach handball, should agree with a nation that is already quite strong like Italy, also Austria because it doesn't have sea but has many lakes where it's played, the Netherlands. Other nations should try to be invited and go there to see how they do it.”
What would you recommend to Ireland, which doesn't have beach handball strategies, and people who want to do something with this sport?
“Everyone has it a little bit now, even countries without the sea play it. I've seen they've played, even in Berlin. Countries that are interested in lending a hand, can try it.
If the Irish board is open to beach handball, they can also write a letter to countries like Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, especially Spain. Those are all open to talking to you, I don't see any problems.
Make sure to convince your federation to participate in a nice beach handball tournament. They just have to see it once. That's the difference, they have to see it. And then you could also write a letter, maybe for a small contribution, in Vienna at the EHF, or even in Italy where there are tournaments, where you could go. You have to start, if you don't start, you'll never get anything. Start writing, then try to get the list of tournaments in Europe, and then you have to go there, maybe 3-4-5 people, to see how it works and bring something with you. And who knows, maybe something will come out of it.”
Despite the country’s underdeveloped state in indoor handball, Ralf Dejaco highlights the unique opportunities beach handball presents. Ireland, with its abundant sand and beaches, can leverage these natural resources to foster a fun and engaging sport during the summer.
Dejaco's experiences underscore the importance of initiating interest and participation through practical steps. For Ireland to make strides in beach handball, the Olympic Handball Ireland needs to actively engage in international beach handball tournaments and collaborations. By observing and learning from nations with established beach handball practices, Ireland can adapt successful strategies to its context.
Furthermore, Dejaco recommends Ireland’s board seek support and guidance from established beach handball nations and organizations. With strategic efforts and international collaboration, Ireland has the potential to develop and popularize beach handball, making it a significant sport within the country.
What is achievable in one country can be attainable for everyone. To foster the development of beach handball in Ireland, there must be clear and substantial support for the local community, starting from the Olympic Handball Ireland. This support should include supporting implementing a nationwide marketing plan to raise awareness of the sport to the young generation, so the development can be sustainable, and international participation.
Ralf Dejaco, known as the father of beach handball, continues to inspire and propel enthusiasm for the sport with his passion and dedication. His belief in hard work and persistence is encapsulated in his words: "If you don’t start, you’ll never get anything."
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