The sport of handball, also known as Olympic handball, European handball, or team handball, has seen tremendous success since its creation at the end of the 19th century. Originally played outdoors with 11 players on each team on a soccer field, known as field handball, the sport transitioned to an indoor format with 7 players during the mid-20th century, which has significantly contributed to its popularity and growth.
Handball continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide, offering diverse ways to enjoy the sport in different variations, each providing a unique twist on the classic game:
Mini Handball: A simplified version designed for children, helping them learn the basics of the sport in a fun and engaging way.
Street Handball: An informal version played in urban environments, often with simplified rules and fewer players, making it accessible and adaptable.
Snow Handball: A winter variation played on snow, similar to beach handball but adapted for cold weather conditions.
Wheelchair handball: It is an adaptation of traditional handball designed to be played by athletes with physical disabilities. This inclusive version of the sport allows players who use wheelchairs to participate in a fast-paced, competitive game that mirrors the excitement and dynamics of standard handball.
Beach Handball: A dynamic and exciting variation played on sand, emphasizing speed, agility, and spectacular aerial moves. It has its own set of rules and philosophy, distinct from indoor handball.
With summer upon us, our attention turns to beach handball.
To explore this exciting summer sport, we delved into its origins and development. We reached out to some of the key figures of the EHF Beach Handball Working Group's early days, including Ralf Dejaco from Italy, Jesús Guerrero from Spain, Ton van Linder from the Netherlands, Helmut Höritsch from Austria and Giampiero Masi from Italy.
These influential personalities, along with many coaches, referees, and volunteers from various countries, EHF, IHF, and other federations, paved the way for the beach handball clubs and players worldwide.
With the insights of these influencial personalities, along with references such as the handbook "Beach Handball" published in 2004 by Ton van Linder, "Beach Handball for Beginners" published in 2022 by Frowin Fasold, Alexander Gehrer, and Stefanie Klatt, and the EHF archive of annual reports, we have crafted a concise history of the origins of beach handball.
The Early Days of Beach Handball
It all began before 1989 when beach handball was played as a recreational sport in various countries, each one having its own set of rules. Some countries were directly involved with their national federations, while others had clubs independently organizing various beach handball events.
The idea of developing beach handball originated from the need to fill the annual summer break in indoor handball, when high temperatures and other factors make indoor play impractical. Additionally, it aimed to keep the enthusiasm of players and audiences high during this downtime. From the start, beach handball offered a fun and engaging alternative by incorporating elements like music and a vibrant atmosphere, making it appealing to everyone. Furthermore, beach handball allows players to stay active and maintain their skills during the offseason, contributing to their overall development and fitness.
In 1990, in Italy, Mr. Briani, Chairman of the Italian National Olympic Committee, proposed a project to adapt various sports to the beach, a movement from which beach volleyball gained fame and from where the beach handball took inspiration.
In 1991, with the election of Ralf Dejaco as president of the Italian Handball Federation, significant efforts were initiated to establish beach handball as a prominent sport as was a member of the IHF also. Recognizing the potential of this summer sport, Dejaco collaborated with Italian coaches to develop the first official rules of beach handball. This effort was led by Luciano Bartolini, who was responsible for school handball within the federation at the time.
There were also contributions from other notable figures such as Luciana Pareschi, Professor Briani, and Simonetta Montagni, who had been involved in beach handball before the federation officially considered the sport. Some of them assisted Bartolini in finalizing the rules in 1992.
In 1992 the first demonstration of beach handball took place on the Italian island of Ponza, organized by Gianni Buttarelli, president of the club Sequax Lazio and Franco Schiano, president of the Serie B handball teams. During this event, the first beach handball tournament was held, where the rules of the game were reviewed by Luciano Bartolini in collaboration with the first international beach handball referees, the Italians Giampiero Masi and Piero Di Piero. During the same year, in the Netherlands, a “handball-on-the-beach” strategy was developed and integrated into the federation’s strategy by Ton van Linder, who was the Technical Director.
In France, after the Olympic Games that took place in Barcelona in 1992, there was a wave of interest in beach sports. This led to the sport known as "Sandball," which is similar to beach handball. Eric Quintin, a former national handball team player, emerged as one of the pioneers of this movement, playing a significant role in promoting and developing Sandball in the country.
As mentioned at the start, many more countries were playing their own versions of beach handball within their country. This made the idea of playing the sport during the summer appealing to everyone, highlighting the advantages of attracting people to the sand during the break from indoor handball and having consistent activities for the sport lovers.
1993 - The First Beach Handball Committee
After the initial wave of interest in beach sports, beach handball began to establish itself across Europe in countries such as Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Turkey and many more.
In 1993, formal structures and events began to take shape, showcasing the sport's increasing appeal and organizational efforts, despite varying rules at the time.
In the Netherlands, under the leadership of Ton van Linder as Technical Director, there was a strong focus on organizing beach handball camps for youth and tournaments, reflecting a grassroots approach to fostering the sport and engaging younger generations.
Meanwhile in Italy, "Comitato Organizzatore Handball Beach" (COHB), was founded by Buttarelli, Briani, Schiano, and Mrs. Testa, that marked the establishment of the world's first beach handball association. This committee played a crucial role in structuring the sport in Italy and generating enthusiasm for its recognition worldwide.
The inaugural Italian Championships, known as the Beach Handball Summer Tour, were held on the beaches of Fregene, Gaeta, and Cesanatico, signifying significant milestones in the sport's competitive landscape.
In Germany, Vice President Oppermann introduced the concept "Raus aus dem Hallen" (Out of the Halls), advocating for beach handball as part of a broader vision to promote outdoor play to attract more participants.
The first exchange of information about beach handball experiments occurred among Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, underscoring a collaborative spirit and shared interest in refining and expanding the sport across different regions.
1994 - The Start of International Preparation Activities
In 1994, significant steps were taken to formalize and promote beach handball on an international level. This year marked the beginning of organized efforts to integrate the sport into broader handball structures and increase its visibility and acceptance worldwide.
In May, Ralf Dejaco, the president of the Italian Federation and a member of the IHF Commission, sought to introduce beach handball to the International Handball Federation. An IHF/CCP meeting was organized in Formia, Italy, with representatives from Italy and the Netherlands that marked the time when the “Italian Rules” for beach handball were considered more innovative, practical for beach settings, and attractive for promotional purposes.
In June, during the European Handball Federation lecturers’ course, one of the international referees of the beach handball, Piero Di Piero from Italy, presented the Italian version of beach handball rules, facilitating the regulation and promotion of the game.
With the rules set, and the lecture courses completed, the first beach handball tournament was organized and held in Bloemendaal, Netherlands, and another in Costa da Caparica, Portugal, further spreading the sport across Europe.
In July, an international beach handball tournament was conducted in the Salerno region of Italy. This event included a preparation meeting concerning the presentation of beach handball during the IHF Congress, with participation from several countries, indicating growing international interest and collaboration.
In September at the IHF Congress in Noordwijk, Netherlands, beach handball was officially presented, including the first official international beach handball demonstration match between the Netherlands and Italy, where Italy emerged as the winner, showcasing the sport's competitive nature and appeal.
During a meeting of the EHF Methods Commission, Jesús Guerrero, assisted by Ton van Linder, proposed integrating beach handball into the EHF strategy “Handball for All,” highlighting the commitment to making the sport accessible and inclusive.
These events in 1994 were crucial in laying the groundwork for the future growth and formalization of beach handball, showcasing international collaboration and strategic efforts to integrate and promote this exciting sport on a global stage.
1995 - The Official Start in Europe and the World
By 1995, beach handball had gained a lot of attention and was about to be officially recognized and widely adopted both in Europe and around the world. Key events throughout the year marked the sport's formal introduction and development, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various national and international bodies to promote and establish beach handball as a recognized sport.
In January, the first international beach handball tournament featuring national teams was held in Copacabana, Brazil. The participating countries included Brazil, Argentina, Italy, and Portugal, marking the sport's growing international appeal.
In May, the proposed EHF/MC strategy for beach handball, part of the “Handball for All” initiative, was published in the first EHF Periodical of 1995 by Jesús Guerrero. This strategy was translated into five languages, aiding in its widespread dissemination and adoption.
In June, the Netherlands hosted the first official national championship for beach handball and the 1st National Beach Handball course for coaches and referees, conducted by Ton van Linder. These events played a pivotal role in standardizing training and competition at a national level.
In September, the EHF Committee decided to address beach handball formally and appointed a Working Group to develop the basic rules. Key figures included Jesús Guerrero from Spain/ EHF, Ton van Linder from Netherlands/EHF, Adriano Ruocco and Simonetta Montagni from Italy and Helmut Höritsch from Austria/ EHF.
In October, the first EHF Beach Handball Working Group meeting took place in Vienna to establish the EHF philosophy, promotion strategy, production of materials, lecturers, and recommendations to the IHF concerning the rules.
In November, the IHF Council adopted a resolution to formally recognize beach handball, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
The year ended with the IHF issuing a letter in regards the beach handball, inviting all member federations to begin beach handball activities. With that, an IHF working group was set up to prepare the incorporation of beach handball into the IHF Statutes and to create a Beach Handball Rules book.
1996 - The Official Integration and Global Expansion of Beach Handball
By 1996, beach handball continued to build up, with significant milestones achieved in both European and global handball communities. This year marked crucial steps towards the sport's official integration into major handball organizations and the refinement of its rules and structure.
In March during the EHF Congress in Athens, Greece, it was presented beach handball once again. The presentation included an EHF beach handball video and the Beach Handball Guide, which contained EHF rules and recommendations. All materials were provided to the federations, and beach handball was officially included in the EHF statutes.
In July, at the IHF Congress in Hilton Head, USA, Ralf Dejaco presented beach handball, featuring a video demonstration. The first IHF edition of “Beach Handball – Rules of the Game” was distributed to the participants. With that, beach handball was officially included in the IHF statutes too.
An international tournament was held in Sile, Turkey, with participants from Turkey, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands, where Ton van Linder provided advice to the organizers.
In August, the EHF Beach Handball Experts’ Seminar took place in Marsala, Italy, with 31 participants from 14 countries, aiming to further develop and spread knowledge about the sport.
October was the time when an IHF/EHF Coordination Meeting on beach handball was held in Vienna, Austria, to review and refine the rules.
1997 - A Year of Rule Refinement and Planning
In January, the IHF/EHF Working Group on "Beach Handball Rules" convened in Vienna, Austria, marking the beginning of collaborative efforts to refine the sport's rules.
In March, the first Calendar of European Beach Handball was published, providing a structured overview of upcoming events and tournaments in the region, helping to promote and organize the sport more effectively.
In August, another IHF/EHF Working Group on "Beach Handball Rules" was held in Malaga, Spain, alongside a rules try-out tournament. This event aimed to test and finalize rule adjustments, ensuring the sport's regulations were practical and fair.
In October, plans were made to organize the 1998 EHF Beach Open in Portugal. However, the tournament was ultimately cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, affecting the competitive schedule for beach handball.
1998 - Solidifying the Foundations of Beach Handball
In January, the IHF/EHF Working Group on Beach Handball gathered again in the Netherlands to further discuss and establish revisions to the sport's rules. Key participants included Ton van Linder as chairman, Panos Antonou from the Referee Committee EHF, and Roger Xhonneux from the Referee Committee IHF. This meeting underscored the commitment to refining and perfecting the sport's regulations.
In March, the IHF Council formally adopted the "Official IHF Beach Handball Rules," establishing a uniform set of rules for international games. This significant milestone provided a standardized framework, ensuring consistency and fairness in beach handball competitions worldwide.
1999 - Striving for Growth Amidst Challenges
In 1999, significant efforts were undertaken to organize the European Open tournament in Portugal, reflecting the European Handball Federation's dedication to expanding beach handball. The EHF Project Group met in Vienna, Austria, to discuss and plan the event, showcasing the organization's commitment to promoting the sport.
However, despite meticulous preparations and strategic discussions, the tournament faced cancellation later in the year due to insufficient participant registrations. This setback underscored the logistical challenges and the need for greater participation and interest to successfully host international beach handball tournaments. Nonetheless, the EHF's perseverance and vision for the sport's future remained strong, highlighting the ongoing journey of growth and development for beach handball.
2000 - The 1st Official European Championship
The 1st European Championship in Gaeta, Italy
EHF Delegates, from left to right: standing - Gerd Butzeck (Germany), Ralf Dejaco (Italy), Alexander Kozhukov (Russia), Jesús Guerrero (Spain), Steen Hjorth (Denmark), Panos Antoniou (Cyprus), Ton van Linder (Netherlands), Roger Xhonneux (Belgium). In front, from left to right: Peter Fröschl and Helmut Höritsch (Austria/EHF Office).
Photo source: Helmut Höritsch.
The year 2000 marked a significant milestone for beach handball with the establishment of the first official European Championship and key developmental initiatives across Europe and globally.
In April, the IHF/EHF Working Group on Beach Handball Rules gathered in Lanzarote, Spain, alongside a rules test tournament, aiming to refine and finalize rules for the sport.
In June, the first "European Beach Handball Referees’ Course" was held in Kemer, Turkey, led by Ton van Linder.
In July, the inaugural European Championship Beach Handball took place in Gaeta, Italy. Eight men's teams and eight women's teams participated. The men's rankings saw Belarus clinch the top spot, followed by Spain and Ukraine securing the third position. Russia, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Turkey rounded out the rankings in fourth to eighth place, respectively. Meanwhile, in the women's category, Ukraine emerged victorious, demonstrating their skills in the sport. Germany claimed the second spot, with Russia closely behind in third. Yugoslavia, Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, and Spain completed the rankings from fourth to eighth place, showcasing a competitive and diverse field of participants in the tournament.
In August, the IHF published a booklet with revised "Beach Handball Rules of the Game," spreading the same rules for games all around the world.
2001 - Expansion and Consolidation of Beach Handball
In April, the EHF Working Group on Beach Handball met in Vienna, Austria, introducing the concept of the "European Beach Handball Tour" for the first time, aiming to enhance the sport's visibility and participation across Europe.
In June, the second EHF Beach Handball Referees’ Course and the first EHF Beach Handball Delegates’ Course took place in Yuzhni, Ukraine. Participants from Japan, Iran, and Brazil attended, highlighting the sport's global reach under Ton van Linder's leadership.
In August, the first World Championship Beach Handball was held in Akita, Japan, featuring six men's and six women's teams. Belarus and Ukraine emerged victorious in the men's and women's categories, alongside Brazil's notable performance.
Starting with the 2001 onwards, beach handball experienced significant growth and consolidation as an international sport.
The EHF and IHF formalized beach handball rules, published instructional materials, and organized Beach Handball Referees' and Coaches' courses. With the launch of the European Beach Handball Tour (EBHT) in 2003, competitive play worldwide began to flourish.
The growth of national leagues and increased participation in European and world championships, alongside inclusion in multi-sport events, such as the Youth Olympic Games in 2018 and the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics as a demonstration sport, showcased in an exhibition format rather than as a medal event, played and plays a crucial role in expanding beach handball's visibility and reach.
Enhanced governance and strategic planning by the interested federations, the EHF and IHF, successful marketing, sponsorship deals, and the launch of youth and junior championships continues to foster new talent and increase global awareness of the sport. However, these promotional efforts are complemented by the contributions of countries that are practising and promoting the sport within their own land. Without their support and initiatives, beach handball would not have reached its current stage of development.
Beach handball continued to rise in popularity, with more countries hosting national tournaments. This increasing interest has fueled ongoing efforts to include beach handball in the Olympic Games.
The influential personalities who have driven the growth of beach handball into a significant sport worldwide have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovativeness, collaboration, communication skills, persistence, resilience, and unwavering passion. Through their efforts, they have expanded the sport's reach and popularity, paving the way for its potential inclusion in prestigious global competitions like the Olympics. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping beach handball into a sport celebrated for its agility and global appeal, promising a bright future ahead. Similarly, indoor handball has the potential to follow a similar development trajectory in emerging nations worldwide, given the right cooperation, comunication, leadership and inclusivity.
The story of beach handball's rise illustrates that the current challenges faced by indoor handball in some countries are not due to a lack of interest of the population but rather a need for awareness, collaborative effort, strategic development and inclusion. By emulating the approach taken by beach handball's advocates—promoting the sport actively, supporting the certification of coaches and referees, and fostering a passionate community—indoor handball can achieve similar success and growth in those countries also.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals who generously shared their insights and knowledge, taking the time to discuss each stage of beach handball's history. Your contributions have been invaluable in shaping our comprehensive understanding of how this sport has evolved over the years.
It's also important to mention the involvement of numerous personalities and countries in the early days of beach handball, even before the sport was officially recognized internationally. Many of these contributors are now barely mentioned in historical records. While the records and shared stories highlight only some events, we must consider that many countries had already developed an interest in beach handball long before significant steps were taken by influential figures to establish it as a globally accepted sport. We give full credit to all those who have been involved, in one way or another, from the beginning to the present day.
With continued collaboration, inclusion and enthusiasm, we are confident that beach handball will continue to thrive and captivate audiences worldwide even more.
Yorumlar