How long is a handball match, and what happens if it is level?

• Normal time: "2 halves of 30 minutes" for players of 16 and over, with a half-time break that "is normally 10 minutes".
• Younger players: two halves of 25 minutes at ages 12 to 16, and of 20 minutes at ages 8 to 12.
• Overtime: after a five-minute break, "2 halves of 5 minutes, with a 1-minute half-time break".
• A second overtime: the same again if the score is still level.
• Then: "the winner will be determined in accordance with the rules for the particular competition".
• 7-metre throwing: each team names five players who throw in turn. If level after five each, five more are named and the first difference after equal throws decides.
• Who may throw: players not suspended or disqualified at the end of playing time.
• The clock: it runs unless the referees call a time-out, which is obligatory for a suspension or disqualification, a team time-out, a whistle from the table and a consultation between referees.
• Team time-outs: one of one minute in each half of normal time, and none in overtime.
• The final signal: from the clock or the timekeeper. A free throw or 7-metre throw awarded before it is still taken.
• Ends: the teams change ends at half-time.

The glossary has the playing time, the half, the overtime, the 7-metre throwing entry, the time-out and the timekeeper and scorekeeper entry.

A running clock keeps the game flowing, and the short list of obligatory stoppages protects it from being run down while a punishment is sorted out. One time-out a half gives a coach a single chance to change the game. The rule on throws after the signal means a foul on the last shot is never free.