Restarts and decisionsRule 10.37
For a restart, the thrower must be correctly positioned and stationary and briefly hold the ball above shoulder height. The initial throw must travel a metre horizontally or change possession to a teammate. Opponents must allow the thrower to take position.
See an example and key point
In a game
You hold the ball up at the sideline, pause, then pass more than a metre.
Remember
The ball is not in play until the metre or teammate-possession condition is met; the rule has a narrow close-range free-shot blocking exception.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.37
The thrower must be correctly positioned and stationary, briefly hold the ball above shoulder level, and release a throw that travels at least one metre horizontally or reaches a teammate. The five-second restart count applies once a teammate can collect and take the throw.
See an example and key point
In a game
You raise the ball at the indicated point, pause, and pass to a teammate.
Remember
Opponents cannot obstruct your position or interfere before the ball is in play.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.37.3
For a free shot awarded within two metres of goal, defenders may block after release with stationary hands or paddle before the ball has travelled one metre. Moving towards the thrower or blocking before release can lead to a goal penalty shot.
See an example and key point
In a game
A goalkeeper holds a paddle still and blocks a released free shot close to goal.
Remember
This is a narrow exception to the normal one-metre restart protection.
Restarts and decisionsRule 10.38
A goal penalty shot follows specific positioning and timing rules. The shooter takes it after the referee's signal and time-out, with defenders and other players restricted as the rule specifies.
See an example and key point
In a game
The shooter waits for the referee and takes the shot from the designated penalty position.
Remember
Read rule 10.38 for the exact positions and procedure before officiating.
Shot clockRule 17.1, 17.4
Failure to attempt a valid shot in time gives the opponents a free shot. A shot already in flight may complete if the ball left the player's hand before the expiry signal sounded.
See an example and key point
In a game
The signal sounds while a previously released shot is flying towards goal.
Remember
The shot must have left the hand before the signal.
Shot clockRule 17.1
Under the 2025 rulebook, a team must attempt a valid shot within 60 seconds of gaining possession or control when the shot clock applies. A change scheduled for 1 January 2027 adds 30-second periods for further shots when the same team retains possession.
See an example and key point
In a game
Your team gains control and must attempt a qualifying shot before 60 seconds expire.
Remember
The 2027 retained-possession change is future-dated and must not be applied early.
Shot clockRule 17.1
A valid attempt clearly targets goal and enters it, is blocked by a goalkeeper's or defender's paddle, rebounds from the frame, or misses and goes out within four metres either side of the goal.
See an example and key point
In a game
A shot strikes the goal frame and rebounds to the attacking team.
Remember
A ball falling short and remaining in play is not a qualifying shot for a reset.
Shot clockRule 17.1
Shot clock rules are used at World Games and World Championships, recommended at Continental Championships, and may be used elsewhere if every team is clearly notified. Do not assume every local club match has one.
See an example and key point
In a game
A tournament announces a shot clock in its competition information.
Remember
Check event rules before applying shot-clock decisions.
Shot clockRule 17.1.2.a
From 1 January 2027, the rulebook schedules 30-second periods for later shots when a team retains possession after an initial shot. The first attempt remains within 60 seconds. This is a future-dated provision as of 2026.
See an example and key point
In a game
A coach explains the scheduled change without applying it to the current match.
Remember
Check for later adopted rule changes before using this guide after 2026.
Shot clockRule 17.2
The shot clock is linked to the game clock and stops when that clock stops, including after goals, time-outs and out-of-play balls. It restarts with the referee's whistle or when the thrower holds up the ball to take a throw.
See an example and key point
In a game
A ball goes out; the clock pauses until the restart procedure begins.
Remember
The clock operator follows the official match timing rules.
Shot clockRule 17.5
It resets for a qualifying shot or clear change in team possession, and also after a free shot or advantage from an opposition foul. A short ball that stays in play, or momentary loss of control to the same team, does not automatically reset it.
See an example and key point
In a game
A shot hits the goalkeeper's paddle and the attacking team recovers the rebound; the clock resets under the 2025 rule.
Remember
A sideline restart to the same team after losing the ball out of bounds is not by itself a reset.
