HANDBALL  REPORT 05

The county, regional and national handball exhibitions were very enjoyable and successful. The feedback from all venues was very positive. Fourteen counties were represented at the national exhibitions which were held in Kingscourt, County Cavan, as the Croke Park alleys were not available. Many thanks to the Kingscourt club for all their assistance, and to all those who refereed the games.

The exhibitions by three of the top Irish handball players who won both world championship and all Ireland titles were received with tremendous enthusiasm by everyone present. My sincere thanks to Sibeal McKenna who won the 2002 all Ireland ladies singles 40 X 20 title and in 2005 won the senior doubles 40 X 20 doubles with her sister Fiona Shannon. Fiona, who is the current world ladies open singles champion, defeated her sister Sibeal in the final of the ladies open at the FBD Irish Nationals.

Michael Finnegan, a world champion in the men’s double grade along with Paul Brady and an all Ireland medal winner in 2003 & 2004 was also a welcome guest. The champions spent a good deal of time signing autographs and talking to the children, teachers, and handball coaches.

Many thanks to those who helped organise the exhibitions at county and regional level. Once again I am indebted to PJ Fitzpatrick, John Finch, Paul Kinsella, and Paddy Corbett. The exhibitions will return to Croke Park on the 11^th March (girls under 11, and under 13 singles and doubles) and the 25^th March (boys under 11 and under 13 singles and doubles). The under elevens are requested to register at 10:15am and the under thirteen’s at 12:30pm.

I would like to congratulate all those who participated in our exhibitions, and hope that we will see some future All - Ireland and world champions in action in Croke Park on the 11^th and 25^th March. Many thanks to those counties who returned their completed entry and expenses form on time. If all counties return their forms on time, the county medals will be available within a matter of weeks.

The committee of Cumann na mBunscol Naisiunta thank Lisa Mitchell for her help in staging what was, without doubt, the most successful and enjoyable exhibitions to date.

We would like to wish Lisa every success in her future career.

Maolseachlainn mac Geibheannaigh
 

Cumann na mBunscol

Playing Rules for Handball

• Age requirements:

          Under 11 on the 1^st January 2006        

          Under 13 on the 1^st January 2006

• A child may represent his/ her school in singles or doubles but not in both.
• The server stands between the service and the short lines and strikes the ball with the hand to the front wall after bouncing it once. If the ball fails to reach the wall, the opposing side is awarded a score (mark)
• The ball must pass the second service line.
• For service in doubles, the server’s partner shall stand in the service box facing the service with both feet on the floor until the served ball passes over the short line.
• In service the ball must pass over the short line to be in play.
• The receiver stands outside the short line. He/she must return the ball to the front wall after one bounce (or before the ball bounces). If the ball fails to strike the wall, the opponent is awarded a ‘mark’
• Two shorts mean a point for the opponent(s).
• There are NO hands in and hands out
• Every rally is a point.
• The player(s) reaching eleven marks win the game.
• If the players win one game, each aggregate scores count.
• The order of service is decided by tossing a coin. 
• After five aces, the service passes to the opposing player.
• Number Two ball is used.
• The recommended court size for both age groups is 40 x 20.
• It is not a knock out competition.
• The exhibitions are two games of 11 marks.
• It is not necessary to win by two clear points if the score is even at 10 each.
• If two or more children are playing in the same age group a round robin exhibition is recommended.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN INTER - SCHOOLS’ COMPETITION