Handball Bundesliga introduces video evidence
Stand: 04.06.2023
New perspective: In the Handball Bundesliga, too, the referees are now getting technical help
Source: dpa/Sascha Klahn
As the last of the four major professional leagues, the Handball Bundesliga is now also introducing video evidence for the new season. One hurdle still has to be cleared. Compared to football there is a big difference.
DThe referees of the Handball Bundesliga (HBL) receive technical support. According to information from this editorial team, the video evidence will also be available in handball from the coming season.
HBL Managing Director Frank Bohmann (58) confirms this: “The video proof will be introduced in the HBL in the 2023/24 season. The only conceivable hurdle is the general meeting on July 5th and 6th, because the video proof has to be included in our statutes. But I think it is impossible that the application will fail because we have already coordinated with all clubs and are not facing any opposition.
The handball players had been discussing the introduction for a long time. Video evidence is already available at World and European Championships, in other foreign leagues (e.g. Denmark) and since 2015 also at the Final Four of the DHB Cup. Now also in the league. Bohmann says: “We are now hoping for an improvement in the quality of the referee’s decisions – that’s why we’re doing the whole thing in the first place. Ice hockey, basketball and football have had video evidence for a long time. We’ll be there a little later. Our referees also needed special training for this.”
“… then I am an absolute supporter”
Unlike in football, there will be no Kölner Keller, so no other referees who have a say. The decision-making power remains with the two referees in the hall. A video assistant (VAR) like in football is not planned.
It is precisely defined when the video evidence can be used: disqualification (red card), serious unfair actions, conflicts on the pitch, game-changing situations in the last 30 minutes and goal/no goal within the game time. Viktor Szilagyi, Manager of THW Kiel, says: “I’m basically a friend of making our sport fairer. If the video evidence can also be used as a challenge, then I am a total supporter.”
The European association EHF will introduce the challenge for the coming season in the Champions League, according to which a coach can request video evidence for verification. This option does not exist in German football. The HBL does not do this either. Bohmann: “We’ll take a look and then decide whether we’ll do it the season after next.”
