MAKING ONE WALL-HANDBALL A PRO SPORT for the OLYMPICS

[Efren "El Exclusivo"]

We as a group need to learn from our professionals. If there is any sport we need to relate to in this game it is Tennis. Some may say raquetball, but when you put into perspective the angles used in tennis, our one-wall handball can only relate to Tennis. One thing I want to point out is the SILENCE involved during a Tennis Volley. When Nadal serves to Federer, there is complete silence until there is a incredible get, in which the crowd goes "Ah or oooo", you'll never here "good get" or "get that" in the middle of the volley. Nothing is said until the ball is dead. WE MUST FOLLOW THIS if we wan't to make this sport professional. Little minor things like this will make a big difference in our games. BAD MOUTHING which mostly happens from our best players should be a means for disqualification after 2 or 3 warnings. Basically we need a "FOUL OUT" type of set up. In our game there is too much disrespect to the players in the middle of games. We all know who these people are, but no one stops them. Disrespect comes from the crowd and the players on the court. BOTH NEED TO STOP... If we can't change this minor situation, THIS GAME WILL ALWAYS be a street game.

[NYMIKE]

Good idea some of these guys just don't care about this that way I would love to win a gold medal

[Que]

E, you bring up good valid points although some like crowd management part will impossible in Street Venues. If crowds have to pay to see the competition the way they do in proffesional sports then they might have to respects rules set up for them.
Your point on the relation between our sport and tennis is right on. Not only very valid but true on many other fronts.

Silence is also a very good idea during play. Outside the play, another story. As a matter a fact this is a perfect suggestion for F.H.L. rules of conduct.

And trash talking, the belittling of weaker players, should definetey ceast. Warning and application of this rule needs to be in effect in all F.H.L. Tournaments. In F.H.L.'s first four tournament I've seen people violating this basic respect right. I understand this is part of our game. The getting into someone's head. One of the mental parts of the game. But when you have a league sanctioned this should not be allowed. This trashy part of the game should left on the streets.

Good thoughts E.

Keep it up bro.

We need more interesting dialog in our sport.

~ Q

[Eddie Jensen]

We have a guy in our group who is a very good three wall player. His name is Joe. He and his partner took the over 50 in 2008. Maybe 2007 also. This was at Ormond Beach, FL. Hosted by Pete Overeem. Joe will give up a whole day of competitive handball if he sees someone new to the game hanging around. He will actually take that guy to the handball court not in use and teach him how to play. Joe is a great guy and a great player. If any of you are in the Daytona area, give me a call. I will let you know when we are playing. I will try to arrange our handball play time to meet your schedule. 386-445-7386. NYMIKE; your thoughts are in the right place. I am like Joe; if you play handball; you have got something special. A-B-C or D player. You are my "Handball" brother!! Eddie Jensen

[Hector Diaz The Repoman]

I agree Efren, there is much to do to get this sport we love to the mainstream, I agree with you in reference to the no talking! In Tournament play in NY or Pa there is a NO TALKING ALLOWED during a Match! Rule in Place! which is stricly enforced in singles! now in doubles there is an exception to the rule but the only thing that can be stated and ONLY be STATED to your PARTNER ONLY! is I got It!, let it go! and ONLY on your ATTEMPT of a shot, you are strictly not allowed to talk on your OPPONONENTS SHOTS OR ATTEMPTS PERIOD! any violation to the rule results in a point/out-down... it is a good idea, since must parks have there general certain Park Rules... It is suggested to have a binding set of rules & regulations guidelines for your Park, League, Tournament Events... We by the most part abide by the Official USHA 1-Wall Handball Rules, but there are a few interpretations to the rules because even though we play 1-Wall there a difference of play when you play Small Ball and Big Blue.

There should be 1-Uniform Code of Play that should be adopted by all governing and local handball organizations,
I'm going to point out some plays and rules that should be adopted by all organizations so that when any organization hosts an event all the players are on the same page, then you don't have players complaining about I didn't know that rule, or that wasn't explained to me....

Standard Rules:
1. All lines are good on a serve except the short line, if the ball hits any part of the short line its a short!
2. In doubles partners must stradle the line (violation will result in a short)
3. Players must make their own block call, but continue to play on until the refs confirm the call, it is the refs duty to state play on if they believe it was not a blocks call. and is an unappeallable! cannot appeal a blocks!
4. If the ball travels between your legs while your standing still it is NOT A BLOCKS!
5. If the ball travels between your/partner legs after you serve it is an automatic blocks.
6. In Big Blue you are not required to move as long as your in position and not moving! oppose to in small ball your are required to move for your opponent to be able to take a shot... The only call that can be made is if the opponent is in front of you and inteferes with his back swing then a back swing can be called!
7. Also you cannot call a backswing if there a lob shot and it is judge that you wouldnt be able to retrieve the shot!
8. You cannot cross over in front of the path of the ball when your opponent in motion to make his shot, its an out or point! Now if its juz an upper body movement moving away from a ball hitting them its allowable, then only a blocks call can be made! but if they purposely step across the path of the ball then its a aviodable hinder! an out/ point!
9. In doubles a server serves out of order without calling it then it results in only 1 down, not 2 downs!
10. On Appeals, an appeal must be only directed to the games referee not the linesman, players are asked not to approach linesman in reference to the calls it is upto the referee once the appeal is made to get a verification of the call from the assigned linesman if the linesman cannot agree on a call the it should be replayed.

these are just a few items, but are most common in events...