The Norwegian Handball Federation, also known as Norges Handballforbund (NHF), is the governing body for handball in Norway. Founded in 1937, the federation has been responsible for promoting and developing the sport in the country ever since. The NHF is a member of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), the European Handball Federation (EHF), and the International Handball Federation.
Handball is a popular sport in Norway, with both men’s and women’s national teams representing the country at international competitions. The Norway men’s national handball team has been in two finals as of 2023, while the women’s team has won multiple medals, including gold at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. The NHF is responsible for organising and regulating handball tournaments and events in Norway, as well as providing support and resources for local clubs and players.
For those interested in learning more about handball in Norway and the NHF, this guide provides an overview of the federation’s history, structure, and key initiatives. Whether you are a fan of the sport or looking to get involved, understanding the role of the NHF is essential to appreciate the rich tradition of handball in Norway.
History of the Norwegian Handball Federation
The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) was founded in 1937 and is a member of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), the European Handball Federation (EHF), and the International Handball Federation. Its headquarters are located in Oslo.
The NHF was established to promote and develop handball in Norway. The sport has a long history in the country, and the NHF has played a crucial role in its growth and popularity. The federation has been instrumental in organising and supporting various national and international handball events in Norway.
According to Store Norske Leksikon, the NHF has been responsible for organising several major handball tournaments, including the Men’s World Championship in 1985 and the Women’s World Championship in 1999. The federation has also been involved in organising the European Men’s and Women’s Handball Championships.
Over the years, the NHF has worked hard to develop handball at all levels, from grassroots to elite. The federation has been successful in producing world-class handball players, and the Norwegian national handball teams have achieved significant victories on the international stage.
In conclusion, the Norwegian Handball Federation has a rich history of promoting and developing handball in Norway. The NHF has played a crucial role in organising and supporting various national and international handball events in the country, and has been successful in producing world-class handball players.
Structure and Governance
The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) is the governing body of handball in Norway. It was founded in 1937 and is a member of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), the European Handball Federation (EHF), and the International Handball Federation. The NHF is responsible for organising and developing handball in Norway, from grassroots to elite levels.
The NHF is led by a board of directors, which is elected by the federation’s members every four years. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the NHF, overseeing the implementation of policies and programs, and ensuring that the federation’s resources are used effectively. The board is supported by a secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NHF.
The NHF has over 1,000 member clubs and more than 100,000 registered players, coaches, and referees. The federation is divided into 18 regional associations, which are responsible for organising local competitions and developing handball at the grassroots level. The NHF also has a number of committees and commissions, which are responsible for specific areas of the federation’s work, such as youth development, coaching, and refereeing.
The NHF is committed to good governance and transparency in its operations. It has developed a set of statutes and regulations that govern its operations and ensure that it operates in a fair and equitable manner. The NHF is also committed to promoting the values of Olympism, including respect, fair play, and sportsmanship, in its work.
Competitions and Tournaments
The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) oversees the development of handball in Norway, promoting and organising various competitions and training programs for players of all ages and skill levels. The NHF is responsible for organising the Norwegian Handball Cup (NM), which is the most prestigious handball competition in Norway. The competition features teams from all levels of Norwegian handball, from the Eliteserien to lower divisions.
The NHF also coordinates the Norwegian national handball teams’ participation in international competitions. The Norwegian men’s national handball team, governed by the NHF, has participated in the Olympic Games, World Championship, and European Championship. The team has reached the finals of the World Championship twice and has been honored with a Pierre de Coubertin World Fair Play Trophy for great sportsmanship.
Similarly, the Norwegian women’s national handball team has a rich history of success at international competitions. The team has won the World Championship twice, the European Championship seven times, and has ten World Cup medals to their name. The women’s team also participates in the Women’s EHF Champions League, which is organised by the European Handball Federation (EHF).
In addition to national and international competitions, the NHF also organises youth tournaments for players of all ages. The Women’s 17 EHF EURO 2021 and Women’s 19 EHF EURO 2021 are examples of youth tournaments that the NHF has participated in. The NHF also organises training programs and competitions for youth teams up to the age of 19.
Overall, the NHF is committed to promoting and developing handball in Norway through various competitions and tournaments. The organisation’s efforts have led to the success of Norwegian handball teams at both the national and international levels.
Norwegian Handball in the International Arena
The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) has established itself as a dominant force in the international handball arena. The NHF is a member of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the European Handball Federation (EHF). The NHF has consistently produced successful teams that have competed at the highest level of international handball.
Norway has participated in several international competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. The Norwegian men’s national handball team has participated in six Olympics and has won one gold medal, while the women’s national handball team has participated in seven Olympics and has won three gold medals, making them one of the most successful teams in Olympic history.
The Norwegian women’s national handball team has also been successful in the World Championships, having won the title three times and finishing as runners-up three times. The men’s team has yet to win a World Championship title, but they have finished as runners-up twice.
In the European Championships, Norway has been one of the most successful teams, with the women’s team winning eight titles and the men’s team finishing as runners-up twice. The NHF has also hosted several international handball tournaments, including the Women’s European Handball Championship in 2010 and the Men’s European Handball Championship in 2020.
Norway has also had success against some of the top handball nations, including Denmark, France, and Sweden. The women’s national handball team has had particularly notable success against these nations, having defeated Denmark in the final of the 1999 World Championships and France in the final of the 2017 World Championships.
Overall, the Norwegian Handball Federation has established itself as a dominant force in the international handball arena, with successful teams that have competed at the highest level of international handball.
Coaching and Team Management
The Norwegian Handball Federation places a strong emphasis on coaching and team management to ensure the success of its handball teams. The Federation employs a team of experienced coaches and support staff who work together to develop players and teams at all levels.
The head coach of the national team is responsible for selecting the players and developing the team’s tactics and strategies. The assistant coach works closely with the head coach to provide support and guidance to the players. The goalkeeping coach is responsible for developing the skills of the team’s goalkeepers.
The team’s doctor, physiotherapist, and masseur work together to ensure that the players are in good physical condition and are able to perform at their best. The team administrator is responsible for managing the team’s logistics, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and equipment. The head leader is responsible for the overall management of the team, including ensuring that all staff members are working together effectively.
The Norwegian Handball Federation provides training and development opportunities for coaches at all levels. Coaches can attend courses and workshops to improve their skills and knowledge, and can also receive support and guidance from the Federation’s coaching staff.
In addition to the national team, the Federation also supports the development of handball at the club level. Local clubs are responsible for developing players and providing them with opportunities to compete at the highest levels. The Federation provides support to clubs through its regional and national athlete development initiatives.
Overall, the Norwegian Handball Federation’s approach to coaching and team management is focused on developing players and teams that are able to compete at the highest levels of international handball. The Federation’s experienced coaching staff and support staff work together to provide players with the training, support, and guidance they need to succeed.
Notable Teams and Players
The Norwegian Handball Federation has produced several notable teams and players over the years. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
Larvik HK
Larvik HK is a Norwegian women’s handball club based in Larvik. The club has won the Norwegian league title 14 times, the Norwegian Cup 10 times, and the EHF Champions League twice. Several players from the Norwegian national team have played for Larvik HK, including Linn-Kristin Riegelhuth Koren and Heidi Løke.
Vipers Kristiansand
Vipers Kristiansand is a Norwegian women’s handball club based in Kristiansand. The club has won the Norwegian league title twice and the Norwegian Cup once. In 2018, they won the EHF Cup, becoming the first Norwegian team to win a European club competition. Several players from the Norwegian national team have played for Vipers Kristiansand, including Nora Mørk and Stine Bredal Oftedal.
Most Goals and Most Caps
The Norwegian national team has had many talented players over the years. The player with the most goals for the national team is Marit Breivik, who scored 606 goals in 204 appearances. The player with the most caps is Karoline Dyhre Breivang, who played 302 matches for the national team.
Current Squad
The current squad of the Norwegian national team includes several talented players, such as Nora Mørk, Stine Bredal Oftedal, and Veronica Kristiansen. They are coached by Thorir Hergeirsson.
Past Squads
The Norwegian national team has had many successful squads in the past. The team that won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics included players such as Katrine Lunde Haraldsen, Gro Hammerseng-Edin, and Kari Aalvik Grimsbø. The team that won the gold medal at the 2015 World Championship included players such as Nora Mørk, Stine Bredal Oftedal, and Heidi Løke.
The Game of Handball
Handball is a fast-paced and exciting game that is played on a court of 40 x 20 metres with a goal at each end. The game is played by two teams, with each team consisting of seven players (six outfield players and one goalkeeper).
The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is played in two halves of 30 minutes each. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, extra time is played to determine the winner.
The game of handball involves a combination of offensive and defensive strategies. The team in possession of the ball tries to create scoring opportunities by passing the ball between players and taking shots at goal. The defensive team tries to prevent the opposing team from scoring by intercepting passes, blocking shots, and pressuring the attacking team.
The goalkeeper plays a crucial role in handball. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands within the 6m zone surrounding the goal. The goalkeeper’s job is to block shots and prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Handball has a number of rules that must be followed in order to ensure fair play. Some of the key rules include:
- Players must not touch the ball with their feet or legs
- Players must not hold the ball for longer than three seconds
- Players must not take more than three steps while holding the ball
- Players must not push, hit, or trip other players
- Players must not enter the 6m zone around the opponent’s goal unless they are attempting to score
Scoring in handball is relatively simple. A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line and enters the goal. Each goal is worth one point.
In addition to traditional indoor handball, there is also a variant of the game known as beach handball. Beach handball is played on a smaller court with fewer players and involves slightly different rules. However, the objective of the game remains the same – to score more goals than the opposing team.
Popularity and Success of Handball in Norway
Handball is a popular sport in Norway, enjoyed by people of all ages. The Norwegian Handball Federation was founded in 1937 and has since been a member of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports, the European Handball Federation, and the International Handball Federation. Its headquarters are located in Oslo.
One reason for the popularity of handball in Norway is the success of both the men’s and women’s national teams on the international stage. The women’s team, in particular, has been very successful, winning several major championships, including the World Championship in 1999 and 2011, the European Championship in 1998, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2014, and the Olympic gold medal in 2008 and 2012.
Handball is also a popular sport to watch live in Norway, with many matches being played in arenas across the country. Social media has also played a role in increasing the popularity of handball in Norway, with many fans following their favorite teams and players on various social media platforms.
Overall, the popularity and success of handball in Norway can be attributed to the country’s strong sporting culture and the dedication of the Norwegian Handball Federation to promoting the sport and developing young talent.
Development and Future of Norwegian Handball
The Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF) has been instrumental in the development of handball in Norway. The federation has put in place various initiatives to promote the sport, including club-based practice and competition, sport academy secondary school programs, and regional and national athlete development initiatives. These initiatives have helped to create a pipeline of talented players who have gone on to represent Norway at the highest level.
The NHF has been particularly focused on the development of young players. Regulations prohibit sports-specific specialisation towards elite-oriented development before the age of 13, and financial sanctions can be imposed at the individual and club level if the regulations are not followed. This approach has helped to ensure that young players are not overworked and that they are given the opportunity to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The NHF’s focus on athlete development has also helped to increase participation in the sport. Handball is now one of the most popular sports in Norway, with over 100,000 registered players. This has helped to create a strong talent pool of players who can compete at the highest level.
Looking to the future, the NHF is committed to continuing to develop the sport of handball in Norway. The federation is focused on increasing participation in the sport, particularly among young people. It is also looking to develop new initiatives to help talented young players to reach their full potential.
Overall, the NHF’s commitment to athlete development, participation, and experience has helped to make handball one of the most popular sports in Norway. With its focus on the future, the federation is well-positioned to continue to grow and develop the sport in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of handball in Norway?
Handball has a rich history in Norway, with the Norwegian Handball Federation being founded in 1937. The sport has grown in popularity in the country, with both men’s and women’s teams achieving success at the international level.
Who are the top players in the Norwegian handball league?
The Norwegian handball league features many talented players, both domestic and international. Some of the top players include Sander Sagosen, Magnus Jondal, and Kristian Bjornsen.
What are the current standings in the Norwegian handball league?
The current standings in the Norwegian handball league can be found on the Norwegian Handball Federation’s website here.
How successful is the Norway men’s handball team?
The Norway men’s handball team has had some success at the international level, with their best performance coming in the 2017 World Championships where they finished in 4th place.
How successful is the Norway women’s handball team?
The Norway women’s handball team is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won numerous medals at the Olympics and World Championships. They have won the Olympic gold medal three times and have won the World Championship seven times.
What was the recent controversy surrounding the Norwegian Beach Handball team’s uniform?
The Norwegian Beach Handball team caused controversy in 2021 when they wore shorts instead of the required bikini bottoms during a match. The team was fined for their uniform violation, but their decision to wear shorts sparked a larger conversation about the sexualisation of female athletes and the need for more inclusive uniform options.
