The blue card in handball is a disciplinary signal used by referees to indicate that a serious offense has occurred, which will lead to a written report and likely result in a suspension for the player in subsequent games. It signifies that the incident needs to be punished even more severely than a red card alone.
What is a Blue Card in Handball?
The blue card is a significant disciplinary tool in elite-level handball, introduced to provide clarity regarding follow-up sanctions after a player has received a red card. It serves as an explicit signal from the referee that a particular foul or unsportsmanlike conduct is not merely an expulsion from the current game, but will also trigger a disciplinary committee review and potential suspension from future matches.
Purpose and Introduction
Historically, there was sometimes uncertainty about whether a red card would automatically lead to a suspension in subsequent games. To remove this ambiguity, the International Handball Federation (IHF) introduced the blue card into the official rules of the game in 2016.
Key functions of the blue card:
- Clarity on Sanctions: It provides immediate clarity to players, coaches, officials, and spectators that a red card offense is serious enough to warrant further investigation and likely suspension.
- Deterrent: Acts as a stronger deterrent against severe fouls and highly unsportsmanlike behavior.
- Formal Reporting: Signifies that the referee will submit a written report to the relevant disciplinary body, detailing the incident.
When is a Blue Card Issued?
A blue card is always shown after a red card. It's not a standalone card but an additional signal following an immediate disqualification. Referees issue a blue card in situations where they believe the offense committed by a player warrants punishment beyond just being removed from the ongoing match. This rule only applies on the elite level of handball.
Common scenarios that may lead to a blue card include:
- Extreme Violent Conduct: Actions that pose a significant risk of injury to an opponent, such as hitting, kicking, or dangerous tackles.
- Highly Unsportsmanlike Behavior: Grave acts of disrespect towards opponents, officials, or the game itself, including spitting, highly offensive language, or deliberate provocation.
- Repeated Severe Infractions: Accumulation of serious fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct that demonstrates a disregard for the rules and spirit of the game.
- Deliberate Fouls in Critical Moments: Fouls designed to prevent a clear scoring opportunity in an excessively dangerous manner.
The Disciplinary Process
When a player receives a blue card:
- Red Card First: The player is first shown a red card, immediately disqualifying them from the current match.
- Blue Card Follows: The referee then shows the blue card, indicating the seriousness of the offense.
- Written Report: A detailed written report about the incident is submitted by the referee to the relevant disciplinary committee (e.g., national federation or IHF).
- Disciplinary Review: The committee reviews the report and any other available evidence (like video footage).
- Further Sanctions: Based on the review, the committee decides on the appropriate additional punishment, which typically includes a suspension from a specific number of upcoming matches and/or a fine.
Blue Card vs. Red Card
While both cards lead to a player's immediate removal from the game, their implications differ significantly:
| Feature | Red Card (Disqualification) | Blue Card (Disqualification + Report) |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Effect | Player is disqualified from the current game. | Player is disqualified from the current game. |
| Follow-up | May or may not lead to further sanctions, depending on the severity and context of the foul. | Automatically indicates that a written report will be filed. |
| Future Games | Generally no automatic suspension for subsequent games unless specified by rules for specific types of red cards. | Almost certainly leads to a suspension for future matches, decided by a disciplinary committee. |
| Visibility | A single red card is shown. | A red card is shown, immediately followed by a blue card. |
| Purpose | To punish serious fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct, or a third 2-minute suspension. | To clarify that the red card offense is so severe that it warrants a formal disciplinary review for further punishment. |
Practical Implications
For players, receiving a blue card means not only being ejected from the current match but also facing the real possibility of missing subsequent crucial games. For teams, it means losing a player for potentially an extended period, which can significantly impact their performance and strategy, especially in tournaments or league play where every game matters.
Understanding the blue card is essential for anyone involved in elite handball, as it highlights the sport's commitment to player safety and upholding the spirit of fair play.
