Korfball is a dynamic, mixed-gender sport that has a popular activity in Europe. The Dutch sport merges the fundamentals of Basketball and Netball to create a new set of rules.
Credit: Hail
Korfball has received lots of praise due to its inclusivity. The rules are constructed so that both male and female player strengths are displayed.
This article will outline the basics of the sport and how to get involved with Korfball.
History
The origin of Korfball is situated in Amsterdam. In 1901, Dutch teacher Nico Broekhuysen introduced the sport to his students after being inspired by a Swedish game called Ringboll.
Broekhuysen’s interpretation of Ringboll kept most rules the same. However, he reduced the zones from 3 to 2 and replaced the metal ring with a basket.
These changes also inspired the name Korfball because Korf is the Dutch word for basket.
After trialling the game with his students, Broekhuysen decided to demonstrate the first professional game in 1902.
The sport grew rather quickly, with a national league being formed in 1903. This soon spread across Europe to countries such as Belgium, Germany, Spain, and New Guinea.
Credit: Topend Sports
Its popularity was later acknowledged by the Olympic committee as they decided to select Korfball as a demonstration sport for both the 1920 and 1928 games.
Although the growth was rather quick, the unisex approach caused a lot of backlash due to the existing sexist mentality. Many reporters refused to cover Korfball which stunted potential exposure.
Despite the controversies, an International Korfball Federation (IKF) was established in 1933 in Antwerp, Belgium.
Since then, Korfball has continued to slowly progress. Currently, over 60 countries are members of the IKF. The sport also remains most popular in Europe, with 32 European countries being members of the IKF.
How to Play
Like many team sports, the primary objective of Korfball is to score more goals than the opposition. Korfball is often described as having similar characteristics to Basketball and Netball.
A goal is scored when the attacking team throws the ball through the top of the defending team’s basket. The team that scores the most goals within the allotted time is declared the winner.
The pitch layout (see image above) splits the teams into 2 sections. Each team will be attacking in one zone and defending the other.
The basket is placed roughly 6 metres in from the end line of each zone. Baskets are 3.5 metres high and have a diameter 16 inches and a height of 10 inches.
Pitch sizes will vary depending on whether matches are played indoors or outdoors. Outdoor pitches are 60 x 30 metres whilst indoor pitches are 40 x 20 metres.
A rule unique to Korfball is that each team must have 4 male and 4 female players on the pitch at all times. This has led to the sport being declared the only ‘true’ mixed gender sport.
Credit: Dutch News
These players are split into 2 groups of 2 males and 2 females. Groups must stay in their respective sections whilst playing.
Each group gets the chance to attack and defend during a match. After every 2 points, the attacking zone and defending zones will switch.
When defending, each player must mark one opposition player of the same gender at all times. Furthermore, contact is not permitted, and defenders must try to pass to their teammates in the attacking section if they successfully retrieve the ball.
On the other hand, attackers must stay still when holding the ball. Also, they are not allowed to shoot when marked by a defender.
Credit: Alabama Newscenter
Violations can result in either a free pass or a penalty. Penalties are reserved for more serious violations. If the ball goes out of play, it will result in a change of possession via an out-ball.
For a more detailed look at the rules, click here: https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/The-basic-rules-of-korfball-IKF.pdf
Focus on Mixed Gender
Korfball puts a great focus onto a particular fundamental aspect of the sport, that being its approach to mixed gender play.
Since its conception, mixed rules has been mandatory for Korfball competitions. A requirement like this has never appeared in another recognised sport.
Credit: Sport And Recreation Alliance
Many modern sports contain elements of mixed gender competitions. However, during the time in which Korfball was devised, mixed competitions were non-existent.
Early 20th century sport was orientated towards male only competitions. The majority of sports refused to let women compete at any level. Korfball seemed to be a rare exception.
As a result, the alternative approach that Korfball possessed led to a lot of adversity. Going against the grain meant it struggled to reach the same heights as other European sports.
The adversity has gradually died down as society began to strive towards equality. This has been reflected in the progression of mixed gender sport in the past few decades.
Step by step, mixed competitions have become stronger and more prevalent within all levels of competitions. But despite being over 100 years old, Korfball is still the prime example of how mixed competitions should be presented.
Credit: Sport And Recreation Alliance
Recent events such as the Olympics introducing multiple mixed competitions at Tokyo 2020 emphasises the current spotlight on progressing mixed competitions.
This could be a huge benefit for Korfball as the IKF aims to become a part of the Olympic games. Adding Korfball to the Olympic catalogue as a permanent fixture would represent a landmark moment for the progression of mixed sports.
Following current trends, this announcement could be a lot sooner than expected. The mixed only attitude is definitely a big selling factor that puts Korfball in contention for an Olympic spot.
Where to Play?
If you are interested in trying Korfball, the IKF website has links to every national governing body on their website: https://korfball.sport/ikf-members/
Most of these links will provide a section for finding a club near you.
For those living in the UK, the England Korfball website provides a club finder feature. This allows you to look at where your nearest club is on a map: https://englandkorfball.co.uk/competition/clubs/
The website also provides information on how to volunteer, become a referee, and coach Korfball.
Comments