PSAL

RULES AND REGULATIONS for HANDBALL
Updated for the 2010 - 2011 Season

1 SPORT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

1.1 Season Start Date - March 1, 2011
1.2 Season End Date - June 14, 2011
1.3 Date that all make-up games must be completed: 
1.3.1 Boys League - May 6, 2011 
1.3.2 Girls League - May 9, 2011
1.4 Tryout dates - October 11, 2010 - October 25, 2010. 
1.5 Maximum number of games, exclusive of playoffs - No Maximum
1.6 Minimum number of players required to start a game - seven (7) players. It is recommended that each team have twelve (12) active players.
1.7 Times of games
1.7.1 Games will start promptly at 4:30PM unless a change in time is mutually agreed upon by the schools, and is included in the official league schedules, as posted on www.psal.org.
1.7.2 A forfeit will be declared if a team does not show up within 30 minutes of game time.
1.8 All teams are required to complete their league schedules, and all games must be completed by May 6, 2011 (Boys League) and May 9, 2011 (Girls League). 
1.9 All games rained out, must be rescheduled and played within a two-week window period following the original rain out date. If the game is not rescheduled and played within that window period it will be counted as forfeits for both teams involved. 

2 TRYOUTS & PRACTICE

2.1 Schools must have five (5) days of practice prior to the first interschool scrimmage. Students must have three (3) days of practice prior to the first interschool scrimmage.
2.2 Schools must have five (5) days of practice prior to the first interschool game.
Students must have three (3) days of practice prior to the first interschool game.
2.3 Approved tryout dates for all students are - October 11, 2010 - October 26, 2011. 
2.4 A school may not conduct organized practices prior to March 1, 2011.

3 TEAM ROSTERS

3.1 All coaches must electronically submit a Team Roster with jersey numbers to www.psal.org ONE WEEK prior to the first scheduled contest of the season (league or non-league). NO LATER THAN MARCH 16, 2011
3.1.1 All line-up positions must be set and posted on the PSAL web-site.  Line-ups frozen on March 21, 2011 at 3:00pm. Submitting a lineup after the deadline will count as your only lineup change. Only One individual or entire team lineup change may be made prior to or at the 50% completion of a team's schedule. After the 50% completion, no other changes will be permitted. This rule applies to non-injured and/or eligible players. 
In a 10 game season that is before or at the 5th game of your schedule, but not after the 6th game.
In a 11 game season that is before or at the 6th game of your schedule, but not after the 7th game
In a 12 game season that is before or at the 6th game of your schedule, but not after the 7th game. 
In a 13 game season that is before or at the 7th game of your schedule, but not after the 8th game.
In a 14 game season that is before or at the 7th game of your schedule, but not after the 8th game. 
3.2 No PSAL team is permitted to compete unless an approved team roster and lineup is posted on the website. 
3.3 Failure to submit the above will result in a forfeit for each contest played.
3.4 Minimum number of players "in uniform" required to start a game is SEVEN (7).
3.5 It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that each team should have at least 12 eligible players on the team, Seven (7) starters (3 singles players and 4 doubles players) and 5 players to be used as substitutes, scorekeepers and referees.
3.6 TEAM-LINEUP (POSITIONS)
3.6.1 By March 21, 2011, all coaches must have their team's complete roster and lineups. Lineups submitted after the deadline will count as a lineup change.
3.6.2 Lineups are submitted by entering the "position" in the appropriate space next to each player's individual profile where it states position (POS) on the team's electronic roster.
3.6.3 It is mandatory that coaches follow these guidelines. If assistance is needed contact the Handball Commissioner George A. Diaz. 
3.6.4 Failure to comply may result in forfeiture.
3.7 Enter player's starting lineup position by using the following terms:

3.8 Coaches must assign starters in each position to play in their correct level of strength (Best player plays in 1st singles, second best in 2nd singles, etc.) Failure to comply may result in match forfeiture.

3.9 INJURED AND/OR INELIGIBLE PLAYER(S)

3.9.1 During the regular and playoff seasons, a team may move up the entire line-up if any of the following occurs:
3.9.1.1 Player(s) obtains a serious injury (which is documented) disabling him/her from playing for the next three consecutive games.
3.9.1.2 Player(s) on a team becomes academically ineligible.
3.9.1.3 In either occurrence, only three individual or entire team line-up changes will be permitted. This includes regular and playoff season.
3.9.2 In the event that these player or team line-up changes are made the following will apply:
3.9.2.1 If a substitute student-athlete is needed at a singles position, everyone in the singles lineup will move up 1 slot, leaving the substitute to move into the 3rd singles slot, or a coach may elect to break up their 2nd & 1st Doubles team and move the substitute into the 2nd Doubles slot, and move up a 1st Doubles player into 3rd Singles.
3.9.2.2 Starters returning from injury or ineligibility must be re-entered into same original starting position as posted in start of season. See rule 13.12 SUBSTITUTE STUDENT-ATHLETES additional info.
3.9.2.3 Failure to comply will result in entire match forfeiture.

4 CHANGES IN SCHEDULE

4.1 The PSAL office will issue official schedules for each sport. 
4.2 Coaches have an opportunity to request adjustments or corrections to dates, times, and locations. 
4.3 Any changes in the Varsity schedule must be made between February 20, 2011 and March 5, 2011. 
4.4 The procedure for requesting schedule changes is to contact Yolanda Alford, Scheduler at Yalford@schools.nyc.gov with your date requests by March 5, 2011. 
4.5 Please include the original game number, new date, time and location. 
4.6 All parties involved must be contacted and in total agreement, therefore please contact the opposing coach and agree on a new date before making your request. 
4.7 All coaches are required to email or fax a copy of their team's non-league schedule attention to Handball Coordinator, Tyrone Parker to TParker2@schools.nyc.gov or (718) 707-4224/25 prior to their first contest of the season (league or non-league).
4.8 AFTER March 5, 2010 ONLY EMERGENCY REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE COORDINATOR or COMMISSIONER.
4.8.1 To make emergency requests:
a. The two coaches should select a new date.
b. The home team coach should contact the commissioner to request the change.
c. Visiting coach should be cc'd on all correspondents to commissioner.
d. If the commissioner approves, the new date will be posted on the website.
4.9 ANY TEAMS WHICH PLAY ON A DIFFERENT DAY AND/OR TIME OTHER THAN WHICH IS POSTED ON THE WEB WITHOUT APPROVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER AND/OR THE PSAL, WILL RECEIVE A DOUBLE FORFEIT.
4.10 NO CHANGE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CHANGED ON THE SCHOOLS SCHEDULE POSTED ON THE PSAL WEBSITE.

5 SEVERE WEATHER DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS

5.1 OUTDOOR SPORTS-ONLY
5.1.1 The teacher coach of the home team must notify the Athletic Director and or the teacher/coach of the opposing team of a cancellation by 1:30 PM for regularly scheduled league games.
5.2 All games will be played as scheduled unless cancelled by the PSAL. Check www.PSAL.org after 1:30 PM on game day.
5.3. NO CHANGE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE SCHOOLS' SCHEDULES AND ON THE PSAL WEBSITE.

6 STUDENT- ATHLETES 

6.1 Each student-athlete must have a signed parental consent form on file for each sport before the first day of participation in that sport (tryouts, practice). 
6.2 Each student-athlete must have a current (within one calendar year) medical certificate on file before the first day of participation (tryouts, practices).
6.3 No player in house or transferring from another school may be added to a team roster after May 3, 2011 (Boys) and May 5, 2011 (Girls).
6.4 On days of normal school attendance, a student-athlete must be present in school in order to participate in any team practice, scrimmage, league or non-league game, meet, match, contest or tryouts on that day.

7 TEACHER/COACHES

7.1 All coaches must attend one of the mandatory coaching clinics. 
7.2 Failure to attend will result in a loss of 2 hours from your coaching allocation.
7.3 Games cannot proceed unless both coaches are present and the required AED unit is present. All coaches must bring their AED unit to all games, practices and scrimmages.
7.4 At least one (1) AED MUST be present, for a coach to practice, scrimmage, or play a game. 
7.5 If it is a game situation and neither team has an AED unit, the game will be declared a forfeit and each coach will have 4 hours deducted from his/her allocation.
7.6 Coaches must be present in the gymnasium/field/court when his/her team is practicing.
7.7 Each teacher/coach must actively supervise team members until they are safely away from the site of competition at "away" games. 
7.8 Only a licensed teacher with current First Aid/CPR/ AED may substitute for the assigned teacher coach.
7.9 Officials will speak only to the head teacher/coach during a dispute.

8 VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACHES

8.1 Volunteer assistant coaches are permitted to be on the bench during a game, provided that they are duly authorized by the school Principal.
8.2 A letter of authorization from the Principal must be affixed to the official scorebook, for inspection by officials and coaches. WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PSAL IS NOT REQUIRED.
8.3 If an assistant is to substitute at any time for the Head Coach, the assistant must be in possession of a six digit Department of Education file number and fully certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.
8.4 All pertinent regulations regarding for the use of volunteers in the schools must be adhered to.
8.5 All volunteer coaches/assistants must be fingerprinted by the Department of Education.

9 OFFICIALS 

9.1 Assignors

9.2 Only officials who have been approved by the PSAL 
9.3 All officials will be assigned by the PSAL.
9.4 Officials will not be assigned for regular season games unless it is deemed necessary by PSAL administration.
9.5 Notify the Sports Commissioner or the appropriate Assignor by email or phone when an official is late or not present. They are due at site 30 minutes before game time.

10 COURTS 

10.1 All courts must be approved by the Sports Commissioner, prior to its first usage.
10.2 Teams not using their school sites will designate the sites for home games and notify the PSAL prior to the season by March 1, 2011.
10.3 Games played at sites other than that listed on the PSAL website may result in a forfeit for the home team.
10.4 Any violations of the above must be reported to the PSAL and the Sports Commissioner immediately.
10.5 Permits for all courts must be obtained through the Parks Department (if necessary) by each home school's Athletic Director or Coach. It is imperative that permits be acquired prior to the start of the handball season (preferably immediately by telephone)

11 EQUIPMENT

11.1 Home Teams must supply a minimum of 3 cans of handballs for each match.
11.1.1 USHA Red Ace Handballs (Boys)
11.1.2 USHA White Ace Handballs (Girls)
11.2 Safety Equipment
11.2.1 AED Unit MUST be present at ALL practices, scrimmages and games.
11.2.2 The PSAL recommends that all coaches travel with a team medical bag, which includes the following items:
11.2.2.1 Slings (small, medium, large)
11.2.2.2 Splints (short)
11.2.2.3 Gauze pads, butterflies and adhesive bandages
11.2.2.4 Eye patches
11.2.2.5 Eye irrigating solution
11.2.2.6 Peroxide and sterile saline 
11.2.2.7 Scissors (blunt tip, tape cutter) tape (1/4 to 2 inches wide), ace wraps (2, 4, 6 inches), antiseptic wash and antibacterial ointment
11.2.2.8 Cotton (cotton swab applicators), tongue depressors, ice packs and mobile phone (if possible)
11.3 Protective eye wear must be properly worn at all times during play.
11.4.1 Players must select eye protection with lenses designed for court sports, with polycarbonate lenses of at least 3 mm. center thickness.
11.4.2 Prescribed eyewear will serve as protective eye protection. 
11.4.3 Eyewear without lens will not be permitted.
11.4.4 Eyewear such as sunglasses will not be permitted.
11.4.5 Any player involved in a match, wearing eyewear in violation of this rule, will immediately forfeit that match.
11.5 The team that is not properly equipped will forfeit

12 UNIFORMS

12.1 Uniform shall be a school team shirt with a handball team name or logo only, shorts or sweat pants, sneakers, and handball gloves.
12.2 All shirts must be of same color, and may not be cut at the torso.
12.3 Shorts or sweatpants must be of one solid color (preferably grey).
12.4 No cut-off gloves are permitted.
12.5 Gloves may never be torn, wet, or have any obstruction which may interfere with the normal return of service of the ball.
12.6 Glove liners, first aid tape, pre-wrap, cotton swabs may be worn on inside portion of gloves (see US Handball rule 2.3). 
12.7 JEANS are not permitted. 
12.8 Jewelry - No wearing of jewelry by a student athlete is permitted.
12.9 Umpires/Referees/Coaches will ask student athletes to remove jewelry. If the student does not remove jewelry, then the student will be ejected.

13 COMPETITIONS

13.1 Home Team
13.1.1 The first team named in the schedule is the home team.
13.2 A student-athlete will compete in only one match during a team competition.
13.3 Home Teams must supply a minimum of 3 cans of handballs for each match.
13.4 A new ball is required for each game.
13.5 A used ball may be allowed only in the regular season, providing that both coaches agree. If an agreement can't be reached, a new ball must be provided by the home team.
13.6 Each game will consist of 21 points.
13.7 Three 1-minute time-outs will be allowed per game
13.8 Each game will count one (1) point.
13.9 The team with the most points is the winner of the team competition.
13.10 During play, coaches, team players, spectators etc. may not be involved in coaching the game. Failure to comply will result in a technical.
13.11 It is recommended that teams play one game at a time, but a maximum of two games at a time may be played.
13.12 Three games played at the same time are not permitted unless a quad match is scheduled.
13.13 Quad matches require prior approval by the handball commissioner.

13.14 SERVICE ORDER

13.14.1 Home team - will serve 1st singles, 3rd singles and 2nd doubles 
13.14.2 Visiting team - will serve 2nd singles, 1st doubles
13.14.3 Visiting team calls the first match

13.15 SUBSTITUTE STUDENT-ATHLETES 

13.15.1 Substitutes can only be inserted into a game, in place of a starter, before a game begins.
13.15.2 After a game begins, no substitutes may be used for any reason.
13.15.3 If any singles player cannot continue the game already in progress for any reason, the game is forfeited.
13.15.4 Prior to the start of a match. In the event that a substitute student-athlete is needed at a singles position, everyone in the singles lineup will move up 1 slot, leaving the substitute to move into the lower singles slot, or a coach may elect to break up their 2nd & 1st Doubles team and move the substitute into the 2nd Doubles slot, and move up a 1st Doubles player into 3rd Singles.
13.15.5 If a doubles player is absent, you may EITHER move your substitute into the vacant spot, OR move a player from 2nd Doubles into 1st Doubles, and use your substitute in the vacant 2nd Doubles slot.
13.15.6 If both members if first doubles are absent, second doubles MUST move up and play as first doubles and the substitutes will be inserted at the second doubles spot.

13.16 FREQUENCY OF PLAY 

13.16.1 Teams may play no more than three matches per week.
13.16.2 Three matches per week may not be played on consecutive days.

14 SCORING

14.1 Only a PSAL official Handball Tally Sheet may be used for each match.
14.2 Handball tally sheets may be downloaded from the web (www.psal.org). See printable forms in Featured Links.

15 REGULATION GAME

15.1.1 As specified in the United States Handball Association Rules Book
15.2 SUSPENDED GAME 
15.2.1 Any game suspended due to weather shall be resumed with the same score.
15.3 POSTPONMENTS
15.3.1 If an emergency arises on the day of competition where a game must be postponed, the teacher/coach of the team with the emergency must notify the other coach, the assignor, the officials and the commissioner.
15.3.2 Any game not played for any reason - the assignor, officials and commissioner must be notified. 
15.3.3 A rained out game must be played within the TWO-WEEK Period following the rainout.
15.3.4 Decisions on field/court safety (wet grounds) must be made by the home coach in sufficient time to notify the PSAL Assignor and the opposing coach/Athletic Director, officials, and commissioner no later than 1:30 PM.
15.4 GAMES CAN NOT BE POSTPONED DUE TO COLD WEATHER.

16 BOX SCORES

16.1 Following each PSAL league contest, coaches are required to complete and submit box scores, within 24 hours, to www.psal.org.

17 FORFEITS

17.1 FOUR (4) hours of pay will be deducted from the teacher/coach's allocation for each forfeit of a non-played PSAL League game.
17.2 A forfeit will be declared if a team does not show up within 30 minutes of game time.
17.3 A forfeit will be declared for any team having less than seven (7) players suited up for a contest.
17.4 All forfeits must be reported to the Sport's Commissioner and the Assignor within 24 hours of the contest.
17.5 The box score for a forfeited contest will be entered by the Sport's Commissioner.
17.6 Coaches may be subject to further disciplinary action based up the circumstances surrounding the forfeit.

18 PROTESTS 

18.1 Protests may only be made if a rule is alleged to have been applied incorrectly, or not applied. 
18.2 No protest of judgment calls may be entered. 
18.3 Coach must verbally inform the lead official and opposing coach of the protest before play commences or resumes. 
18.4 The protesting coach must ensure that a written statement of protest containing all pertinent information and citing the exact rule or rules as specified in the USHA Handball Rule Book or the PSAL Handball Rules and signed by both the school's Athletic Director and Principal and postmarked, emailed or faxed to the Commissioner and opposing Athletic Director within two school days of the infraction. 
18.5 No protest will be reviewed without the required signatures.
18.6 The Commissioner will render a formal decision within two school days of receipt. 
18.7 The protesting coach may appeal the Commissioner's decision by ensuring that a written statement of appeal, containing all pertinent information, signed by both the school's Athletic Director and Principal is postmarked, emailed or faxed to the Handball Coordinator and opposing Athletic Director within two school days of receipt of the Commissioner's decision. 
18.8 No appeal will be reviewed without the required signatures. 
18.9 The Handball Coordinator will render a formal decision within two school days of receipt.
18.10 Any coach or school protesting the uniform rule must email or call the Commissioner or Coordinator prior to the start of play.
18.10.1 No appeal involving uniforms will be reviewed if communication was not made prior to the start of play. 
18.11 The decision of the PSAL is final. 

19 DEVELOPMENTAL TEAMS

19.1 A developmental team is a new team entering the league for the first time or a team designated by the PSAL.
19.2 Upon completing their first season, teams will be reviewed by the PSAL and have the option of petitioning the PSAL for "official" status.
19.3 Developmental teams must adhere to all of the rules governing PSAL teams.
19.4 The team record does not count in the Division standings.
19.5 The PSAL will assign a schedule for each developmental team.

20 EJECTED STUDENT ATHLETES

20.1 The minimum penalty imposed upon a student-athlete ejected from a PSAL league contest by an official will be a suspension from the next two scheduled PSAL contests (including league, post-season, or special events).
20.2 The official will notify the Sports Commissioner immediately after the contest.
20.3 The teacher/coach must post the student-athlete as INACTIVE on the PSAL website. 
20.4 The teacher/coach of the suspended student-athlete may appeal to the PSAL prior to the subsequent contest.
20.5 The PSAL may impose further sanctions if there is evidence that such sanctions are justified.
20.6 The PSAL will notify the teacher/coach of the decision prior to the next scheduled league contest.

21 EJECTED TEACHER/COACHES

21.1 Any teacher/coach who is ejected from the contest must leave the field.
21.2 If a certified replacement teacher/coach (Department of Education licensed teacher with current First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications) is not available, the ejected teacher/coach's team will forfeit the contest.
21.3 The official will notify the PSAL of the ejection immediately after the game.
21.4 The ejected teacher/coach will be suspended:
21.4.1 1st Ejection during current season- One (1) game suspension for the next scheduled league game (regular season or playoffs)
21.4.2 2nd Ejection during current season -Two (2) games suspension and subject to further disciplinary action by the Principal, Superintendent and or the PSAL. 

22 BRAWL RULE

22.1 In the event of an altercation, if a teacher/coach loses control of their bench and players clear the bench to participate in an altercation-THAT GAME WILL BE DECLARED A FORFEIT AND THE TEAM WILL FORFEIT A MINIMUM OF THE NEXT 2 SCHEDULED LEAGUE GAMES.
22.2 In the event of an altercation, if teacher/coaches lose control of their benches and both benches clear to participate in an altercation-THAT GAME WILL BE DECLARED A DOUBLE FORFEIT AND BOTH TEAMS WILL FORFEIT A MINIMUM OF THE NEXT 2 SCHEDULED LEAGUE GAMES.
22.3 The PSAL Director may impose further sanctions if there is evidence that such sanctions are warranted.

23 DROPPING TEAMS FROM ACTIVE STATUS

23.1 If a team forfeits 3 games during the season for not having the minimum number of players available for a league contest, that teams schedule will be cancelled for the remainder of the season.
23.2 The team's status for the following season will be reviewed by the PSAL.
23.3 The PSAL may drop a school's handball team indefinitely from active status due to the repeated forfeiture of 2 league matches during consecutive seasons.

24 PLAYOFF CRITERIA 

24.1 All teams with a .500 record or better will qualify for the playoffs.
24.2 Playoff game order selection will be determined as follows:
24.2.1 For Girls Handball teams the higher seed will have home field advantage in preliminary, first, second and quarterfinal rounds of the playoffs. The semifinals and finals sites will be determined by the Girls Handball Commissioner.
24.2.2 For Boys Handball teams the higher seed will have home field advantage in preliminary, first and second rounds of the playoffs. The quarterfinals, semifinals and finals sites will be determined by the Boys Handball Commissioner.
24.3 In Semis, and Finals, the following will apply:
24.3.1 1st. A coin toss will be made to determine who is awarded Home/Away
24.3.2 2nd. Coin toss winner will have option to choose Home or Away.
24.3.3 3rd. Coin toss loser will choose first game of match if winner chooses Home
24.3.4 If coin toss winner chooses Away, he/she will choose first game but will not have home team service order.
24.3.5 Coaches will alternate choices thereafter.
24.3.6 Upon completion of coin toss and home/away choice has been made, order of service will remain the same as stated inRule 13.14
24.4 Home Teams during the preliminary, first and second rounds of the playoffs must supply a minimum of 3 cans of handballs for each match.
24.4.1 A new ball is required for each game.
24.5 Teams which forfeit in the playoffs may be disqualified from following season's playoff competition.
24.6 CITY PLAYOFF/TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

24.7 HANDBALL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

24.8 BOYS & GIRLS CITY INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

25 OFFICIAL SPORT SPECIFIC RULES & REGULATIONS

25.1 The PSAL follows the official United States Handball Association for all games.
25.2 PSAL EXCEPTIONS TO USHA RULES 
25.3 Rule 2.4.A: Uniform shall be a school team shirt with a handball team name or logo only, shorts or sweat pants (NO JEANS), sneakers, eye protection (mandatory with lens) and handball gloves. All shirts must be of same color, and may not be cut at the torso. Shorts or sweatpants must be of one solid color (preferably grey). No cut-off gloves are permitted. Gloves may never be torn, wet, or have any obstruction which may interfere with the normal return of service of the ball. Glove liners, first aid tape, pre-wrap, cotton swabs may be worn on inside portion of gloves (see US Handball rule 2.3). All substitutes playing in any game must also be in proper uniform attire. JEANS are not permitted. Failure to comply may result in forfeit of game.
25.4 Rule 2.5 Eye Protection. 
25.4.1 A. General. Protective eye wear must be properly worn at all times during play. The PSAL, mandates that players must select eye protection with lenses designed for court sports, with polycarbonate lenses of at least 3 mm. center thickness. Prescribed eyewear will serve as protective eye protection. Eyewear without lens will not be permitted. Eyewear such as sunglasses also, will not be permitted. Any player involved in a match, wearing eyewear in violation of this rule, will immediately forfeit that match
25.4.2 B. Violations. Failure to wear appropriate protective eyewear properly after the first serve, or during the match, will result in a technical (see Rule 4.9), The player will be charged a timeout to secure eyewear. The second violation in the same match will result in a forfeit. Referee or player assigned to game may hoose to give one technical warning if desired.
25.4.3 Part 2, Rule 2.5 B: Interpretation No. 3 If the referee is doing a proper job, there should never be a technical called for failure to wear eye protection properly. If the referee sees that a player is about to serve or receive and is not wearing eye protection, the referee should immediately stop the game and inform the player who is about to create the violation. The referee should not let a player play without eye protection in place. If the player refuses to abide by this rule, that match shall be forfeited. Sometimes, however, the referee may not notice the eye protection infraction until after a rally has begun. If this occurs, the referee should stop play immediately, call a technical against the player in violation in which the singles player or doubles team will be charged a timeout. The referee should also inform the player or doubles team that a second violation will result in forfeiture of that match.
25.4.4 Rule 3.1.B: Rules briefing. Before all team matches, players must be briefed by coaches or officials assigned on local court hinders or other regulations. This briefing should also be available in writing from the home coach.
25.4.5 Rule 3.4.A.6: Start of Game. Players must introduce themselves and scorekeeper(s) must determine the first server and signal start of game: "Score is 0 serves 0, play ball". Upon completion of match both teams must shake hands and maintain good sportsmanship at all times.
25.4.6 Rule 3.5.A Linesperson. There should be a linesperson, positioned at the most advantageous viewpoints, for each of the sidelines, but at least at the short line and the long line. The Home team linesperson will be assigned the short and sideline. The Away team will be assigned the long and sideline opposite the short linesperson. The scorekeeper will be positioned in the middle of the court, behind the long line in a manner as to not interfere with the receiver.
25.4.7 Rule 4.1.A Service Order. In single and doubles, home/away teams will serve first as described in PSAL Rules and Regulations.
25.4.8 Rule 4.9 Technicals. A technical is assessed for unsportsmanlike-like conduct or for improperly wearing eye protection. If a referee issues a technical, one point shall be deducted from the offender's score. The technical has no effect on service changes or side outs. If the technical occurs between games or when the offender has no points, the result will be that the offender's score will be a negative one. Three technicals in a match, or two for eye protection infractions, on a singles player or a doubles team will result in a forfeiture.
25.4.8.1 Types. Some examples of actions that may result in a technical against players and/or coaches are: 
1.) Too frequent complaints made against the referee's judgment. 
2.) Abuse of appeal privileges. 
3.) Profanity. 
4.) Excessive arguing. 
5.) Threat of any nature to opponent or referee. 
6.) Excessive or hard striking, throwing or kicking of ball between rallies.
25.4.8.2 Part 4, Rule 4.9 A (6): Interpretation No. 22 If the opponent is hit or narrowly missed by the ball, a technical should be called. On the other hand, if it is the first offense, and the opponent was in no danger of being hit, a technical warning should be issued.
7.) Failure to wear eye protection properly. 
8.) Protests lost after all timeouts have been used. 
9.) Anything considered unsportsmanlike behavior.
25.4.8.3 B. Warnings. If a player's behavior is not so severe as to warrant a technical, a technical warning may be issued without a point deduction and should be accompanied by a brief explanation of the reason for a warning. A technical warning may precede the penalty of a technical but is not necessary.
25.5 Rule 4.10 TIMEOUTS
25.5.1 Rule 4.10.A Time-outs. Any player or coach may request a time-out, but not after the referee has announced the score and/or started the server's 10-second count. Time-outs must not exceed one minute. Three time-outs are allowed each side per 21-point game. Time-outs may be called consecutively. Players may leave the court during a time-out.
25.6 The official rulebook for PSAL Handball is the New and Official United States Handball Association (USHA) One-Wall Rules and Interpretations (amended April 1, 2005). The rules can be located and downloaded from:http://www.ushandball.org/content/view/76/225/ 
25.7 The Executive Director of the PSAL reserves the right to overrule or waive any rule or regulation governing the sport.