EHF delegates attend EHF events to oversee what is happening, predominantly on court. They are there to ensure the quality of the event and to provide the referees with advice, expertise, assistance, and feedback. They also assess the referees’ performance.
Delegates must also ensure the EHF Regulations and the IHF Rules of the Game are met and fulfilled and that all the teams involved have equal conditions.
In addition, delegates are there to ensure that risk management plans have been complied with, that the event meets EHF expectations and runs as smoothly as possible, and to contribute to the event’s overall marketability.
If there are any conflicts, delegates mediate between the conflicting parties to find a solution.
Delegates must have good knowledge of the rules of handball and the regulations of the competition. They have to speak good English, and have experience in event management and match administration.
Each national federation has its own regulations and procedures on how individuals can become national delegates.
At continental level, the EHF organises candidate delegate courses based on its human resource needs. Candidates can start the process at any time before they reach the age of 55, and delegates must retire at 68. Candidates are chosen based on their competence, understanding of handball and event management, personality, problem-solving ability, social and mediation abilities, and mastery of the English language.
Competence fact sheet:
- Personal skills
- Experience
- Education
- Special know-how
- Business and sports contacts
- Language command
