Skip to Main Content
Doing More Today
  • News
  • Community
    • Associates in Action
    • Community Engagement
    • Small Business
    • Economic Development
  • Insights & Innovation
    • Economic Commentary
    • Insights
    • Innovation
  • Financial Wellness
    • Financial Wellness
    • Fraud Prevention
  • See the Good
    • Culture
    • Good Company
    • Good Towns
    • Good Pets
    • Ecards
    • Recipes
    • Riding Forward
Subscribe Now
Regions Bank

Regions Bank: Doing More Today: Good stories. Better insights. More possibilities.

Share
Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Email
Subscribe
korfball athletes at The World Games
Category: Culture

Korfball: Positivity, Gender Equality in The World Games Sports

International Korfball Federation CEO gives insights into a “family sport.”

By Alicia Anger and Mel Campbell | July 15, 2022

When Tilbert La Haye, CEO of the International Korfball Federation, says that there is “no ruckus” in korfball, it is not because the people who play aren’t passionate about the sport.

“It’s because your sister or your brother might be the ones sitting next to you in the stands or playing in the game; it’s a family event,” he said.

The Netherlands native and one-time coach of the Spanish national korfball team has a point. The makeup of the teams – which features eight players per team – is mandated by the rules of korfball to include an equal number of females and males on the floor at all times.

“It is a bit different,” he said of korfball, noting that players often find the coed nature of the sport to be one of its strengths. And while the sport has a strong following and support in Europe and Asia, it has yet to find the same foothold in the U.S.

But that might be changing, as the sport – like many at The World Games – uses the competition to make a case for inclusion in the Olympics. Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, and other IOC representatives were in Birmingham during the games, watching the competition … and taking notes.

“We’re trying to introduce korfball at universities (in the U.S.),” La Haye added. “People are familiar with the game because it’s so much like basketball.”

The object of the game is to throw the ball into a bottomless basket mounted on an 11.5-foot pole. Each team has four players in each half (zone) of the court, and they cannot switch zones during game play.

Once two goals have been scored, the teams change zones, with offense becoming defense, and vice-versa. Players move the ball up court by passing the ball to one another. Once a ball is caught, a player may not dribble, walk or run with it, but can pivot with one foot remaining on the ground.

As likely the pre-eminent expert on the sport, La Haye made sure to point out his favorite differences from the game invented by James Naismith:

  • Korfball and basketball were invented around the same time; Korfball dates from 1905, basketball from 1891.
  • If you are being actively guarded in korfball (meaning within about an arm’s length away), you can’t shoot the ball.
  • A korfball is similar in size and appearance to a soccer ball but is designed to be held/caught and isn’t slick.
  • The goal – a solitary ring – is 11.5 feet tall.
  • Because there is no dribbling in korfball, players are constantly moving – to get a clear shot or take/make a pass.

And as someone who fell in love with the game as a boy, La Haye hopes that the experience of seeing some of the best in the world playing in Birmingham will be just as inspiring to a new generation of potential new korfball enthusiasts.

Share
Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Email
Subscribe

Trending Articles

  • 1.

    Milestone in Mascoutah: Regions Banker Celebrates 60 Years at the Same Branch

  • 2.

    Home is Where the Wealth is

  • 3.

    Best Remedy for Mortgage Fraud: Stop, Call and Confirm

  • 4.

    Holy Moly! We’ve Got More Good Pets!

  • 5.

    June 2025 | Economic Commentary

Related Articles

Jennifer Boone, Managing Director & Capital Markets Assistant General Counsel.
Category: Culture

In the Limelight: Jennifer Boone

Sydney Johnson, a Treasury Management relationship manager at Regions Bank.
Category: Innovation

From Intern to Innovator: Finding the Perfect Role at Regions

Infertility Awareness Month and Wellbeing at Regions. Alana, an associate...
Category: Culture

Tools for Family Building Journeys During Infertility Awareness Month and Beyond

Infertility Awareness Month and Wellbeing at Regions. Alana, an associate...
Category: Culture

Tools for Family Building Journeys During Infertility Awareness Month and Beyond

Home improvement. Building contractor talking to clients about renovating their...
Category: Insights

Home Improvement Outlook: Summer of Spruce-ups

Justin Burriss, Murfreesboro Market Executive headshot and a City hall...
Category: News

Justin Burriss Rejoins Regions Bank as Murfreesboro Market Executive

  • Regions Bank Elevates Harry Patton IV to Mississippi Delta Market Executive
  • July 2025 | Economic Commentary
  • Congratulations to First Quarter 2025 Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest Winners
  • Some Assembly Required
Regions.com | About Regions | Investor Relations | Privacy & Security | Website Terms of Use | Contact Regions | Careers at Regions
© 2025 Regions Bank Member FDIC |
All Rights Reserved | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | Online Privacy