Author Archives: John Ryan

Ciudad Real – Hamburg Audio Commentary

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A battle for Group C supremacy between two Champions League titans that know each other very well. Ciudad Real is in first place with a 5-0 record and Hamburg is in 2nd place with their only loss being against 32-26. These two sides also have met in the semifinals the past two seasons with Ciudad Real advancing both times.

Sunday 22 November, Hamburg at Ciudad Real:
Video Link: http://www.ehftv.com/ec/cl/men/2009-10/video/000724
Audio Commentary: https://teamhandballnews.com/request63.html (Left click to listen on your computer/right click to download)

– The audio commentary needs to be synched with the efhtv.com video. I provide an audio countdown at the beginning of each half to help you perform the synching. Depending on your computer's setup, you may be able to play both the audio and video simultaneously. Alternatively, you can download the audio file to an MP3 player.

(VIDEO) Gary Hines Profile on German Television

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USA National Team player, Gary Hines, is featured in a four minute profile on German television station TVtouring. The feature includes interviews with Gary, his coach and footage of recent matches. Hines is the top player for his club, DJK Waldbüttelbrunn, and has been frequently scoring in the double digits this season. His club is currently 2-4 and in 13th place in the 4th division Bayernliga. In the interview, Gary indicates that his dream is to play in the Bundesliga and judging by the athleticism in some of the highlights it shouldn’t be long before he moves on to one of the higher divisions in Germany.

Gary Hines Profile (video): http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=199840224253
DJK Waldbüttelbrunn website: http://www.djk-waldbuettelbrunn.de/index.cfm
Bayern Liga Standings: http://www.bliga.info/bl2_spiel/tabelle.php
THN (27 Nov 2008): Gary Hines Signs Contract with German Club: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.641
Wikispace translation of video: http://teamhandball.wikispaces.com/Gary+Hines+Interview
(Note: German speakers, we need your help. If you have time to translate even a small portion of the interview please do so at this wikispace site. Anyone can edit this wiki. Just click on “edit this page” and start typing.)

Partial Translation (Thanks for those who've helped)

Announcer: In German we say high, higher, highest. Well, in Waldbüttelbrunn it's in english and slightly different. High, higher, Hines. Waldbüttelbrunn' crowd favorite Gary Hynes is the "jumping wonder" of the Bayernliga and he wants to reach higher levels. Therefore, we've met with him at altitudes he can't reach with his jumping abiliites. At Würzburg Climbing hall we did an interview at 20 feet above the ground.

Announcer: Does it feel for you here like doing a jump shot?

Hines: If I look down it is quite similar. If I jump I am used to looking down at the other players.

Announcer: Since november 2008, Hynes wears the jersey of DJK. He is not only convincing by his jumping ability, but also by a lot of goals. 18 in a single match is his personal best, regularly he scores more than ten times a match. Of course such a player has high ambitions.

Hines: I know that I am one of the top players of the US. Here, I have to prove my skills because nobody knows me. And if I can improve myself than I think that I will be seen as a very good player. My dream is to play in the Bundesliga and I hope to reach this soon.

Announcer: It is quite possible that he can reach this aim because he learns quickly and can quickly adopt different circumstances, as we can see during the climbing. Within a short time he is at 14 meter altitude. But, before the 25 year old player will move on in the "world of handball" he wants to reach high aims with his current club.

Hines: We want to avoid relegation and win next saturday. When I came here last year I didn't know what they call a "derby" here, but I know that we call it a "match between rivals". I'm looking forward to it and I know that we have to win and therefore we'll get out and win.

Announcer: The player from Georgia is feeling very well in Waldbüttelbrunn.

Hines: I didn't know what I should expect when I came here. When I first entered the hall I saw a banner with "heartly welcome, Gary and we wish you much success" and since then everything is great. I love to play at home, because our fan support is fantastic. Then it's fun to play.

Announcer: And therefore there will be some more matches of the player with the high jumpping skills at his "chosen hometown" of Waldbüttelbrunn.

——————————————————————————–

Interviewer: What role does Gary Hines play for your team?

Bernd Becker (DJK Waldbuttelbrunn Trainer): He is an exceptional player with a good feeling with the ball and a good feeling for game situations. He is a player who, through his spectacular goals, motivates the whole team and the fans. Therefore, he is indispensable for our team.

Interviewer: How dificult is it to keep Gary Hines in Waldbüttelbrunn?

Becker: At the moment Gary Hines is here. As long he is still here, we do not know if he has the possibility to play the higher category, he use it he wants it we hope that he stays long in Waldbüttelbrunn because it just makes fun with him. DJK is very satisfied with Gary and we hope he is too with DJK. I think he feels very comfortable here, therefore, we hope that he stays for a long time……

USOC Update

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Several recent news reports on the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) have elements of interest for Handball followers in the U.S.

The USOC has hired a search firm to find a new CEO. The firm will also work closely with a 9 member committee which includes former national team goalie, Matt Van Houten.

Colorado Springs Independent: Good USOC news, finally: http://www.csindy.com/colorado/good-usoc-news-finally/Content?oid=1498367

NBC Chairman Dick Ebersol, however thinks that they don’t need to spend money on a search firm: http://www.portfolio.com/industry-news/sports/2009/11/17/nbc-universal-sports-chief-dick-ebersol-mad-at-usoc/

In a related article, 1984 Handball Olympian and former USOC VP Mike Lenard, also had a few choice words on the current state of the USOC:

"The USOC's international standing is not only abysmally low, but now engulfed in crisis,"

"We have squandered our opportunities over the last decade to take farsighted leadership positions on initiatives that would be important to many national Olympic committees," Lenard said. "Instead, we have steadfastly maintained our 'U.S. exceptionalism.'"

Associated Press: 100 days from Vancouver, USOC looks for a leader: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gmPIzDo4lVn02w9ga9G9XB6QtLkwD9BO8QF00

Comcast and NBC Universal are engaged in merger talks which by default could resolve the controversy surrounding the launch of the U.S. Olympic Network (USON). This past summer plans for the USON were put on indefinite hold to quell IOC complaints concerning devaluing TV rights. Not coincidentally, NBC was not pleased with the USOC partnering with Comcast at the expense of the NBC universal platform. A merger would put them on the same team.

ESPN: Merger would unite USOC network rivals: http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=4661427

Finally, the USOC has selected Paul Tagiabue to lead an independent panel that will examine whether the USOC Board of Directors should change its governance structure. In 2003, a similar panel made the recommendation for the board to be smaller and for it to have more independent members. The new panel will assess if perhaps the pendulum has swung too far in that direction and that more board members should have Olympic sports experience. To USA Handball devotees that followed the By-Law controversy that led to the decertification of the old federation and the birth of a new one this argument will seem familiar as the governance documentation for USA Team Handball mirrors the USOC governance. It will be interesting to see if the pendulum also swings back for USA Team Handball to add board members with a background in Handball.

NY Times: Paul Tagliabue, Former N.F.L. Commissioner, Selected to Lead U.S.O.C. Panel: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/sports/olympics/13usoc.html

Handball’s Last Minute Problem (Part 3) No, Christer, post-game sanctions aren’t working and referees should be empowered and trusted

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Christer’s response downplayed the problem and exaggerated the impact of the potential solution I’m advocating. First off, let’s reiterate what the “problem” is and acknowledge that it is indeed a real problem. The problem we are discussing here are actions taken by players and even coaches in the last few seconds of a match to disrupt/stop the team with possession of the ball from scoring by any means necessary. Christer maintains “that there is fortunately only one Prokop, and the risk for ‘copycats’ is very small.” While Prokop’s action was the most egregious one people have seen (thanks to youtube) at the end of a match, it’s by no means the first time it’s ever happen. Two commenters on our Facebook page were eye witnesses to similar actions, presumably by coaches.

What more commonly happens, though, is that players on the court perform the unsportsmanlike acts with the most popular method being tackling or hacking the player about to throw the ball in play at midcourt. The player is awarded a red card, but a few precious seconds run off the clock and the defense gets the opportunity to fully organize itself for the last second shot. The most recent occurrence was just two weekends ago when Laima Bernataviciute of Alcoa FKC stopped play simply to prevent one more goal. Predictably, the EHF penalized her with a one game suspension. http://www.eurohandball.com/article/012710/Suspension+of+Alcoa+FKC+player At least in this case it didn’t result in her club advancing to the next round. And as my earlier article https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.651 shows there are a lot of copycats out there and one game suspension penalties have done absolutely nothing to deter this “clever” end of game maneuver.

So, Handball observers you can only be in one of two camps. You can either prefer the current set of rules and punishments which in the end, obligates players to commit unsportsmanlike fouls at the end of a match or you can recognize that there is a problem and seek a better solution/deterrent. Count me as squarely in the latter camp!

A short refresher: The solution I’m proposing, the technical penalty shot, would be awarded when a player commits a foul which results in a direct red card. In addition to the two minute penalty, the team that was fouled would be awarded a penalty shot and then would also get possession of the ball after the penalty shot.

Clearly, if this solution was implemented, it would forever alter play at the end of a match. Gunnar Prokop certainly wouldn’t have stepped on the court to stop the Metz fastbreak. A “maybe” fastbreak goal would have been replaced with a more certain penalty shot. And even if the penalty shot was missed Metz would have yet another attempt to score. And this wouldn’t just stop ridiculous maneuvers like Prokop, but other more common unsportsmanlike fouls like tackling/hacking the player about to throw in the ball after a made goal.

Christer indicates that such a punishment would be out of proportion, but he doesn’t make much of a case to explain why that is. He ignores the fact that the current combination of red cards and post game disciplinary measures is having no effect and then make a misleading reference to basketball free throws. For clarity, let’s not confuse the concept of the technical foul with the standard foul in basketball. At the end of a basketball game it’s true that some matches degenerate into free throw shooting contests as the trailing team’s only hope is to foul the other team and hope they miss their free throws. But, as Christer points out these fouls are done within the standard norms of play. Players don’t tackle the opposition with unsportsmanlike fouls because the penalty is the more severe technical foul, which results in free throws and the opposing team still retaining possession. As I envision it, the same sort of thing would happen in Handball. Teams would still seek to foul players to stop play, they just wouldn’t tackle and hack players outside the standard norms of play. In other words, there would be proportional consequences for the level of infraction.

Christer also highlights another problem in that officials would have to make “subjective” calls as to whether certain fouls warranted a penalty shot. He even indicates that until about 30 years ago there was a similar provision in the rules that “turned out to be disastrous.” Although, he didn’t actually mention why it was disastrous I can only speculate that some officials made some questionable calls in the awarding of these penalty shots. This, of course, ignores the reality that officials make hundreds of calls a game which are already subjective and open to interpretation. Officials are human beings and sometimes they make the wrong call, even for inappropriate reasons. As a long time basketball player, I can remember being subjected to a ref or two who I felt was unfairly biased and a little too quick with the whistle when it came to calling a Technical foul. More notably, this has happened on occasion at higher levels, but it’s infrequent due to the fact that officials can be disciplined. Perhaps the most famous example is the abrupt end of NBA Official Jake O’Donnell’s career: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_O'Donnell.

Fortunately, referees abusing their power is the rare exception. Most players and coaches, in fact, will begrudgingly agree that they generally had it coming to them when they got the red card. The solution, therefore, is not to take away an official’s ability to control the game. And is it any real surprise that the coaches don’t want to see the return of the Technical Penalty Shot?—What a deal do they have now in Handball! Can you imagine basketball being played without “technicals”? Only in Bobby Knight’s fantasy world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvRO2GE4x4M

No, the solution is instead to give officials another tool in their toolbox that can be used sparingly. Direct red cards are not a common occurrence and apart from the last few seconds of a match nobody ever desires one. And adding a “Technical Penalty Shot” will eliminate that crazy desire as well.

Handball’s Last Minute Problem (Part 1): Time to add the Technical Penalty Shot: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.873
Handball's Last Minute Problem (Part 2): John has good intentions… but gets his ‘solutions’ from the wrong sources!: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.875

IHF-GCH impasse cancels Croatia vs. “World Selection” Match

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A planned match between Croatia and a “World Selection” team scheduled for Wednesday, 2 December in Zagreb has been cancelled due to an impasse between the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the Group Club Handball (GCH). The match was planned in conjunction with the Croatian Federation’s 60th anniversary celebrations. In a statement on the IHF website, IHF President Hassan Moustafa expressed his regret that the GCH was withholding the release of players needed to make the match representative of a “World Selecion.”

In a separate press release, the GCH, and the top professional clubs it represents in Europe, has indicated that players were not released due to the lack of any agreement in regards to insurance (in case players are injured) or compensation. Furthermore, the GCH has indicated that top clubs will continue to not release players for World Selection matches if insurance and compensation issues are not agreed to by the clubs and the IHF prior to the event.

Notably, President Moustafa’s statement included no mention of the underlying issues which resulted in the impasse or any intention for the IHF to address them.

IHF: Statement of IHF President Dr Moustafa regarding the World Selection Match: http://www.ihf.info/front_content.php?idcat=57&idart=2184
GCH: Seven GCH Member Clubs refuse to release players to a match of the World Selection, 6.11.09: http://www.groupclubhandball.com/?p=450

Handball’s last minute problem (Part 1): Time to add the Technical Penalty Shot

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This isn’t the first time I’ve had a diatribe on Handball’s last minute, but hopefully it will be one of my last. The recent actions by Gunnar Prokop to step out on the court to stop a fast break is just the most recent and egregious example of the shenanigans that take place all too often in the closing seconds of a Handball match.

As I explained last year https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.651, intentionally fouling or disrupting play in an unsportsmanlike way is often the smart move tactically, as it can preserve a win or draw either by stopping a fast break or by taking a few precious seconds off the clock and allowing your defense to get organized. Sure, you get a 2 minute suspension or even a red card, but so what, you’ve won the game. Often, there are “after the match” penalties, but as long as you don’t go totally whacko (i.e., like Gunnar Prokop did http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEB9B9MDQr8 ) the worst you’re looking at is a one game suspension.

For most of a match, the “two minute suspension” is a very effective deterrent for excessive fouls or unsportsmanlike play. Sure, you might stop or delay the other team from scoring for that one instance, but that short term benefit is easily negated by the repercussion of playing short a man for the next two minutes. That cost/benefit analysis, however, only works for the first 59:30 of a match at which point the repercussions of a two minute penalty start to decrease exponentially to the point where hacking or tackling a player getting ready to throw off at mid-court or stepping on the court to stop a fast break is the smart move.

So, Handball needs to figure out whether they want to keep the unsportsmanlike foul as a “clever” part of the game or figure out a rule change to stop it. Hmmm. What to do? At this point anyone even just casually familiar with the game of basketball is probably thinking, “Duhhh. Why don’t they just give those guys a “technical?”

For those not familiar with basketball rules, a technical foul is awarded for unsportsmanlike actions and the offended team is awarded either 1 or 2 free throws (depending on the league) and then gets possession of the ball. A pretty stiff penalty and one that is virtually never seen in the waning moments of a close basketball game. The reason, of course, is that it’s tantamount to throwing the game away.

If it works for basketball, I say try it for Handball. As I envision it, a Technical Penalty Shot would be awarded for any action that results in an immediate red card. In addition to the standard two minute suspension and the player/coach being removed permanently from the match, the offended team would also get a penalty shot, followed by possession of the ball at half court. Add the Technical Penalty Shot to the rules, and trust me, we would immediately see players at the end of an exciting match, actually playing the game instead of trying to figure out how to disrupt it. It seems so obvious, I’m scratching my head as to why it hasn’t been implemented yet.

I’ve had some email back and forth with my colleague, Christer Ahl, the former Chair of the IHF Playing Rules Commission and he notes that Penalty shots were at one time awarded for other than shooting infractions, but that it got too out of hand, resulting in a change to the current, less stringent rules. He also intimates that there’s a real desire to keep Handball’s identity and rules apart from other sports. I, however, just don’t get it. As both Christer and I love a good argument we’re planning to discuss this further. Stay tuned. I can’t wait to hear what arguments he could possibly use to defend the current rules.

Have you got an opinion? Chime in at our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Team-Handball-News/108817968908?ref=nf

PATHF Div 1 Men’s Championships (Final Results): Dominican Republic takes gold

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The Dominican Republic easily defeated Canada yesterday in the gold medal match 35-23 and Puerto Rico edged Mexico 28-26 for 3rd place. In round-robin play Venezuela defeated Guatemala 32-26 to secure 5th place. The Dominican Republic and Canada both qualified for the Men’s PATHF Championship next summer in Chile.

Results: Saturday, 07 November 2009

Placing Matches
Rep. Dominicana – Canada 35 : 23 (17:10)
Puerto Rico – Mexico 28 : 26 (12:13) Group A

5th-7th Place Classification
Venezuela – Guatemala 32 : 26 (11:13)

Final Ranking
1) Dominican Republic
2) Canada
3) Puerto Rico
4) Mexico
5) Venezuela
6) Colombia
7) Guatemala

PATHF website: Results: http://www.panamhandball.org/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlan&mode=1&p=7&Itemid=19

Toronto Selected for 2015 PANAM Games

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Yesterday, Toronto easily won the vote to be selected the host city for the 2015 Pan American Games. On the first ballot Toronto received 33 of 52 votes, more than the majority needed for selection. Lima was a distant second with 11 votes and Bogota received 7.

The PANAM Games selection is significant to North and South American Handball nations as historically, the Handball tournament at this competition has also served as the qualifier for the Olympics in the following year. Qualification systems can change, however, and there is also the possibility of a new North American Handball Federation.

And even if the PANAM Games no longer the qualifier for the Olympics it is a major tournament and a good warm up test in an “Olympic” environment. Additionally, for Canada being selected to host the PANAM Games could mean more National funding for their cash strapped program.

For some background on the voting process and analysis on how Toronto won the bid check out the following articles:

The Star: Mexican millionaire key on Pan Am vote day: http://www.thestar.com/sports/panamgames/article/722018–mexican-millionaire-key-on-pan-am-vote-day?bn=1
National Post: How Toronto Won the Pan Am Games: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/11/07/how-toronto-won-the-games.aspx

PATHF Div 1 Men’s Championships (Semifinals): Canada and the Dominican Republic qualify for Elite Championship

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Canada built a big half-time lead of 19-12 and then held off Puerto Rico for a 29-27 victory. In the other semifinal, the Dominican Republic beat Mexico 35-32. The wins qualified both Canada and the Dominican Republic for the Men’s PATHF Championships this summer in Chile. Those two team will also play for Gold tomorrow, while Mexico and Puerto Rico square off for 3rd place.

Editor's Note: The Mexico Handball Forum found the somewhat hidden links to the Match Reports and has created a handy summary page: http://handball.mforos.com/1179288/9113940-panamericano-de-1-div-en-dom-resultados-planillas-comentarios/ Geoffrye Collete was the big scorer for Canada yesterday with 10 goals. Simon Bronsard added 6 and Mark Walder added 5.

Results: Friday, 06 November 2009

Semi-finales
Canada – Puerto Rico 29 : 27 (19:12)
Rep. Dominicana – Mexico 35 : 32 (19:16) Group A

5th-7th Place Classification
Guatemala – Colombia 19 : 30 (10:16)
PATHF website: Results: http://www.panamhandball.org/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlan&mode=1&p=7&Itemid=19

PATHF Div 1 Men’s Championships (Day 3): Canada downs Mexico to take 1st in Group

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Canada bounced back from their draw yesterday against Colombia to beat Mexico 30-26. Canada’s victory resulted in their finishing first in Group B and allows them to avoid the Dominican Republic in tomorrow’s semifinals. In Group B’s other match Venezuela beat Colombia, 30-28, to notch their first win.

In Group A, Puerto Rico played the host, Dominican Republic, close leading 21-20 at halftime before losing 37-34. It’s possible, however, that both sides “coasted” somewhat as both were assured of advancing and probably wanted to rest key players prior to the semifinal matches on Friday.

The all-important semifinals will now pit Canada vs. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic vs. Mexico. The winners of those matches will qualify for the PATHF Men’s Elite Championship next summer in Chile. All four teams can harbor hopes of qualifying based on their matches at the last PATHF Div 1 Championships. Two years ago in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Canada played to a 27-27 draw while Mexico and the Dominican Republic did the same thing 34-34.

Results: Thursday, 05 November 2009

Group A
Puerto Rico – Dominican Republic 34 : 37 (21:20)

Group B
Colombia – Venezuela 28 : 30 (10:15)
Canada – Mexico 30 : 26 (15:10)

Group A
Team Points W D L Goals Diff.
1) Rep. Dominicana 4 2-0-0 83:57 26
2) Puerto Rico 2 1-0- 1 78:61 17
3) Guatemala 0 0-0-2 47:90 -43

Group B
Team Points W D L Goals Diff.
1) Canada 5 2-1-0 76:65 11
2) Mexico 4 2-0-1 86:85 1
3) Venezuela 2 1-0-2 76:82 -6
4) Colombia 1 0-1-2 76:82 -6

PATHF website: Results: http://www.panamhandball.org/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showResultsRank&p=5&Itemid=19
Canadian Federation Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Team-Handball-Federation/165918018883
THN: 2007 PATHF Div 1 Results: https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.403

PATHF Div 1 Men’s Championships (Day 2): Canada-Mexico showdown looms

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In Group A, Puerto Rico easily defeated Guatemala to join hosts, Dominican Republic as the semifinal qualifiers from that group. Puerto Rico will play the Dominican Republic to determine which team will be seeded first tomorrow.

In Group B, Mexico narrowly defeated Venezuela, 29-28, to remain unbeaten while Canada stumbled to a 21-21 draw against Colombia. With these results Mexico leads Group B with 4 points and is assured of a berth in the semifinals. Canada’s draw puts them in 2nd place with 3 points and they still control their own destiny. With a win against Mexico tomorrow they will take 1st place in the group. A draw will give them 2nd place and even a loss could still put them in 2nd place if they stay ahead of Colombia on goal differential. They currently have an 11 goal lead and as Colombia plays Venezuela first they will know exactly how many goals they will need to win by.

Both Canada and Mexico will certainly be going for the win as placing 1st in their Group will likely mean an easier semifinal match up against Puerto Rico, while a 2nd place standing will mean a match against the host, the Dominican Republic. In many respects, winning the semifinal match is the critical game as placing 1st or 2nd overall will result in qualification for the Pan American Elite Championships this summer.

Results: Wednesday, 04 November 2009

Group A
Puerto Rico – Guatemala 44 : 24 (23:8)

Group B
Colombia – Canada 21 : 21 (10:7)
Venezuela – Mexico 28 : 29 (13:13)

Group A
Team Points W D L Goals Diff.
1 Rep. Dominicana 2 1-0- 0 46:23 23
2 Puerto Rico 2 1-0-0 44:24 20
3 Guatemala 0 0-0-2 47:90 -43

Group B
Team Points W D L Goals Diff.
1 Mexico 4 2-0-0 60:55 5
2 Canada 3 1-1-0 46:39 7
3 Colombia 1 0-1-1 48:52 -4
4 Venezuela 0 0-0-2 46:54 -8

PATHF website: Results: http://www.panamhandball.org/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showresultsrank&p=5&Itemid=19&r=2#jl_top

Canadian Federation Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-Team-Handball-Federation/165918018883

The next big host city selection: 2015 PANAM Games

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The selection of Rio de Janeiro as the host city for the 2016 Olympics last month denied the U.S. an automatic bid for the 2016 Olympics. This means that the U.S. will need to play its way in through qualification and historically this has meant winning the Gold medal in Handball at the Pan American (PANAM) Games the year prior to the Olympics. This week the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) will be meeting in Guadalajara and on Friday, 6 October, they will announce the host city for the 2015 PANAM Games. In contention are the cities of Toronto (Canada), Lima (Peru) and Bogota (Colombia).

Without question the preferred city for USA Team Handball is Toronto. Next door and with a familiar environment and climate it would be the next best thing to hosting the tournament in country. A South America city would require a longer trip and mean games would be played in a hotter climate with less familiar surroundings. Doesn’t mean the U.S., or Canada for that matter, can’t win in Peru or Colombia, it just means that there would be an added degree of difficulty.

The good news is that it appears Toronto is the odds on favorite to be selected for a number of reasons. First off, neither Canada or the U.S. haven’t hosted a PANAM Games since Winnipeg in 1999 (Dominican Republic (2003); Rio (2007); Guadalajara (2011)) Infrastructure wise Toronto is clearly superior. Finally, with Rio’s 2016 victory speculation is that South America doesn’t need two big events in back to back years (or 3 if you count the 2014 World Cup). Of course, as Chicago will attest, being the odds on favorite doesn’t always mean much in Olympic organization voting.

Additionally, there’s no guarantee that the path for Olympic qualification will remain the same. There’s talk of a new North American Handball Federation (NAHF) https://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.814, and that could certainly change the qualification structure. But with Olympic berths at a premium such a change won’t come easily. Additionally, even if a NAHF is put in place a potential compromise might very well combine the South and North entities for Olympic qualification. The 2011 PANAM Games are scheduled for Guadalajara, Mexico and barring some major changes at the upcoming IHF Extraordinary Congress in April those games will likely determine the PATHF representative for London 2012. It also won’t be surprising if the path remains the same for 2016.

Editor's Note: It's been kindly brought to my attention that the climate in both Lima and Bogota is relatively mild, so scratch off hot weather as a factor. But for Bogota, be sure to bring oxygen as it sits at 8,661 ft above sea level. The U.S. should hold it's training camp in Leadville, Colorado should they get awarded host city.

Gamebids.com: Toronto 2015 Pan Am Bid Chief Knows Where PASO Support Lies: http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/commonwealth_games_bids/1216134810.html
National Post: Toronto confident, mostly, as Pan Am Games decision nears: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/11/02/toronto-confident-mostly-as-pan-am-games-decision-nears.aspx

PATHF Div 1 Men’s Championships (Day 1): Canada and Mexico open with wins

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The Pan American Division 1 Men’s Champions got under way yesterday with Canada and Mexico winning their matches against Venezuela and Colombia, respectively. In the other Group the Dominican Republic easily defeated Guatemala.

Results: Tuesday, 03 November 2009

Group A
Rep. Dominicana – Guatemala 46 : 23 (18:11)

Group B
Canada – Venezuela 25 : 18 (12:10)
Mexico – Colombia 31 : 27 (14:11)

PATHF website: Results: http://www.panamhandball.org/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showresultsrank&p=5&Itemid=19&r=1#jl_top