The Council of the International Korfball Federation has decided to introduce a shot clock in its international competitions starting with the World Games Korfball Tournament in July 2009 in Kaohsiung, TPE. The shot clock maximizes the time that the attacking zone can use to attempt a shot at the korf. The ball must not only be shot towards the korf but must also touch the korf within 25 seconds starting from the moment the attack zone’s players take possession of the ball.  

Extensive experiments with the shot clock have been conducted in the leading leagues in Belgium and the Netherlands, where it has further increased the speed of the game. While the rule will be used in international senior competitions, each national association can determine if, and at which level, the shot clock will be used.

'We realize that this is a major change in the rules and will put even more pressure on the development of players’ skills at all levels. In making our decision, the Council has primarily considered the interest of the fans. We hope that all countries will soon introduce the clock into their highest leagues,' IKF President Fransoo said following the decision.

The clock will use the same technical equipment that is available in many countries for basketball.

Apart from the shot clock decision, the Council also approved a change to the rules concerning the free pass to counter a new version developed in some countries in which the ball is virtually handed over by the assist player. Furthermore, the definition of the football offense has been redefined as only concerning the knee downwards, and the rule concerning running with the ball has been amended to allow a change in pivot foot, provided the originally moved foot is replaced in its original position.