Disciplinary strategies or reactive measures? An analysis of coach sanctions in elite Danish handball leagues.

This study examines coach sanctions in elite Danish handball matches over seven seasons (2017–2024), analyzing differences by league (men's vs. women's), gender, match period, and situational context. Using data from 2,978 matches and 398,054 events provided by the Danish Handball Federation, sanctions were categorized as yellow cards, 2-minute suspensions, or blue cards. Results indicate that coach sanctions occur more frequently in the Men's League, predominantly in the second half of matches, and that there is a stronger and more consistent positive correlation between coach and player sanctions in the Women's League. Key game events such as goals, saved shots, technical mistakes, and turnovers commonly precede coach sanctions, suggesting these disciplinary actions serve both regulatory and strategic functions influenced by situational pressures. The study highlights gender-based differences in disciplinary patterns and coaching styles, recommending further qualitative research to better understand the motivations behind these sanctions and to inform coaching education and policy.