During tournaments the situation of spectator interference invariably arises. The term "non-seated" spectator, goes back to the times when many of the private beach clubs (Castle Hill Beach Club, Shore Haven Beach Club, Brighton Beach Baths, etc.) would hold organized one-wall handball events as a means of providing entertainment for their members. These facilities had stadiums, or areas with benches, designated for viewing the matches. On the occasions when the number of the people in the crowd outnumbered the seats provided, people would bring their own beach chairs or stand and watch. Any individual, in these areas (whether sitting or standing) was referred to as a "seated" spectator. During time outs, etc. the spectators were allowed to leave the viewing areas to get refreshments, take a quick dip in the pool, etc., etc.. On the rare occasion when a spectator had not been able to return to his seat before the action had restarted, he might interfere with a player's chance to return the ball. In the cases, the referee would call a dead-ball hinder for the interference caused by this "non-seated" spectator.

Presently, partly due to the conversion of these "Beach Clubs" into condominiums, outdoors events are often held in parks which do not have areas officially designated for viewing. Spectators bring their own seats, or stand and watch. For safety reasons, the officials should try their best to assure that sufficient playing area is provided, that non-players do not go for "strolls", and that pets are kept secured during play. In the interest of safety, when it has been predetermined that sufficient playing area can not be provided, the referee should informed all of the players and his linesmen, that he will call a dead-ball hinder for interference occurring in areas where sufficient playing area could not be provided.

On a closing note, players are NOT entitled to a limitless playing area. Issues pertaining to this situation should be addressed and resolved before play starts.

From the 2000 Official U.S.H.A. One-Wall Rulebook

3.4B1 SPECTATORS. The referee shall have jurisdiction over the spectators, as well as the players, while the match is in progress (See Rule 5.6). A ball that hits an official or spectator before hitting the wall shall be judged as if it had hit an opponent (See Rule 4.7A2). If a "non-seated" spectator or official interferes with a player in his attempt to play a ball, it is a hinder. In the interest of safety, when it has been predetermined that sufficient playing area can not be provided, the referee may call a dead-ball hinder for interference occuring in the area designated for spectators (See Rule 4.7A7).

5.6 TOURNAMENT CONDUCT. In all USHA-sanctioned tournaments, the referee is empowered to default a match if a player conducts himself in a manner detrimental to the tournament or the game of handball. This includes the authority of the referee and/or tournament director to remove distractive or abusive people and to default a match if such individuals are not removed.

4.7A2 BALL HITS OPPONENT. When a returned ball touches an opponent on the fly before hitting the wall, and the shot would obviously would not have been fair, the player who was hit by the shot will be awarded the rally. If there is any doubt in the official's mind, a dead-ball hinder will be called.

4.7A7 OTHER INTERFERENCE. Any other unintentional interference that prevents a player from having a fair chance to see or return the ball.