Korfbal League
The Korfbal League is the highest echelon of korfball in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 2005 as the new highest level in Dutch korfball. Before that the top level was split in two divisions. Since the start of the competition the format has been the same. The winner of the Korfbal League qualifies for the IKF Europa Korfball Cup while the number 10 relegated to the Hoofdklasse (korfball). The number 9 will compete with the loser of the Hoofdklasse final in a play-off for a position in the Korfbal League.
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands |
| Number of teams | 10 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | Hoofdklasse |
| International cup(s) | IKF Europa Korfball Cup |
| Current champions | PKC[1] (2015–16) |
| TV partners | NOS (Highlights) |
| Website | |
| Current: 2015–16 Korfbal League | |
History
The Royal Dutch Korfball Association started the Korfbal League in 2005 to make top level korfball more attractive for the public. This was done by fusing the former two divisions into one. But also by introducing new rules to improve the speed of the game, the most notable of the changes was the introduction of the Shot clock.[2] Further branding was done by introducing a clear logo, a new website and more representative sports clothing.[3]
The first edition of the league in 2005/2006 was won by DOS'46.
Champions
| Season | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | DOS'46 | Dalto |
| 2006–07 | DOS'46 | PKC |
| 2007–08 | Koog Zaandijk | DOS'46 |
| 2008–09 | DOS'46 | Koog Zaandijk |
| 2009–10 | Koog Zaandijk | Dalto |
| 2010–11 | TOP | PKC |
| 2011–12 | Koog Zaandijk | PKC |
| 2012–13 | PKC | Fortuna |
| 2013–14 | TOP | PKC |
| 2014–15 | PKC | TOP |
| 2015–16 | TOP | PKC |
| 2016–17 | TOP | AKC Blauw Wit |
| 2017–18 | TOP | Fortuna |
| 2018–19 | Fortuna | PKC |
References
- "Korfballers PKC winnen zaalfinale". nos.nl. 11 April 2015.
- "RvW 4.18 Bestuursbesluit bijzondere verplichtingen zaalkorfbal". knkv.nl. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
- "Nieuwe Korfbal League tilt topkorfbal naar hoger niveau". hkstrategies.nl. 11 December 2005. Retrieved 1 April 2016.