Goalball: The Sport of Sound and Strategy

Goalball is a unique and exhilarating sport specifically designed for individuals with visual impairments. It provides an even playing field by requiring all participants, regardless of their level of vision, to wear eyeshades, emphasizing auditory and tactile senses.

Playing Field: The game unfolds on a tactile-marked rectangular court that’s 18 meters in length and 9 meters wide, allowing players to feel their positioning on the court

Equipment:
The Goalball: A distinctive ball embedded with bells, enabling players to track its movement by sound.
Eyeshades: Ensuring a uniform visual experience for all participants.

Team Dynamics: Goalball is a sport of threes, with each side comprising a trio of players: a defensively-oriented “center” and two “wings” who typically lean towards offense.

Objective: The main aim is simple yet challenging: score by rolling the ball past the opposing team and into their net, all while defending your own goal using your body to block incoming shots.

Gameplay Rules:
Match Duration: Split into two 12-minute halves.
Throwing Rule: Upon gaining possession, a player has 10 seconds to roll or throw the ball.
The Sound of Silence: An absolute quiet is maintained when the ball is in play, ensuring players can focus on the ringing bells within the ball.
Defensive Play: Defenders utilize their entire bodies, primarily hands and feet, to prevent the ball from entering the net.
Penalties: Infractions like “high ball,” “long ball,” or “illegal defense” result in penalty throws for the opposition.
Substitutions: Changes are made during stoppages, keeping the game dynamic and strategic.
Eyeshade Integrity: Players must always wear eyeshades during gameplay for fairness.
Scoring: A triumphant moment is when the ball completely passes the goal line. Victory goes to the team with the highest score when the final whistle blows.

Embrace the challenge of goalball – a sport that highlights skill, team spirit, and a heightened sense of spatial awareness.

For a more extensive list of rules and regulations please visit the IBSA website HERE