Goalball

Goalball is a team sport specifically designed for athletes with visual impairments and has been a part of the Paralympic Games since 1976. Played by two teams of three players each, the game involves throwing a ball embedded with bells into the opponent’s goal. Players rely on their hearing to track the ball and use their bodies to block it from entering their goal.

• The Paralympic Games feature both men’s and women’s goalball events.

Court: The goalball court is a rectangular area measuring 18 meters in length and 9 meters in width. At each end, where the goalposts are positioned, there is a 9-meter by 3-meter team area and a corresponding 9-meter by 3-meter landing area. The space between these landing areas, spanning 9 meters by 6 meters, is known as the neutral area, divided by the centerline. Except for the goal lines, all markings on the court are tactile to assist players in orienting themselves during the game.

Goals: Regulation goalball goals are 9 meters in length, matching the court’s dimensions, and 1.3 meters in height.

Ball: The goalball used in competition is constructed of rubber, weighing 1.25 kilograms, and has a circumference of approximately 76 centimeters. It features eight holes and contains noise bells inside. The ball must adhere to the specifications outlined by the IBSA Sport Technical Committee.

Attire: Teams are required to wear coordinated jerseys, pants, and socks, with each player’s number prominently displayed on both the front and back.

Blackout Masks: All players must wear blackout masks while on the court. During major competitions, players’ eyes are covered with gauze patches under the supervision of the IBSA Goalball Technical Delegate. Penalties may be issued if a player makes contact with their blackout mask during gameplay, ensuring equal vision limitations for all participants.