Saskatchewan Blind Sports Association

Sports

Goal Ball

Characteristics of Goalball

As its name suggests Goalball is a ball game; it is also a team game. It has three characteristics, which distinguish it from all team ball games played by sighted people. Firstly it is played with a ball that has sounders, so that its position can be located when in motion. Secondly it is played on a court with tactile markings. This enables a player to determine their position on court, by checking the markings with their feet or their hands. Thirdly all players wear eyeshades to block out any residual sight so that all players are on an equal playing field.

The amount of time necessary to prepare to play Goalball should not be underestimated. An 18m x 9m court has to be set in accordance with the pattern shown below. In tournament play all the lines are tactile.

The entire court is the same size as a standard Volleyball court. The participants learn the pattern of markings before preparing to play. Players use the markings for positioning and orientation.

The game is played with a ball that weighs 1.25kg and is manufactured to an IBSA specification. The essential feature of the ball is that it is audible when in motion; players can locate the ball by listening.

In Goalball all the players have to be blindfolded, to equalize the playing field for all players. For tournament play the quality of the shades needs to meet the standard. The rules require that players must not touch their eyeshades during play; players must seek the acknowledgement of a referee to make any necessary adjustment to their eyeshades during play.

The game consists of two 10-minute halves with a 3-minute half time. To play the game there are three players on court for each of two teams. One team plays at one end of the court and the other team plays at the other end. The ball is thrown from end to end, which is 18 metres!

When a legal throw is made the outcome is usually one of the following four possibilities. Firstly the ball may cross the goal line at the end of the court opposite the throwing end, in which case a goal is scored. Secondly the ball may be thrown out of court at one of the sides, in which case 'out' is called, and the ball is given to a player at the end opposite to the thrower. 'Play' is called and play continues. Thirdly a ball may go out of court over a sideline, having been deflected by a defending player. In this case 'blocked out' is called, and the ball is given to a player at the end opposite to the thrower. 'Play' is called and play continues. Fourthly a defending player may block the ball, in which case play just continues without interruption.

There are three principal constraints, which apply to the manner of throwing. First a thrown ball must touch the floor of the court before passing over the 3 metre line on the offensive end. Second a throw must take place within 10 seconds of contact of the defending team. Passing can take place within the 10 seconds, and players may move about the court to adopt favorable positions. Third, no player may take more than two consecutive throws at any time during the game.

The three players on the court are involved in the defense, and although the rules do not require them to adopt specific defensive locations, the convention is that they play with a center person playing on the front line of the team area, and wingers playing on the "wing line" or behind on either side of the team area. The initial defensive contact with the ball must take place within the team area, i.e. within the back three meters of the court.

A penalty is assessed against a team in breach of the rules mentioned. This means that the offending team/player has to defend a penalty throw with only one defender.

The court markings, the ball and eyeshades are mentioned above. Goals are 9 meters wide (the full width of the court) and 1.3 meters high.

Protective padding is largely a matter of personal preference. The most vulnerable parts to body in terms of contact with the floor are: knees, elbows and hips. Commercially available padding for volleyball, in-line skating and hockey are all used.

Golf

Golf is played with standard equipment and follows the rules of regulation golf.  A guide assists the golfer with visual cues related to distance, lay of the green, course obstacles, and assists with lining up the shot.  

Lawn Bowling

Utilizing regulation size greens, the lawn bowler may be assisted by verbal cues related to distance, status of the bowl, and lining up the shot.  A tactile string may also be used for the same purpose. 

Powerlifting

Powerlifting is comprised of three lifts that are performed successfully in the following order: Squat, Bench Press, and Dead Lift.  The athlete can be escorted to the platform and set-up to the equipment before performing the lift.  Powerlifters train with partners for technical assistance and to ensure safety.

Athletics

Athletes follow the modified rules set out by the International Amateur Athletics Association including the use of guide-runners, assistance to the circle for throwing events, and markings on the runway for jumps (B1 and B2 athletes).  B3 athletes compete without the modifications.

Bowling

Bowlers follow the rules set out by the Five Pin Bowling Association with the option of using a guide rail that enables the bowler to line-up with the alley.  In addition, volunteer spotters may assist the bowler in identifying pins in play.  

Curling

Curling is played with the same rules as regulation curling.  A team is made up of three athletes who are blind or visually impaired and one sighted athlete.  During competitions the sighted person plays the lead position.  Curlers may use flashlights, monoculars, plus verbal directions from team-mates.  

              Saskatchewan Blind Sports Association

510 Cynthia Street
Saskatoon, SK.    S7L 7K7   Canada
Ph: (306) 975-0888 or Toll Free 1-877-772-7798
    Email:  sbsa.sk@shaw.ca