Athletes competing in a GoalBall competition

Goalball is a team sport played by individuals with visual impairments and with three people on each side of the court. The court is set up with tactical markings that allow the athletes to determine their location on the court as well as the direction they are facing.

A goalball court can be set up on any basketball court. The object of the game is to score a goal by rolling a ball through the goal on the opposite end of the court. The other team defends the goal and tries to block the ball from crossing the goal line. The ball creates a noise when in motion in order for the athletes to determine its location. In order for the athletes to hear the motion of the ball, crowd silence during play is essential.

The teams and players alternate rolling the ball to the opposite end in an attempt to score a goal. To equalize the level of visual impairment between athletes, all players wear masks that block out all light.

While there is currently no division dedicated to junior competition, the sport is a great outlet for physical activity for athletes of almost any age who are blind or visually impaired.

Who Can Participate

Goalball is available to athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

NCHPAD Resource:

• Goalball Factsheet - http://www.ncpad.org/45/336/Goalball