Goalball

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Goalball

The object of the game is to score a goal by bowling the ball along the floor so that it crosses the goal line of the opposing team.

Get Involved

An Overview of Goalball

Goalball is a game played by two teams of three players with a maximum of three substitutions on each team. It is open to both male and female visually impaired athletes, and sighted players can also play domestically. It has three main distinguishing features:

  1. All players wear eyeshades so that they are totally blindfolded
  2. Goalball is played on an indoor court that is 18m long and 9m wide. The court has tactile markings (string that is taped to the floor), which helps players determine where they are
  3. The ball contains internal bells, which help players locate it during play.

The object of the game is to score a goal by bowling the ball along the floor so that it crosses the goal line of the opposing team. The defending team has to prevent the ball going in to their goal by stopping it while remaining in their team area. They must then try to control the ball and attack by bowling the ball back again thereby trying to score in the other goal.

Benefits

  • Develop communication, teamwork and leadership skills
  • Development of key physical skills including co-ordination, balance, speed and agility

Costs

Taster sessions can be free with following sessions costing as little as £2.

Involvement

Starting a club can be done quite simply

You need :

  • A quiet gym, and, if it has a volleyball court marked in it it's a bonus as this is the same size as a Goalball court and you can use these lines for guidance
  • Tape and string to mark out the court
  • A ball that makes a noise, preferably a goalball but if you have youngsters playing it may be advisable to start with a Jingle Ball which is larger and softer than a Goalball, or a Kixz football
  • Padding, to cover elbows, knees, hips, chest (for girls) and groins (for boys);
  • Eyeshades, like ski goggles but sleepshades could be used to start with, these are less expensive although they do not offer the same protection
  • Some willing players!!

Goals can be formed from gym benches initially but players need to be warned to be careful not to fall over them.

Adaptations and Equipment

Basic equipment includes eye shades, a goalball and goalball goals.

Facts

  • Goalball was originally developed by Hanz Lorenzen (Austria) and Sepp Reindl (Germany) in 1946, as a rehabilitation programme for visually impaired World War II veterans.

Find Goalball Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

Goalball UK

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Telephone
0114 223 5670
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Disability Sport Worcester

Disability Sport Worcester specialises in creating and running sporting events, clubs and activities for children and adults with disabilities.

Hereford Harriers Wheelchair Rugby Club

Hereford Harriers Wheelchair Rugby Club

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SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.