Goalball
Goalball is “the” blind sport, created specifically for the blind. It’s an indoor court game played around the world by the blind and visually impaired. The sport was developed in the late 1940's and is played internationally up to the world championship and Paralympic Games levels.
Teams of three try to score goals using a ball similar in size to a basketball that is about the same weight as a brick and has a bell inside it. Players attempt to roll or throw the ball across a goal line. The opposing team tries to block it using their arms, legs and bodies. With a ball flying at speeds of 65 km/h or more, it’s exciting!
Games last 20 minutes and are divided into two equal halves of ten minutes each, with a 3 minute half time.
The object of the game is to score goals by rolling a ball (called a Goalball) down a 9m x 18m (volleyball size) court toward the opposing team’s goal, which spans the entire 9m width of the court. Players (1 centre and 2 wingers) attempt to prevent the Goalball from crossing the goal line in a totally sightless condition. A Goalball weight is 1.25kg and contains noise bells and along with raised lines on the court, help to orientate the players.
Therefore, while play is in progress, silence is required in the venue to allow the players to concentrate and react instantly to the ball. However, cheering is permitted after a goal is scored and at the end of a game.
Penalties:
A number of personal and team penalties may be awarded for rule infractions. Here are four basic rules for Goalball:
1. Highball - a thrown or rolled ball must touch the floor of the court before passing over the highball line, which is the line 6m from the goal line at the thrower's end.
2. Ten Seconds - a throw must take place within ten seconds of coming in contact with the defending team. Passing can take place within the ten seconds, and players may move about the court to adopt favorable positions.
3. Three Consecutive - no player may take more than two consecutive throws for his team.
4. Illegal Defense - players must defend the ball from within their team zone. This is a three metre deep zone directly in front of their goal.
A penalty is served by removing the two teammates from the court. The offending player attempts to defend one penalty thrown alone.
Benefit to your education curriculum & sports teams
Introduce able bodied students to living with a disability and functioning without vision in a practical, fun setting.
Teach valuable athletic performance skills such as: communication, non visual focus, team work & kinesthetic awareness, explosive lateral movement.
Recreational Goalball League
Location: Mitchell Field CC
Address: 89 Church Avenue. Toronto ON
Start date: Friday October 12th, 2012
End date: Friday December 7th, 2012
*Note that another session will follow and late registration is acceptable
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $48.00 Toronto Resident
$84.00 Non Resident of Toronto
The Ontario Blind Sports Association (OBSA) in partnership with the City of Toronto is proud to be able to offer a recreational goalball league through the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation again this year!
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join. During these sessions, participants will learn the rules of the game, partake in drills geared towards skill development and athletic endurance and will of course play lots of goalball!
The fall session has started but it’s not too late to join. If you’re interested, send us an email at info@blindsports.on.ca! The league meets every Friday night from 7:30PM- 9PM at Bob Abate CC located at 485 Montrose Avenue (Bloor and Christie). To get to the centre, exit the subway at Christie station (east platform), walk west on Bloor Street and then South on Montrose Avenue to 485. City of Toronto registration costs $45 and includes all goalball equipment provided by OBSA.
