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blind soccer nation rules

Team & Player Classification

  • Teams consist of 5 players: 4 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper

  • Outfield players must be classified B1 (no, or very limited, light perception) and play blindfolded/eyes-occluded

  • Goalkeepers must be sighted or partially sighted (B2/B3) and are restricted to their goal area

Field of Play

  • Size: approximately 40 × 20 m (official range: 38–42 m length, 18–22 m width)

  • Surroundings: solid, flat surface with sideboards around the full length (1–1.3 m high) to keep the ball in play and provide orientation

  • Goals: size is 3.66 m wide × 2.14 m high

The Ball & Communication

  • Uses a size 3 audible ball with internal rattles or bells

  • Players must shout (“voy,” “go,” etc.) when challenging or approaching the ball to avoid collisions — failure is a foul

  • Silence from spectators/coaches during active play is mandatory so players can rely on sound from the ball

Match Duration & Timing

  • Two 20-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime break

  • In some formats, “net” time applies: stoppages (e.g., ball out of play, fouls) pause the clock .

Roles of Guides & Coaches

  • Goalkeeper gives defensive guidance (e.g., positioning, organization)

  • Offensive guide (positioned behind the opposing goal) gives attacking direction

  • Coaches or guides may give instructions from the midfield zone

Fouls & Free Kicks

  • Physical contact is allowed, but dangerous or deliberate fouls lead to free kicks

  • Players must maintain 3 m distance during free kicks

  • No offside rule applies

Penalties & Team Fouls

  • Penalties occur for fouls in the penalty area, similar to regular soccer.

  • 5 team fouls per half: each subsequent foul results in a double penalty (from 8 m spot)

equiptment

1. Audible Soccer Ball

  • Purpose: Contains bells or rattles so players can locate it by sound.

  • Recommended Product: Blue Flame Blind Football – IBSA‑approved audible ball – Size 3, approved by IBSA, used in Paralympics.
    Includes six sound devices, PU exterior for durability.

  • Alternate Option: Handi Life Sport Audible Ball from Amazon (rattling bell).

2. Blindfolds / Eyeshades

  • Purpose: Ensure fairness by blocking vision for B1 players (outfield).

  • Recommended Product: Justa Blind Sports Eclipse Eyeshades – Officially approved by IBSA for competitions.

3. Protective Headband (optional but recommended)

  • Worn under eyeshades to reduce head impact. Mandated/suggested in IBSA guidelines.

4. Shin Guards

  • Purpose: Standard soccer protection; must be fully covered by socks.

  • Available at any sports store (e.g., Amazon or local retailers).

5. Team Uniform (Jersey, shorts, high socks)

  • Color-distinguishable jerseys with numbers 1–15.

  • High socks (covers shin guards).

6. Footwear

  • Soft-leather or canvas shoes with rubber soles (no cleats/spikes).

7. Goals & Kickboards

  • Pop-up or standard 5‑a‑side goals (~3 m × 2 m).

  • Sideboards (“kickboards”) line the pitch to keep ball in play.

8. Training Cones & Polyspots

  • For drills, boundaries, guides.

  • USABA manual: 18 cones, 3 polyspots recommended.

9. Stopwatch / Timer

  • For managing 25‑minute halves, drills, etc.

Three soccer players participate in a practice game. The player with the neon yellow Nike jersey is trying to get the ball from the player in the red jersey playing defense.

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