The Rules for Blind Football. The matches are played with a special ball which has a bell inside, when the ball rolls the bell makes a noise to indicate it's position. There are five (5) players on each team, including the goal-keeper. The goal-keeper maybe fully sighted, but must not leave the penalty area (otherwise a penalty is awarded). The other four players on the team must be visually impaired at a B1 level or greater. To ensure a level playing field, so to speak, the players (apart from the goal-keepers, wear eye-patches. The pitch is 20 m. by 40 m., smaller than a regular football pitch. A goal-keeper may shout instructions to his side and there is one 'guide' for each team, positioned behind the goal, to say when to shoot.

As the pitch is surrounded with  rebound boards, there are no throw-ins, which results in a flowing and fast-paced spectacle. There is also no off-side rule. Before trying to tackle, players must shout the word ‘voy’ so that the person they are attempting to tackle is aware of their proximty. This is designed to prevent injuries wherever possible. Penalties are  awarded if a player touches their eyeshade or if a player kicks or pushes an opponent. Players committing five fouls during one game are disqualified from the game.

Matches are played over two halves of 25 minutes each, plus 10 minutes for half-time. In the event of a draw, the match may go to penalties.

Detailed Rules and Regulations

• Full IBSA Rules

Enjoy the Games !!!