Boccia, Goalball, and Futsal for the Visually Impaired

Posted on Jan 13, 2025 in Physical Education

Boccia Draw Field

Ask if they would like assistance.
Describe areas of the trail with architectural barriers that impede passage.
When the path narrows, put your arm behind your back so your companion can follow behind you.
To help them enter a car, place their hand on the door handle.
Speak to a blind person naturally.
If you have to inform a blind person of something, do not do it from afar.
Offer to assist them in the restroom and let them know where the facilities are.
Say hello and introduce yourself before touching them, as unexpected touch can be frightening.
Remember that even though they may not see, they are able to recognize odors.
Do not stay silent; say hello.
In closed rooms, please announce your arrival and departure.
If you are leaving, inform your companion.
If you give them something, place it in their hand.
It is important to keep furniture and equipment in their usual places.
Always leave doors either fully open or fully closed.

Deficiencies: Loss or alteration of a psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function.
Disabilities: Inability to carry out an activity within the limits considered normal.
Disability: Disadvantage of a person resulting from impairment or disability which limits or precludes normal activity.

Sir Ludwig Guttmann is considered the father of sports for people with disabilities.

He shifted the focus of adaptive sports from recreation and therapy to competition.

Goalball is played in two halves of 10 minutes each.

Premature Release: If a player throws the ball earlier than allowed.
Leaving the Field: The player taking the throw must be in contact with the pitch at the time of releasing the ball.
Pass Out: The ball goes out on the sidelines.
Reverse the Ball: If a player on the defensive team blocks a ball and it bounces beyond the center line of the field, possession will be awarded to the team that made the throw.

Short Ball: The ball comes to rest before reaching the team area and is beyond the reach of the defending team.
High Ball: The ball must touch the ground at least once in the team area or the thrower’s area.
Long Ball: The ball must touch the ground at least once in the neutral zone before the centerline.
Eye Mask: A player may not touch their eye mask.
Third Throw: A player may not take three consecutive throws.
Illegal Defense: The defense’s first contact with the ball must be made by a player with some part of their body in contact with their team area.
Personal Delay of Game: When a player is reoriented by any person who is not on the field, or if a player is not ready to start playing when the referee gives the signal.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Noise generated by the offensive player with the intention of impairing the action of the defending team will be penalized.
Ten Seconds: A team has ten (10) seconds to throw the ball.

Field: 42m x 22m
Goal: 5m x 2m
Sound Ball
Side barriers prevent the ball from going out of bounds unless it goes over them. They also serve as a guide and safety element for the players.

Teams: Two teams of four visually impaired players and one sighted goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper has limited maneuverability within a small area inside the penalty area.
A guide behind the goal orients the players.
Players must clearly and audibly say the word “voy” (Spanish for “I’m going”) to prevent collisions and guide the opposing player.
Times: Two periods of 25 minutes each, with a 10-minute break.