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BLIND FOOTBALL – FOOTBALL FOR THE BLIND. RULES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
2023-03-24
Blind players, a buzzing ball and rules similar to futsal – that's how blind football can be described in a nutshell. This unusual discipline is played at the Paralympic Games, but is also used for integration and team-building. What is it exactly? What equipment is used in blind football? Here’s the explanation!
WHAT IS BLIND FOOTBALL?
Blind football, also known as football for the blind, is a sport that draws on classic football and futsal. However, the main difference between blind football and these sports is that the players cannot see the ball. This sport was developed primarily for blind and partially sighted people, but can be played by everyone. This is because during the game, players wear special blindfolds or goggles – making the game fair.
WHAT IS BLIND FOOTBALL – PLAYING RULES
What exactly is blind football about? Teams consist of five players each – the four in the field have the armbands or goggles mentioned earlier. Only the goalkeeper should be an able-bodied person and not wear an armband. Their role is crucial in this. It is the goalkeeper who organises the play of the defence, shouting the right messages to their team. Whereas, in attack, the players rely on the commands of a so-called guide (importantly, this is not the same as the coach).
What's more, the ball itself makes a sound (buzzing, rattling, etc.) to help the players know where it is and how it is moving. Thus, effective play relies on very good communication and maximum use of the sense of hearing. Players use specific commands and messages during the game. For this reason, fans and observers of blind football matches should remain quiet throughout the game.
In addition, rules specific to blind football include:
• splitting the game into two 25-minute halves (usually) with a 10-minute break,
• no offside,
• a prohibition on the goalkeeper leaving the small (5m x 2m) area (breaking this rule may result in a penalty kick being awarded to the opposing team),
• no throw-ins,
• a possible additional one-minute break in each half at the request of the coach.
The blind football pitch itself is 20 m wide and 40 m long during official competitions, although it may have slightly different dimensions for other types of games. There is a point in the middle surrounded by a circle with a radius of 3 m, from which the game begins. The pitch is divided into three zones (attack, midfield and defence) using lines that can be felt under the boots. A different guide is responsible for each zone, communicating with the players by voice. Lines also delineate the goalkeeper's zone. It is played on natural or artificial turf. Characteristic of a blind football pitch are the kickboards along the edge of the pitch – they prevent the ball from running out of play and limit the possibility of the ball going out of bounds.
BLIND FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT – WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PLAY BLIND FOOTBALL?
The basic requirement for blind football is a suitable pitch. In addition, no particularly large amount of specialised equipment is required. What must not be forgotten?
• Blind football goals are 3 m wide and 2 m high (3.66 m x 2.14 m during official competitions). They are constructed similarly to traditional football goals and therefore consist of aluminium profiles and a net. It is important that they are resistant to mechanical damage and weather conditions.
• Blind football kickboards must be positioned along the side edges of the pitch. They are made from a variety of materials. The most important thing is that they are stable.
• Balls for blind football have to be specially made. They are usually slightly larger and heavier than standard footballs, but the most important thing is their filling. Inside there is a bell or a kind of “rattle”, which informs by means of an audible signal that the ball is moving.
• Blind football masks or goggles are compulsory equipment for every player (except the goalkeeper). They keep out light and prevent vision. They must also be comfortable, well-fitted to the head and safe, as blind football is a contact sport.
In fact, you only need a few things to be able to play a game of blind football. At the same time, it is worth remembering that this is a sport not only for the disabled. Blind football is used as a team-building tool for a reason. Its principles mean that it requires the development of effective communication. It also allows you to practise trust and teamwork.
Looking for blind football goals or other professional equipment? Be sure to check out our product range – you'll find everything you need here.
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