Play 5-A-Side Blind Soccer!
Everyone is invited to play blind soccer regardless of their level of vision.
All players, except the goalie, have to wear an eye shield to make sure we are all visually impaired when playing. So sighted or not come out to one of our practices and take the blind soccer challenge.
We've answered some of the other common questions about blind soccer below.
Photo By: Leah Glaser/U.S. Association of Blind Athletes
How do the players know where the ball is?
This is usually one of the first questions we get. The ball, which is the same size as a Futsal ball, has six metallic rattles sewn into the cover to provide an audible cue to the players. This is one of the reasons we need audiences to remain quiet during game play.
How do I keep from running into other players?
While there is no way to completely keep you from running into other players there are a few tactics that help avoid serious injury. One rule is that players without the ball must yell "voy" when they are searching for or attacking the ball.
Another tactic is to use what are called "bumpers", position one arm about chest height and one arm about waist height with your hands in front of you, palms outward with limp wrists. This helps to absorb any impact with players or the walls, it must be noted that blind soccer players don't run nearly as fast as their sighted counterparts.
Photo By: Leah Glaser/U.S. Association of Blind Athletes
What is the basic gameplay of blind soccer?
Each team consists of one goalie and four forward players, the goalie can be fully or partially sighted, all other players must wear an eye sheild to block their vision.
Matches consist of two 20 minute halves and a 10 minute half time. Teams are allowed three sighted guides to direct their players on the field. One guide is behind the goal for the attacking players, one guide at the midfield and the goalie to direct players in the defensive third.
Photo By: Angel M. Olvera
How big is the field?/What does the field look like?
The field looks like a cross between futsal and indoor soccer. The field is 20m(65'7") wide and 40m(131'2") long with walls along the touchline that are approximately 1m(3'3") tall.
The goal lines are open and out of bounds, with the goals being 3.66 meters wide and 2.14 meters high.
Photo By: Angel M. Olvera
Where can I learn more about the sport?
For more information about playing contact us or feel free to show up at any of our practices.
You can also visit the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes web page
You can also view the video for a little more information.