Blind Soccer
5-a-side soccer, often referred to as blind soccer, is an adapted form of soccer only for athletes with the highest level of vision impairments.
Only athletes with vision impairments are eligible for Paralympic blind soccer.
Vision Impairments
Athletes with Vision Impairment have an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure or function of the eye, optic nerve, optic chiasm, post chiasma visual pathways, or visual cortex of the brain resulting in reduced or no visual function even when using the best possible refractive or optical correction.
Examples of Underlying Health Conditions leading to vision impairments include retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.
Minimum Impairment Criteria
Only athletes that classify as a B1 athlete are eligible to participate in blind soccer as one of the four outfield players. Description of the B1 class is as follows:
- Athletes with eyesight ranging from no light perception to light perception and an inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or direction.
Goalkeepers can be athletes classified as B2 or B3 athletes, or they can be fully sighted.
- The minimum threshold for athletes to be classified as B3 is to have a visual acuity equal to or less than LogMAR 1.0 or 20/200 in both eyes and a visual field of less than 40 degrees in both eyes.
Entering the Pathway
Blind Soccer Virtual Scouting Combine, opens in a new tabAthletes interested in beginning to compete on a blind soccer team should get connected with one of the four adaptive sports programs around the country building a blind soccer team. Athletes should visit the US Association for Blind Athletes website to get connected with one of these programs.
Athletes with prior experience in blind soccer that are interested in high performance can submit a virtual combine displaying their skills through the USABA website.
Equipment
Blind Soccer Equipment, opens in a new tabTo begin training for blind soccer, athletes will need at minimum:
- A pair of eyeshades to block eyesight and a soccer ball that creates noise upon movement and contact.
To begin competing, athletes will need access to a blind soccer field with kickboards, and an appropriately size blind soccer goal.
Athletes can find blind soccer specific equipment through websites such as GoalFix.
The US Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) does not currently offer any national classification opportunities. See below for more information on the process of international classification in blind soccer and additional information on eligibility.
International Classification
IBSA Blind Soccer Classification, opens in a new tabThe International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) is responsible for governing all international classification in blind soccer.
Athletes must be registered in the IBSA's Sport Administrative System (ISAS) before being able to be licensed and complete the classification process.
Athletes can visit the IBSA website for additional information about international classification.
Eligibility
Blind soccer differs from other Para sports in that there are not multiple different sport classes within the sport.
Only athletes that are classified as B1 athlete are eligible to participate as an outfielder. Goalkeepers however, are permitted to be sighted or partially sighted as a B2 or B3 athlete.
Blind soccer follows multiple unique rules that differentiate it from able-bodied soccer.
Player Rules
- Blind soccer teams are made up of four outfield players who are classified as B1, and one goalkeeper who can be classified as B2, B3, or full sighted.
- All outfield players are required to wear eyeshades for fairness.
- Before attempting a slide tackle, players must shout the word "voy" so the other players are aware and to minimalize the risk of injury.
- Teams are allowed one "guide" staff member for each third of the field to shout out instruction to their athletes.
Arena and Equipment Rules
- Players compete with a ball that creates noise when kicked/moved so players can orient themselves.
- Blind soccer is played on a rectangular field that measures 40m long and 20m wide and is surrounded by kickboards to keep the ball in play.
- The goals measure 3.66 meters wide and 2.14 meters tall.
PlayLA Blind Soccer Clinics
PlayLA Blind Soccer Clinics, opens in a new tabThe USABA has partnered with the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department to offer blind soccer clinics for youth athletes. Visit the USABA website for more information.
Instructional Video Series
Instructional Video Series, opens in a new tabThe USABA offers a 17 video series covering the basics of blind soccer for beginner athletes. Learn the basics of the game and start playing!