Goalball

The goal of goalball is to roll the ball across the opponent’s goal line while the other team attempts to prevent this from happening by diving on the ground and blocking the oncoming throw. Goalball is open to athletes with vision impairments.

Goalball Athlete Resources, opens in a new tab

Eligibility in Goalball 

Only athletes with vision impairments are eligible for goalball.

  • Vision Impairment

    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.

Sport Entry 

  • Getting Connected

    Athletes looking to compete who may not be part of a goalball team yet should register for a regional tournament as a pool player to gain experience in the team setting and make connections within the sport.

    To learn more about goalball teams around the country and to find a program near you, athletes can reach out to Linda Welborn at lwelborn@usaba.org

    Reach out to USABA Staff, opens in a new tab

  • Equipment

    To begin competing in goalball, athletes need at minimum, a pair of eyeshades that entirely block out light.

    Coaches also recommend that beginner athletes also practice and compete with knee, hip, and elbow pads to prevent injuries and prevent from developing negative habits.

    To conduct an official game or practice, athletes will need a court with string, tape, and either a goal or cones if a goal is not available.

Classification 

USABA does not offer national classification at this time. See below for information on international classification and the different classes within goalball.

  • Tyler Merren of Team USA in action during a Goalball training session at the South Paris Arena 6 on August 25, 2024 in Paris, France.

    International Classification

    International classification in goalball is sanctioned by the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA).

    Classification will primarily be done at tournaments or qualifications and will be conducted by ISBA classifiers through the review of a Medical Diagnostics Form.

    Visit the IBSA website for more information on international classification.

    IBSA Classification, opens in a new tab

  • Classes

    A unique feature of goalball is that regardless of sport class, each athlete is required to wear opaque eyeshades (blindfolds) to ensure fair competition. There are three eligible classes for goalball:

    • B1 - most severe vision impairment class, including athletes with no light perception or only light perception.
    • B2 - less severe vision impairments compared to the B1 class but still more severe impairments that the B3 class.
    • B3 - athletes with the least severe eligible vision impairment.

Next Steps 

  • Events Calendar

    USABA host events throughout the year. Check the USABA website for upcoming events!

    USABA Events Calendar, opens in a new tab

  • Get Involved

    Get connected with a United States Association of Blind Athletes sport club partner to find an organization in your area promoting goalball practice.

    USABA Sport Club Partners, opens in a new tab

  • Training Pool Development Program

    Continue training, competing, and progressing in goalball to work towards USABA's Goalball Development Program.

    Goalball Development Program, opens in a new tab