Goalball
| Day | Frequency | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Weekly | 9am-12noon | Level 5 Lang Park PCYC Castlemaine Street Milton |
Goalball originated in Europe and is the only international team sport for the vision impaired played at the Paralympics. The game has been played at International level competition since its introduction at the Paralympics in 1976 and is also included in the World Championships for the Blind.
Goalball is a unique team sport for the vision impaired, played by two teams of three players. All players are blind-folded to enable blind, vision impaired and sighted athletes to compete together (although in order to play in a national team, the athletes must be legally blind).
Goalball can be played on any flat surface measuring 18m x 9m, but is best played on a polished wooden floor. The court is divided into two halves. Each half comprises three equal sections: Neutral Area, Landing Area and Team Area.
Goals extend the full width of the court behind each team area. The court markings, including players' position markings, are visibly marked with 5cm-width tape. String is laid under the tape to enable easier player orientation.
The game is of 20 minutes duration (playing time) divided into 2 x 10 minute halves. The game is played with a ball weighing 1.25kg with noise bells inside. The object is to throw the ball over the opponent's goal line using a bowling action.
There are three basic rules:
Each player may only have two consecutive throws
Each team may only have possession of the ball for a maximum of ten seconds
The ball must bounce in or touch the landing area before any other part of the court
When not attacking, the three players defend the opponent's goal by lunging in front of the goal to block the ball.
Click Goalball Court to view a layout of the court
Competitions/programs
Brisbane:
With the support of the CPR group, we have been able to obtain funds to re-cover the goalball goals in preparation for the Goalball Nationals and the social program. We thank the support of organisations such as the CPR Group for understanding the need of updating such equipment.
Project Facilitation and Consultation Specialists CPR Group Head Office Primary Central Unit 6, 63 Primary School Court, Maroochydore
Pathways
If you have aspirations in playing, coaching or officiating Goalball, please view the 2010 Goalball Pathways documents to see what opportunities are available for you. If you wish to know more information about the next step in your Goalball career, please contact the Association.
State Championships
Queensland Invitational Goalball Championships are conducted each year in May.
National Level Competitions
Goalball Nationals held annually on June Long Weekend. Qld, VIC, NSW and ACT take turns hosting the Nationals. Goalball Grand Prix Circuit (mens only), played in QLD, VIC, NSW and ACT New Zealand Nationals
International Level Competitions
World Cup (every 4 years), Paralympics (every 4 years), IBSA World Championships (every 4 years), Invitational tournaments and FESPIC Games.
Classes of Athletes
Athletes are classified B1, B2 or B3, but all compete together.
Seasons
Social competition: April - Sept
Coaching
Coaching is available at the Social Competition and at Squad training sessions.
Training venues/times
Squad training sessions are held. Contact Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association office for full details
Equipment Required
Each player requires padding, blindfold or goggles, mouthguard, non-marking shoes, tracksuit pants. The Association has some equipment that may be borrowed, however we recommend purchasing your own if you intend to play at a high level.
Cost
Membership to the Association, Season fees and registrations. Players need to provide their own equipment.
Last updated 16/02/10