To try and prevent injuries, players must shout the word ‘voy’ (Spanish for ‘I go’) or ‘go’ before attempting to tackle, so that the player with the ball is aware of their location and can prepare for any contact. The playing area will often be uncovered to improve the acoustics. The pitch is surrounded by rebound panels, which are sometimes designed to create an acoustic echo to help the players know their own position (by clicking their fingers) and to locate each other and the ball as it goes in and out of play. The ball has sound devices so that players can hear where it is, even when spinning through the air. The game is restarted by a kick-in.īelow is an introductory video to Blind 5-a-side soccer, which also gives a glimpse of what a fast and skillful game it is: The ball goes out of play if it goes over the kickboards or hits the ceiling of an indoor pitch.
This makes the game very fast, with few interruptions to play. There are no throw-ins and there is also no off-side rule. For international competition the playing area is 38 to 42 metres long and 18 to 22 metres wide. The pitch can be of cement, grass or artificial turf. In general the coach behind the attacking goal directs the forward players, the coach on the side-line instructs the midfield players, and the goalkeeper will help to organize the defense. Each team has two sighted coaches able to communicate advice to the players, positioned on the halfway line and behind the goal that their team is attacking. He or she must stay in their penalty area throughout the game, but can issue instructions to the outfield players. The goalkeeper can be sighted or visually impaired. Substitutions are unlimited, but restricted to a maximum during each half, and can be made when the ball is out of play or of course at half time.Īll outfield players wear a blackout eyeshade to ensure that competition is on equal terms. Sildenafil Citrate Įach team has five players on the pitch at any time, four outfield players who are visually impaired, and a goalkeeper. Time-outs can be called by either team in each half, and these last for one minute. Matches consist of two halves of 20 or 25 minutes, with a 10 minute break for half-time.
does not currently support a national 5-a-side team, but there are plans to compete (and win!) at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. It is a fast and skillful sport that is growing worldwide, with national leagues, regional and world championships, and a Paralympic competition. It is a 5-a-side game usually played on a hard court, with a modified ball. Blind or partially-sighted soccer is an adaptation of soccer for athletes with visual impairments.