Goalball Rules

I. Governing Rules

The rules of the International Blind Sports Federation will apply in all cases except where a special Oregon State University Intramurals rule applies.

II. Eligibility

All participants must be either students registered at Oregon State University or faculty or staff with a Recreational Sports Membership. For more information on eligibility, consult the Intramurals Handbook.

III. Uniforms/Equipment

  • No jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.) is allowed on the court at any time. Players must remove items immediately or leave the game. Protective cups are strongly recommended.
  • No shoes that leave black or scuff marks, boots, or sandals are permitted on the court. Athletic, closed-toe shoes must be worn.
  • No hats are allowed.
  • No braces, casts, guards, or supports that may cause other players harm are permitted.
  • A game ball and blindfolds will be provided for each game. All players must wear eyeshades for the duration of their game (except for halftime and time-outs).

IV. Pre-Event

  • All participants must bring their ID card to enter the facility.
  • Game brackets will be posted the day of the event at the event location.
  • Each team member must pick up a blindfold as they check in for the event.
  • A rule overview and game demo will be presented for all participants at the beginning of the tournament.

V. Event Structure

  • Game time listed on the schedule is the official game time. You must have three (3) players on the court ready for play at game time or a forfeit will be awarded to the opposing team.
  • Each game will consist of two 8-minute halves, a 2-minute halftime, and the option for each team to call one 45-second time-out per half.
  • A coin toss will determine which team will begin with the ball. The opposing team will begin with the ball at the beginning of the second half.
  • Each team will play two (2) pool play games, and then move to single-elimination bracket play.

VI. The Game

  • The game will begin with the game official asking for quiet and reminding players and spectators to remain quiet for the duration of the game. The game official will blow their whistle three times and yell “PLAY” to indicate the start of the game. The clock will start on the third whistle. The game official will keep the time and score of the game by using the scoreboard on the court.
  • The team playing defense must start the play with each player standing on their designated 1.5m mark. The line is located 1.5m from their team area line, which is located 1.5m from the team area outline (left wing mark, right wing mark, and center mark).
  • The game official will yell “PLAY” before the start and restart of each play. This includes the start of the game, when the ball goes out of bounds, when a penalty occurs, when a goal is scored, etc. A team is not allowed to roll the ball until the “PLAY” command is given.
  • A team has ten (10) seconds to throw the ball each time they gain possession. The ball must be rolled on the floor and/or touch the floor before the overthrow line (see court lines for details) or it is considered a high ball and will result in a penalty.
  • The ball must be rolled underhand. Players cannot throw the ball side-arm or spin to throw the ball.
  • A player may only roll the ball once consecutively. If the same player rolls the ball a second time, the other team will gain possession. If a player scores on the third roll, the goal will not count.
  • A goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line on either side. A goal will count regardless of the ball being rolled by the opposing team and/or thrown or carried over by the team in possession of the ball.
  • Players must remain within their team area while defending the ball. A player must be touching some part of the team area when stopping a ball or “illegal defense” will be called by the official, resulting in a team penalty.
  • The team with the most goals at the end is the winner.
  • In the event of a tie during pool play, the game will remain a tie. During bracket play, a tie will be determined by sudden death.

VII. Event Definitions and Commands

  • “PLAY”: Stated by officials to indicate the start of each play.
  • “BLINDFOLDS”: If blindfolds need to be adjusted during the game, the player must raise their hand and yell “blindfolds.” This will stop play and allow the player to adjust their blindfold.
  • Team area: Designated area each team must remain in during play.
  • Overthrow line: Line on the court that indicates the area between the center (half-court) line and the team area.
  • Illegal defense: When a team tries to stop the ball outside of the team area.

VIII. Penalties

  • A penalty will result in either giving possession to the opposing team or issuing a penalty shot. The person who caused the penalty shot will be the goalie for the shot. Any representative from the opposing team can take the shot and must stand behind the overthrow line.
  • A penalty will be administered for the following actions:
  • The ball does not touch the ground before crossing the overthrow line when rolled by one team (penalty shot).
  • A player removes their blindfold during a game without alerting the official (penalty shot).
  • A player from either team makes excessive noise during gameplay (penalty shot).
  • A team plays illegal defense to try to stop the ball (penalty shot).
  • A player steps out of bounds while in possession of the ball (possession change).
  • A team takes longer than 10 seconds to throw the ball (possession change).
  • A player throws the ball more than once consecutively (possession change).

IX. Ejections

Any player ejected from a game will be immediately suspended from participating in all Intramurals activities. The ejected player must then make an appointment with the Coordinator of Intramurals and Sports Coordinator to determine the length of suspension and any other sanctions. The following actions can result in ejections from Intramurals:

  • Improper language
  • Unsporting conduct

X. Conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct includes actions which are unbecoming to an ethical, fair, and honorable individual. It consists of acts of deceit, disrespect, or vulgarity and includes taunting.

Court Diagram (Key Terms)

  • Overthrow line
  • Wing
  • Center

Contact: Sport Programs Office, (541) 737-4083, 111 Dixon Recreation Center
Revised: 5/3/2023