Blind soccer is a sport designed for visually impaired people. The field of play is usually a standard indoor or outdoor soccer field, small in size and fenced to ensure the safety of the players. Each team usually has five players, four of whom are visually impaired and one of whom is a guide who instructs the players on position and direction.
SOUND BALL: Soccer balls for the blind are equipped with an internal sound device that allows the ball to make a sound when it is moved, making it easier for players to determine the position of the ball.
Game Time: Games are usually divided into two 15-minute halves with a 10-minute intermission.
TOUCH LIMITATIONS: Each player may only hear the guide's voice before contacting the ball and must give a warning such as "sound" or "voy" before contacting the ball to avoid a collision.
Restricted Areas: At each end of the center of the field there is a restricted area in which a goalkeeper stands. Inside the penalty area, the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use both hands, while outside the penalty area, other players can only play with both feet.
RULE ENFORCEMENT: Players and guides perceive and understand the game situation by sound and touch. The guide guides the players on the sidelines, instructs them to move around the field and gives them information about the game.
Blind soccer is played with the same objective as regular soccer, which is to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent's goal. At the end of the game, the team with the higher score wins. If the game is tied, extra time or penalty kicks can be played to determine the winner.
Blind soccer is not only a sport, but also a form of social and psychological rehabilitation. Through participation in soccer training and games, blind players can enhance their physical coordination, improve their self-confidence, and gain opportunities to interact with others. At the same time, blind soccer also faces many challenges, such as communication and coordination among players, and technical improvement, but these challenges are also the motivation for participants to grow and improve.
As a challenging and fun sport, blind soccer not only promotes physical and mental health, but also provides a stage for the visually impaired to showcase their energy and vitality.
