Goalball equipment

Playing goalball requires certain specialist equipment that can be purchased from various outlets.

For the goalball player, it is essential to wear goalball eyeshades. Goalball players also wear protection such as knee pads, hip protectors, groin and chest protection.

For the goalball court you will need court marking tape, string and of course a set of goalball goals.

The goalballs themselves weigh 1.25kg and contain bells so players can hear them on court.

Below are links to some of the Goalball UK endorsed and recommended goalball equipment providers.

Goalballs

Regulation goalballs are 1.25kg and available from RNIB’s website

This is the official ball used in goalball approved by the International Blind Sports Association and used in the Paralympic Games. Made of strong, heavyweight blue rubber with eight holes and containing three metal bells so it can be located when in play.

Soft goalballs

Softer and lighter goalballs are available and recommended for younger players and/or informal sessions. Goalball UK endorsed foam goalball from Bishop Sports.

Court Tape

The normal width of court marking tape is 50mm. It can be any colour. The key thing is that it provides a good contrast to the playing surface to enable referees to be able to clearly distinguish the lines.

It is advisable to test the tape first on the playing surface you are planning to use to make sure it does not bring up the varnish or the marked lines that are already there.

Court tape can be purchased from Viking Industrial.

String

Regulation string is 3mm but any kind of string, cord or thin plastic washing line can be used for informal sessions. Alternatively, gym mats or ‘throw down’ lines can be used. Goalball UK recommend English Braids.

Goals

Goalfix Sports are the Goalball UK recommended supplier of Goalball goals. They make both an international goal that was used at the 2010 Goalball World Championships in Sheffield and a lightweight goal that is used at Goalball UK domestic tournaments across the country. For more information please visit Goalfix Sports.