How large is a regulation Paralympic goalball court?
Answer
18 by 9 metres
A regulation Paralympic goalball court measures 18 by 9 metres.
Goalball is designed for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. Two teams defend the short ends of the court and roll a bell-filled ball toward the opposing goal. Players listen for the bells and use tactile court markings to orient themselves, so the court’s dimensions and markings are central to the sport.
The 18-by-9-metre court is the same overall size as a volleyball court. It is divided into six equal sections, including each team’s landing, neutral and team areas. Raised lines allow players to locate themselves by touch.
All competitors wear opaque eyeshades during play, ensuring that athletes with different levels of vision compete under the same visual conditions. The goal is to score by getting the ball completely across the opponent’s goal line.