Only Goalball is played by athletes who are blind or visually impaired and consists of a ball containing a bell to indicate its direction to the competing players. Teams of three players compete on an 18m by 9m court. Competitors aim the ball along the ground at great speeds towards their opponent s goal, which spans the entire width of the court.
Goalball spectators are a unique crowd.
Complete silence is vital throughout the 14 minute game so spectators must save their cheers for after a goal is scored or the end of a game. Due to the range of visual impairments among competitors, all athletes must wear black out masks to ensure all participants are competing equally.