Who guides blind football players?
B · Beginner · The game · 2 of 3Each side has four outfield players and a goalkeeper, from a squad of up to 16 including a guide. Three voices direct play: the goalkeeper in the defensive third, the coach in midfield and the guide behind the attacking goal. Teams have five substitution opportunities a half, with unlimited changes, from their own corner arc.
How it works
- On the pitch: four outfield and a goalkeeper.
- Squad: 16, with eight outfield and two keepers.
- Goalkeeper: guides the defensive third.
- Coach: guides the midfield third.
- Guide: behind the opponents' goal.
- Opportunities: five per half.
- Substitutions: unlimited.
- Minimum: four to start, three to continue.
The glossary has the team (blind football), the guide (blind football), the goalkeeper (blind football), the substitution opportunities, the substitution zone (blind football) and the captain (blind football).
Tricky cases
Do several changes at one stoppage use several opportunities?
No. They count as one.
Can a guide step on the pitch?
Only in a time-out.
A team falls to two players. Result?
The match is abandoned.
Are half-time changes counted?
No.
Why the rule exists
Splitting guidance by thirds stops voices clashing. Unlimited changes let teams rest players in a tiring game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive third | Goalkeeper guides | Law 1 |
| Midfield third | Coach guides | Law 1 |
| Attacking third | Guide | Law 1 |
From the rule book
IBSA Football Sport Committee, IBSA Blind Football Laws of the Game 2025-2029, Laws 1, 3 and 5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Blind Football Laws of the Game 2025-2029.