When is a goal scored in goalball?
B · Beginner · The game · 3 of 3A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line in play, and a ten-goal lead ends the game. A throw that stops untouched in the defenders' area is a dead ball, given to them. A ball over the sideline is out; a blocked ball rebounding over the centre line is ball over.
How it works
- Goal: ball fully over the line.
- Ten-goal lead: game over.
- Dead ball: stops untouched in the team area.
- Out: over the sideline untouched.
- Blocked out: blocked and leaving at the side.
- Restart: ball placed 1.5 m in front of the post.
- Ball over: blocked over the centre line.
- Premature throw: before play is called.
The glossary has the goal (goalball), the ten-goal lead, the dead ball, the out and blocked out, the ball over and the premature throw.
Tricky cases
A blocked ball bounces over the centre line. Result?
Ball over; the ball goes back to the blocking team.
A throw hits the post and stops in the team area. Result?
A dead ball to the defenders.
A team throws before "play". Result?
The ball goes to the other team.
When does the clock stop for a goal?
On the referee's first whistle.
Why the rule exists
Clear calls on dead and out balls keep the game moving. The ten-goal stop spares a losing team a long rout.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ten-goal lead | Game ends | 14.5 |
| Dead ball | To defenders | 13.11 |
| Ball over | Back to blockers | 22 |
From the rule book
IBSA, Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025 (effective 1 January 2025), rules 13, 14, 21 and 22. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025.