How is a goalball penalty taken?
I · Intermediate · Penalties · 4 of 6A penalty throw pits one defender against one throw, with the clock stopped. For a personal penalty the offender defends; for a team penalty the throwers choose. The awarded team may decline and keep the ball. Illegal defence is a first touch by a player with no part of the body in the team area.
How it works
- One against one: a single defender.
- Clock: stopped.
- Personal penalty: the offender defends.
- Team penalty: the throwers choose.
- Decline: keep the ball instead.
- Defensive foul in a penalty: throw repeated unless scored.
- Thrower's foul: the throw cannot score.
- Illegal defence: first touch from outside the team area.
The glossary has the penalty throw, the illegal defence, the control of the ball and possession, the act of throwing, the ball over and the out and blocked out.
Tricky cases
A defender blocks from the neutral area. Penalty?
Illegal defence, unless the ball scores anyway.
Can a team refuse a penalty?
Yes, and keep the ball.
A defender fouls during a penalty and saves it. Result?
The throw is retaken.
Does ball over apply to penalty throws?
No.
Why the rule exists
A lone defender makes penalties a real threat. Requiring defence from the team area stops players rushing out.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Offender defends | Section E |
| Team | Throwers choose | Section F |
| Illegal defence | Team area rule | 27 |
From the rule book
IBSA, Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025 (effective 1 January 2025), rules 22 and 27 and Sections E and F. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025.