How are goalball group tables decided?
A · Advanced · Time-outs and results · 1 of 1In round robin play a win earns 3 points and a tie 1. Tied teams are split by goal difference, fewest goals against, then goal difference between them, then a draw. A team that fails to show, leaves or lacks players forfeits, a ten-goal loss. Gross misconduct can bring bans.
How it works
- Win: 3 points.
- Tie: 1 point.
- Tie-break: goal difference.
- Then: fewest goals against.
- Then: head to head goal difference.
- Forfeit: ten-goal loss.
- Leaving the event: results cancelled.
- Gross misconduct: sanctions and bans.
The glossary has the round robin ranking (goalball), the forfeit (goalball), the gross misconduct (goalball), the team and substitutes (goalball), the ten-goal lead and the team unsporting conduct.
Tricky cases
A team has only one eligible player left. Result?
Forfeit.
A team quits the tournament. What happens to its results?
All are cancelled.
Can a team be banned from future events?
Yes, for gross misconduct.
What if teams are still tied after all criteria?
A draw.
Why the rule exists
Goals against as a tie-break rewards strong defence, the heart of goalball. A ten-goal forfeit matches the mercy limit.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 3, 1, 0 | 50 |
| Forfeit | Ten-goal score | 51 |
| Misconduct | Committee | 53 |
From the rule book
IBSA, Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025 (effective 1 January 2025), rules 8, 50, 51 and 53. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025.