How long is a goalball game?
B · Beginner · The game · 2 of 3A game is 24 minutes in two 12-minute halves, with a 5-minute half time. Players must be ready for the eyeshade check 90 seconds before each half. The coin toss winner chooses to throw or defend first, or which end; the other team gets the other choice. Play starts with the referee calling quiet please, then centre, then play.
How it works
- Halves: 12 minutes each.
- Half time: 5 minutes.
- Eyeshade check: 90 seconds before each half.
- Coin toss: throw, defend or end.
- Second half: the first-half defenders throw first.
- Warm-up: at the team's own end.
- Quiet please: silence before play.
- Officials: two referees and four goal judges.
The glossary has the length of the game (goalball), the coin toss (goalball), the warm-up (goalball), the quiet please, the officials (goalball) and the reorientation.
Tricky cases
A team throws at the opponents in warm-up. Penalty?
A warning, then a team penalty.
Who throws first after half time?
The team that defended first.
Can a coach speak after quiet please?
No. That is illegal coaching.
Can goal judges reposition a player?
Only when asked or after a penalty situation.
Why the rule exists
Short halves suit a draining game of diving and listening. The call for silence gives every defender a fair chance to hear the throw.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Halves | 12 minutes | 12 |
| Toss | Throw, defend or end | 10 |
| Warm-up | Own end only | 11 |
From the rule book
IBSA, Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025 (effective 1 January 2025), rules 9 to 13. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025.