How big is a goalball court?
Officials' detail · The game · 1 of 2The court is 18 m by 9 m, split every 3 m into six areas. Each team defends a 6 m team area in front of its goal, and the middle 6 m is neutral. Lines are tape over string so players can feel them. Goals span the full 9 m width and stand 1.3 m high.
How it works
- Court: 18 m by 9 m.
- Areas: six, each 3 m.
- Team area: 6 m in front of each goal.
- Orientation area: nearest the goal.
- Landing area: in front of it.
- Neutral area: middle 6 m.
- Lines: 5 cm tape over string.
- Goal: 9 m wide, 1.3 m high.
The glossary has the court (goalball), the team area, orientation area and landing area, the neutral area, the tactile court lines, the goal (goalball equipment) and the team bench area.
Tricky cases
Can a team put extra markers on court?
No. That is a personal delay of game.
Where do substitutes sit?
In the bench area, 3 m from the sideline.
Do teams change ends?
Yes, at half time.
Is the high ball line marked?
It is the front of the thrower's team area, 6 m out.
Why the rule exists
Tactile lines let players find their positions without sight. The full-width goal makes every throw a threat.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Team area | 6 m | 1.2 |
| Neutral area | 6 m | 1.3 |
| Goal | 9 m by 1.3 m | 3 |
From the rule book
IBSA, Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025 (effective 1 January 2025), rules 1 to 3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025.