The Round Rock ISD VI Department is coaches goal ball practices involving students of ages ranging from 10 to 22 from RRISD, Austin ISD, Georgetown ISD, and Eanes ISD. We will compete in October in Dallas at the Sports Extravaganza.
History
The game of goal ball was invented in 1946 by Austrian Hanz Lorenzen for a rehabilitation activity for blind veterans of WWII. It was first introduced to the world during the Paralympics held in Toronto in 1978. Since this time the sport of goal ball has grown throughout the world.
Overview
There are three members of each team on each end protecting the goalline. There is one center and two wings on each team. The game is 14 minutes long, comprising two seven minute halves. A rubber ball with bells inside for auditory tracking is used. Each player must wear a blindfold regardless of the degree of visual impairment. Each player has the option to wear elbow pads, kneepads, hip pads and face protection.
Benefits of Playing Goal Ball
- Participation in an aggressive sport that combines strategy, power, and quickness.
- Participation in a team sport.
- Increased cardiovascular endurance.
- Increased upper body strength.
- Increased mobility skills.
- Increased agility.
- Improved auditory awareness and tracking.
- Improved self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Many individuals who are visually impaired or blind typically do not have opportunities to be involved in team sports and physical activity. One of the best benefits of goal ball is that it promotes teamwork and cooperation among teammates as well as promoting awareness within the community of what individuals who are visually impaired can do.