Blind soccer explained: What are the rules and why are some players allowed to see?
CNNCNN — Blind soccer often produces some of the most memorable moments at the Paralympics. The outfield players must be classified as “completely blind” – meaning they have “very low visual acuity and/or no light perception” – but all of them must wear eye patching and eyeshades as some might see more light and shadows than others. While soccer matches are renowned for having boisterous and very loud crowds, spectators must remain silent during play in blind soccer so players can hear the ball, which has sewn-in rattles and is a size three ball, smaller than the standard size five used in the 11-a-side, able-bodied game. Players must shout “voy” or “I’m going” in Spanish – in a nod to the game’s Iberian roots – when making a tackle and, similar to basketball, if a team racks up five fouls in a half, a penalty is awarded for every subsequent foul. ‘B’ stands for blind and ‘B1’ includes those with “very low visual acuity and/or no light perception.” Regardless, all outfield players must wear eyeshades.
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