1. Give Me Five
Play blind futsal in the B1 division if you're completely blind. Futsal for the Blind is also called "Five-a-Side" Football, because it's played with five players on each side of the field, instead of the traditional 11. Blind futsal follows the basic rules of the FIFA Futsal rulebook, along with special modifications that enable blind athletes. Players in the B1 division must be totally blind (players may have some light perception, but must not be able to recognize shapes). Using an adapted soccer ball, the athletes track the sound made when the ball is in motion. Each team has a sighted goalie that acts as a goal keeper and guide. B1 futsal teams display their impressive footballing skills on a modified field that includes barriers. These "kickboards" help the players keep the ball in play and maintain orientation while they attempt to score goals against the other team. Players in the B1 division wear padded blindfolds specially designed for blind futsal players, while they compete.
2. Find Your Division
Partially-sighted futsal players, play in the B2 or B3 divisions. Players have the ability to perceive light and can also perceive the shape of their hands. Medically speaking, players' best correctable vision can be up to 20/600. Players in the B2 division use slightly different adaptations than players in the B1 division. The ball is typically white, green or orange in color, which helps the athletes locate it. Goalies can be partially-sighted or fully-sighted and must not leave their designated area. Lighting maintains the same intensity on all parts of the field throughout the entire match to maintain fairness.
3. Identify Yourself
Visually-Impaired Futsal players that have slightly more vision also play in the B2 and B3 divisions. To qualify as a B3 player, players' best correctable vision must be between 20/600 and 20/200 or have about 10 percent functional vision. During a B2 or B3 blind futsal match, there can only be up to three B3 players on the field for a team at any given time. B3 players identify themselves with a red arm band worn on their right arms at all times. Players designated as B3s may only substitute for other B3 players during futsal games.
