SANFL and Guide Dogs SA/NT have teamed up to launch South Australia’s first Aussie Rules competition for people with blindness and low vision. The new SANFL Blind Low Vision (BLV) League will kick off in March, giving participants the chance to play modified, competitive footy in a safe and supportive environment.
Games will be played indoors at AFL Max at Adelaide Airport so players can clearly hear the specially modified Sherrin, which features an electronic beeper to help track the ball. The six-a-side format will include 8–10 players per team, with goal umpires using rattles to indicate when the ball enters the scoring zone and optional Human Guide Training offered to participants, volunteers and staff.
Supported by State Government funding through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing’s Collaboration Grants program, the League reflects SANFL’s goal to make footy inclusive and accessible to everyone. Guide Dogs SA/NT says the partnership is an important step in increasing access, independence and participation in sport for people with any level of vision.