Explore Sebastian Petrovich's incredible journey as Victoria's standout International Blind Football Referee. Despite unique challenges, Sebastian's skill, dedication, and passion for the game shine through.
Blind Football is played by athletes who are blind or vision impaired. There are two formats of the game, blind football (B1) and vision impaired/partially sighted football (B2/B3).
Blind Football (B1) is an internationally recognised sport played at the Paralympics. It is played outdoors by blind and partially vision-impaired athletes on a 40m x 20m pitch with side kickboards and an audible ball.
There are two teams of five: four outfield players and a goalkeeper. The outfield players wear eyeshades to equal their sight and the goalkeeper can be fully or partially sighted.
Having officiated, Football and Futsal, Petrovich believes it is a greater mental challenge to referee Blind Football, however, finds it ultimately rewarding.
“You have to be aware of situations and always be switched on, every second is so important on the pitch,” he explained.
“There is a stamina part to it, you have to be very clear-minded, so it is a real test for your own mental and focus capabilities as a referee, that’s why I think it is very challenging.”
Petrovich was first introduced to Blind Football 10 years ago and from then wanted to grow the game in Australia.
“From there I was very curious about how and what it takes to become a referee because I was very impressed about how they move around the court,” he said.
“I needed referee experience, so I started to get more experience in indoor futsal as it is very similar to the game with the size of the court and most of the rules are very similar, then I got experience refereeing futsal and juniors.”
In 2019, he had the opportunity to travel to Malaysia to officiate at the Japan National Blind Football (B1) Championships, which was his first time refereeing on an international scale.
“That’s what gave me the passion and drive to become an international blind football referee, and then I wanted to bring back all of the experience from overseas and help the players here be ready for games.”
In May 2022, the first-ever National Blind Football match took place at The Hangar (Tullamarine) between South Melbourne FC and Olympic FC and with the 2024 edition fast approaching, Petrovich would love more help whether that is volunteering or refereeing.
“I would love to invite more people down and help get these games going for the blind athletes,” Petrovich said.
“We have one All-Abilities referee who has been learning from me, but I do think if we had more volunteers or referees through futsal and normal referees coming to support our national series it would make our lives much easier.
“We need six people there working together as a team to make sure we get the game going, we only have two, so we need more.
“I think by coming as a support team I am happy to pass on everything I know and build a pathway for referees in the blind football space.”
If anyone would like to get involved, email the link below; no experience is necessary.
Express your interest in Blind Football Refereeing/Volunteering