Equipment for Play

Picture showing showdown equipment including two paddle like bats, two pairs of eye-shades and five yellow balls

Showdown uses a small set of specialised equipment designed to make the game fast, fair, and fully accessible for blind and visually impaired players. Every item from the table to the ball, has been carefully developed to support sound‑based play, safety, and equal competition.

Below is a guide to each piece of equipment used in the sport.

The Showdown Table

The Showdown table is made of wood and measures 1.2m wide and 3.7m long, with curved corners and a goal at each end. A raised centre screen sits 10cm above the surface, dividing the table into two halves and forcing the ball to travel underneath it.

Key Parts of the Table

  • Centreboard Screen — Divides the table into two sides; the ball must pass underneath.
  • Contact Board — The narrow strip along the top of each end wall.
  • Goal Area — The space between the tactile boundary line and the goal pocket.
  • Goal Pocket — The opening where points are scored.
  • Playing Deck — The flat surface where the ball travels.
  • Sidewalls — Vertical walls running along the long edges of the table.
  • End Walls — Vertical walls at each short end.
  • Curves — Rounded corners connecting the sidewalls and end walls.
  • End of Table — The entire curved section including the end wall.
Drawing of a diagram of a showdown table identifying the location of key parts of the table including the goal pocket, central board, side walls and contact board

Why it matters

The table’s design ensures the game is fast, controlled, and fully sound‑based. Every surface helps players track the ball through vibration and audio cues.

Showdown Bats

Showdown bats look similar to small cricket bats with rounded ends. The blade is the part used to strike the ball.

Official Specifications:

  • Total Length 30cm
  • Blade Length 20cm
  • Blade Width 7.5cm
  • Blade Thickness 1cm (including soft cover)
  • Handle Diameter 4cm

Why it matters

The bat’s size and shape allow for precise control, quick reactions, and safe play.

The Ball

The Showdown ball is made of hard plastic and contains ball bearings that make it audible during play.

Official Specifications

  • Diameter: 6cm
  • Weight: 23–28g
  • Surface: Hard and smooth
  • Sound: Must be clearly audible

Why it matters

The sound is essential , players track the ball entirely through hearing and touch.

Eye Shades

All players wear blackout eye shades to ensure a completely level playing field, regardless of sight level.

Official Specifications

  • Must fully block all light
  • Foam or silicone padding to ensure complete darkness
  • Only darkened alpine ski goggles or Goalball‑style masks are permitted

Why it matters

Eye shades ensure fairness and allow sighted and visually impaired players to compete equally.

Protective Glove

Players wear a protective glove on their batting hand to prevent injury from fast‑moving balls.

Official Specifications

  • Must extend 6cm above the wrist joint
  • Must not enlarge the hand by more than 2cm on each side
  • Maximum thickness:
    • 2.5cm on fingers and palm
    • 1cm above the wrist

Why it matters

The glove protects the hand without giving an unfair advantage.

Arm Protection (optional)

Players may wear additional arm protection such as sweatbands or bandages.

Requirements:

  • Must be a different colour from the glove
  • Must not enlarge the arm by more than 1cm
  • May extend up to 6cm below the elbow

Why it matters

Arm protection supports comfort and confidence without affecting gameplay

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