International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Showdown is asking its community to suggest changes to the sport’s new rulebook due for release in 2021.
 
The IBSA Showdown Committee invites suggestion and feedback on the current rules from athletes, coaches, referees and anyone involved with the sport.
 
“All stakeholders, and in particular players, are welcome to suggest modifications to the current rules over the coming months and play an active role in shaping the future of showdown,” the Committee’s Chairperson, Massimo Sanapo, said.
 
The move is in line with other sports governed by IBSA. Blind football and goalball, both of which are on the Paralympic programme, have held recent consultations on rule changes.
 
All comments, suggestions, queries and proposals can be sent to [email protected] by 30 September 2020.
 
All proposals will then be considered by the IBSA Showdown Committee between October and December 2020.
 
The current rules will remain in place until 30 September 2021 and the new rulebook will come into force on 1 October 2021, following endorsement by the IBSA Executive Board. It will be in use until 2025.
 
The current rulebook can be found here.  http://www.ibsasport.org/sports/showdown/rules/
 
IBSA Showdown is also encouraging interested parties to set-up fully accessible online public groups to discuss rule changes, following the example of referees.
 
The sport suggests that athletes, coaches, referees and competition organisers can get together virtually and debate their ideas. Once these are established, IBSA Showdown will share details so people can join.
 
The final proposals for the groups must be summarised in one document each and sent to  [email protected]
 
In addition, members of the Committee will be available at competitions during the consultation period. Individuals and groups are encouraged to request meetings via the email address above.
 
“The IBSA Showdown Committee would like to encourage everyone involved in the game to take part in this process and make your voice heard for the benefit and good of showdown,” Sanapo concluded. “This is your chance to have a say in the future of your sport.”