The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball is calling for referees to register their interest and availability for the 2021 European Championships B in Lahti, Finland, from 31 May – 7 June.

The competition will be the sport’s first major international tournament since the African Championships concluded in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the original Euros B later in the year.

IBSA Goalball is asking level 2 and level 3 referees interested in attending in 2021 to email [email protected] by 16 April.

The Local Organising Committee has already published updated safety measures for the tournament, confirming that they will adhere to national government guidance at the time. Teams may be asked to have tests and quarantine on their arrival and they may also be asked to wear face masks.

COVID-secure protocols from IBSA Goalball, published in ‘Back to Competition’ guidelines here, will govern procedures during games.

The competition itself will be held at the Pajulahti Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. This self-contained complex will be where everyone involved in the Championships will train, compete, eat and sleep for its duration.