International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball is asking referees to express their interest in officiating at the 2021 IBSA Goalball European Championships B in Lahti, Finland, from 27-31 January.

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 referees interested in attending in 2021 to email [email protected] by 27 November.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) recently announced the measures it will take to protect all participants during their stay in Finland.

These include a 72-hour isolation period for teams after arriving and testing of all athletes and officials for COVID-19 before they are cleared to participate. Everyone is encouraged to wear face masks and maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene, whilst ensuring they isolate immediately if they experience any symptoms.

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.

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

The full LOC procedures can be viewed here.