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USABA to Host Open Tryouts for Goalball as a Pathway to LA2028

Dear Goalball Community,
Today, I would like to share an important update regarding the pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Last year, USABA organized a national team tryout process for the first time. Following this process, we received a significant amount of valuable feedback from both athletes and coaches. Over the past several weeks, we have worked extensively to further develop and improve the tryout concept based on this feedback, and I would like to provide you with some initial details.
This year’s tryouts will be conducted as Open Tryouts, meaning that every athlete who meets the minimum registration criteria will be eligible to participate.
The following registration criteria apply:
  1. Athlete must be a U.S. citizen.
  2. Athlete must be a USABA member in good standing.
  3. Athlete must fulfill all safety requirements, including a background check and SafeSport certification (completed by registration close on July 10th, 2026).
  4. Athlete must hold a valid U.S. passport.
  5. Athlete must provide a sports physical examination.
  6. Athlete must meet the minimum eligibility criteria for an international classification as established by the international federation. To show this, an athlete does not need to be currently classified, but an athlete must provide a letter from their eye doctor stating their visual acuity, eye condition, and any field restrictions (if applicable).
  7. Athlete must have demonstrated active involvement in goalball over the past two (2) years through participation in tournaments (sanctioned or unsanctioned).
  8. Athlete is responsible for arranging and covering all costs related to travel and participation in the tryout event.
Registration will open during the second half of June and will close on July 10th, 2026. Future communication will include a specific registration open date.

Tryout Dates and Location

 

Men: September 2nd–6th, 2026 – Colorado Springs
Women: September 16th–20th, 2026 – Colorado Springs
Only athletes who participate in the Open Tryouts in September 2026 will be eligible for nomination to the National Teams for 2027 and 2028. This means that athletes must attend the September 2026 tryouts as part of the path towards LA28. Athletes who do not attend the September 2026 Open Tryouts will not be eligible for future consideration as part of the path towards LA28.
All athletes who register for the Open Tryouts and meet the registration criteria are responsible for covering their own participation costs. This includes arranging and financing their own travel to and from Colorado Springs, as well as all participation-related expenses.
USABA has secured a limited number of beds directly at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The cost will be $120/night per person and includes accommodation as well as three meals per day. These will be filled on a first come, first serve basis once registration opens. In addition, USABA has the possibility to accommodate additional athletes at a nearby hotel. USABA may also organize a shuttle service from Colorado Springs Airport. Athletes may fly in anytime on September 2nd or September 16th to their respective tryout and may fly out any time after 1:00 pm on the final day (September 6th and September 20th respectively).
During the month of June, USABA will publish all remaining details, including the testing criteria during tryouts, the selection criteria for the National Team Program, as well as the selection procedures for the 2027 ParaPan American Games and the 2028 Paralympic Games.
Thank you,
Michael Holmes, Interim Executive Director
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes

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