Registration for USA Goalball National Team Open Tryouts Now Open

Editor’s Note: The article was originally posted on June 24, 2026, and has been updated to reflect that registration is now open and to reflect the approved selection documents.

Dear Goalball Community,

As promised earlier this week, registration is now open for the 2027/28 USA Goalball National Team Open Tryouts. Registration will close on July 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT. Registration can occur at the following link: https://forms.gle/APCkuHvyyKEuV44M7

In addition, the PRELIMINARY testing criteria are attached to this message as well. We provide this information for all potential participants have the opportunity to train and prepare with the same information. Scoring and details remain subject to change as we finalize the process with the AAC, USOPC, and Legal Counsel. The final criteria will be posted prior to tryouts.

USABA has a limited number of beds at the CSOPTC for attendees and will have a local hotel room block for those unable to be accommodated at the CSOPTC. Bed space at the CSOPTC will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis from time of registration. The registration link will be posted on the website in a similar communication to this and then also be sent out on our socials. The preliminary (not final, and subject to change) testing criteria will also be released at the time registration opens. Final testing criteria and full selection process for the September 2026 Tryouts, 2027 ParaPan American Games, and LA28 will be published prior to tryouts.

All Athletes who meet the following eligibility requirements are invited to register:
1. The athlete must be a U.S. citizen.
2. The athlete must be a USABA member in good standing.
3. The athlete must fulfill all safety requirements, including completion of a background check and SafeSport certification by the registration deadline of July 10, 2026.
4. The athlete must possess a valid U.S. passport.
5. The athlete must provide documentation of a current sports physical examination.
6. The athlete must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for international classification as established by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). While athletes are not required to hold a current classification, they must submit a letter from their eye care professional documenting their visual acuity, eye condition, and any visual field restrictions, if applicable.
7. The athlete must demonstrate active participation in the sport of goalball during the past two (2) years through involvement in sanctioned and/or unsanctioned competitions.
8. The athlete is responsible for arranging and covering all costs associated with travel to and participation in the Open Tryouts.

Athletes currently named to the 2026 National Team Pool or Prospect Pool are also required to complete the registration process to confirm their participation.

A participation fee of $360 USD applies to all athletes, including members of the 2026 National Team Pool, Prospect Pool, and Resident Athlete Program. Athletes are additionally responsible for all travel expenses to and from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The $360 participation fee includes accommodation and meals for the duration of the respective Open Tryout event.

Tryout dates:
Men: September 2 – 6, 2026
Women: September 16 – 20, 2026

Athletes may fly in anytime on September 2 or September 16 to their respective tryout and may fly out any time after 1:00 pm on the final day (September 6 and September 20, respectively).

For questions regarding the Open Tryouts, please contact:

Vito Villa, USA Goalball Team Performance Coordinator
vvilla@usaba.org

Your respective National Team Head Coach:
Nicole Kirk, Head Coach, USA Women’s Goalball National Team nkirk@usaba.org
Michael Dennis, Head Coach, USA Men’s Goalball National Team mdennis@usaba.org

As a reminder, 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 2027 ParaPan American Games and 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.

Thank you,
Michael Holmes, Interim Executive Director
U.S. Association of Blind Athletes

Testing Criteria and Documents updated 8/4/2026:

2027-2028 USA Goalball Competition Pool Selection Procedures – signed (Posted 8/4/2026)

2027-2028 USA Goalball Competition Pool Selection Procedures 08.04.26 (Word Version, Posted 8/4/2026)

2026 USA Goalball Open Tryout Testing Criteria 08.04.26 (Posted 8/4/2026)

2026 USA Goalball Open Tryout Testing Criteria 08.04.26 (Word Version, Posted 8/4/2026)

2027-2028 USABA Extenuating Circumstances Form (Posted 8/4/2026)

2027-2028 USABA Extenuating Circumstances Form (Word Version, Posted 8/4/2026)

2027-2028 USABA Medical Waiver Form (Posted 8/4/2026)

2027-2028 USABA Medical Waiver Form (Posted 8/4/2026)

Download the PRELIMINARY 2027 Open Tryout Testing Criteria

Related Posts