Introduction to Officiating Course

What is it?

An online course to introduce the sport of goalball and the basics of officiating the game. By completing the course, you will feel prepared to goal judge and table officiate (with support) at a Goalball UK competition as you will have: 

Basic knowledge of the sport of goalball  
An understanding of the different officiating roles required to run a game  
A basic understanding of the rules and how they are applied within each officiating role  
Greater awareness of people with a visual impairment

Existing knowledge of goalball is not required to undertake the course.

After completing the online course and attending a Goalball UK competition to officiate you will become a Goalball UK Activator. The Activator role is the first step of the Goalball UK officiating pathway.

What does it involve?

The online course takes approximately one hour to complete. The learning can be done all in one go or in small chunks to suit your time commitments. On completion of the online course, you will be invited to attend a Goalball UK competition to goal judge and table officiate (with support) where you will receive your Goalball UK Activator kit (t-shirt, bag, water bottle, pen, and lanyard). After attending your first competition we will issue your e-certificate.

Who is it for?

The course is a great starting point for anyone looking to get involved in a Paralympic sport, while making a contribution to the community.

The course also supports those already involved in the sport that would like to take a more active role within their club or at Goalball UK competitions.

The course would suit;

General members of the public looking to get involved in an exciting Paralympic sport
Students looking to get involved in a disability sport to make a contribution to the community while studying
Family or friends of players wanting to help out and make a contribution to the sport
Club volunteers wanting to become more involved at their club or Goalball UK competitions

There are no pre-requisites and existing knowledge of goalball is not required to undertake the course.

Everyone’s been really friendly and supportive at all the events so thank you!

Magda, Goalball UK Activator

The Goalball team were exceptional in their delivery of the event. I can’t wait to volunteer again next season.

Luke, Goalball UK Activator

Accessibility

The online course has a variety of content styles including text, video, diagrams, and images. Based on your requirements we aim to provide reasonable adjustment to all the content to allow everyone to complete the course. When you attend a competition, we will also ensure you are allocated to roles you can do based on the information you provide. There is a role for everyone!

How to book and costs

If you have any questions about the course or the booking process, please contact Katy Whitworth at Katy.Whitworth@goalballuk.com or 0793 995 3086.

Individual (non member) – £10

To book your place please complete the booking form. After completing the booking form Goalball UK will be in touch to provide your login to access to the online course.

Individual (Affiliated Club Member)

If you are a member of an affiliated goalball club please contact and book through your club. Affiliated clubs receive a number of free places with their Goalball UK affiliation.

Organisation (University, College, Volunteer group etc.)

If you are an organisation looking to book on behalf of a group of people, please contact Katy Whitworth at Katy.Whitworth@goalballuk.com or 0793 995 3086 to discuss your requirements.

Working in collaboration with Goalball UK over the last few years has enriched our students qualifications and practical experiences and the workshops are always cited as one of the students favourite guest sessions each year.

The Goalball UK team are great to be around and they go above and beyond to share their knowledge and the opportunities that are available in this Paralympic sport. This link has enabled our students to gain a valuable set of coaching and officiating skills which, has strengthened their employability skills and this in turn has been shown to make a difference to their own and other people’s lives out in the world of disability sports coaching and education.

Dave Mycock, Disability Sports Course Leader at the University of Worcester

It is a pleasure to work with Goalball UK. Our collaborative partnership enriches our learning environment through the students’ exposure to and involvement in professional practice.

Goalball UK have worked closely with the programme team, to enhance students’ academic experience and graduate attribute development, through enquiry engaged learning and teaching of this Paralympic sport. Students at all levels of study have received the opportunity to engage with the Goalball UK team in a variety of ways, covering aspects of practical delivery, officiating, coaching and development of the sport.

Through our continued partnership a wide range of volunteering and qualifications have been offered, and will continue to be offered, to all students.

Rafe Elliot, Programme Leader for Sport, Coaching and Physical Education at Bishop Grosseteste University - Lincoln