Are you looking for a new or unique way to help out the community? Or opportunities that support an inclusive and high-performance sport?  

Are you hoping to upskill, make new connections, or simply have some fun along the way?  

Whatever the reason may be, you have come to the right place! 

The Australian Goalball Championships is being hosted by the Victorian Goalball Association at RMIT University in Bundoora, taking place from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026. Volunteers play an essential role in enabling us to run not just this tournament, but a single game. A game of Goalball requires a minimum of 10 officials in order for it to run effectively and to the rules.

What is Goalball? 

Goalball is a Paralympic sport designed specifically for athletes who are blind or have low vision. This fast-paced, high energy team sport is played on a similar sized court to a basketball court and requires athletes to throw a 1.25kg ball from one end to the other past their opponents to get a goal, all while being blindfolded. The Australian Goalball Championships is a landmark event each year and attracts athletes from across the country. This four-day event will showcase high level competition as teams fight to be named national champions in Junior, Youth, Women’s and Men’s divisions. 

Wondering how this all looks in action? Check out this video of some of Goalball greatest highlights at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games - https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Goalball+paralympics&&mid=02F8DF6ECA8E08DDFBF102F8DF6ECA8E08DDFBF1&churl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fchannel%2fUCi8n36NkW2uCQSFZNiYtuMQ&FORM=VCGVRP 

So, want to be part of the action? Here is your chance to witness a high level of competition, while getting involved behind the scenes! You don’t need any experience to help out – just a willingness to jump in and be part of an incredible event! 

Volunteer Roles 

Goal Judges 

Be right in the action at each end of the court, by signaling goals as they happen and actively retrieving and returning the ball to court to be dropped in. A simple role with a front-row view of elite competition. 

Game Timers 

Help keep games running smoothly by operating the game clock during play, stoppages, and breaks between periods of play. 

10-Second Timers 

Help make sure the game is being played according to the rules, by timing how long a team has possession of the ball. A team has 10 seconds to throw the ball so that it crosses the centre line and enters the opposition's half of the court. 

Scorers 

Keep track of scores and key moments. A straightforward and supported role, with a great view of the game. 

Commentators 

Bring the game to life by providing energetic, engaging, and descriptive commentary throughout matches. A great role for confident communicators who love sport. 

Student/Assistant Physio

With guidance and supervision from the Lead Physiotherapist, attend to athletes with various new or pre-existing injuries or concerns. This will include attending to strapping/taping and basic acute injury management. This is a great opportunity for students seeking sports coverage experience and university placement hours can be signed off where appropriate.

General Volunteers 

Support with set up, pack down, court floor cleaning during and between game, and other general event assistance. 

Volunteer Information 

Volunteers may choose to do a full-day shift (availability from approximately 8:00am to 6:00pm) or a half day shift in either the morning or afternoon (availability from approximately 8:00am to 1:00pm or from approximately 1:00pm to 6:00pm). However, if these timings do not quite work with your availability, please get in touch with us to discuss. 

Volunteers who are rostered for a full-day shift will be provided with lunch. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for working in a sports venue. 

Volunteers will be assigned to specific courts and sessions, with a roster provided before the event, outlining shifts, court allocations and responsibilities. 

Why Should I Get Involved?

Experience a high-energy, elite-level sport up close 

Be part of a passionate and inclusive community 

Play an important role in delivering a national-level competition 

So, come along, get involved, and be part of something big - Australian Goalball at its best! 

Note - you can find further information about each of the volunteer roles and requirements for volunteering at this event in the attached position description document.