This section clearly defines the responsibilities of IBTA and the Organisers. Participants are advised to review this section first to understand whom to contact for specific matters.

The official organiser of the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026 is:

Neįgaliųjų sporto klubas “Blind Sport LT”
Company registration number: 306363029
Registered address: Erfurto g. 48-24, Vilnius, Lithuania
Official email: worldchampionships2026lithuania@blindsport.lt

0.1 IBTA Responsibilities and Contact Information

Q: Which matters are handled directly by IBTA?
A: For all general enquiries related to IBTA matters, please contact:
lithuania2026@internationalblindtennis.org
For all classification-related matters, please contact:
medical@internationalblindtennis.org
IBTA is responsible for:

• the official online registration form
• player classification procedures
• review of Medical Diagnostics Forms (MDF)
• scheduling of classification appointments
• appointment of classifiers
• handling of classification protests and appeals
• official competition rules applied during the Championships
• off-court coaching regulations during matches
• eyeshades and patching regulations and compliance

0.2 Organisers Responsibilities and Contact Information
A: For all matters related to payments, logistics, accommodation, transport, and on-site operations, please contact:
worldchampionships2026lithuania@blindsport.lt

The Organisers are responsible for:

• • collection of participants’ entry fees and capitation fees
  • airport transfers and local transport coordination
  • accommodation arrangements
  • on-site accreditation and check-in
  • coordination of volunteer support
  • venue operations at SEB Arena
  • court markings and court preparation
  • daily match scheduling logistics
  • training court allocation
  • catering and meal services
  • medical support on site
  • organisation of official live streaming

1.1 Event Dates and Duration

Q: What are the dates of the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026, and how long should I plan to stay?

A: The Championships will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania from 23 to 29 August 2026.

Programme dates:
23–24 August 2026: On-site classification and official training.
24 August 2026: Opening Ceremony.
25–29 August 2026: Competition matches.
29 August 2026: Closing Ceremony.

Travel planning (strong recommendation):
If classification is required, players must plan their arrival date and time accordingly. Individual classification appointment times will be assigned in advance, and players must carefully monitor their email for official communication.

Plan to leave only after your final match, because your match days depend on the draw and results.

1.2: Host City and Official Venue

Q: Where will the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026 take place?

A: The Championships will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, at SEB Arena, Ąžuolyno Street 7, LT-07196 Vilnius.

All official event activities will take place in this single venue complex. The competition courts, official hotel, and restaurant are located on-site.

All matches will be played at this location.

The venue is approximately 15–30 minutes by car from Vilnius International Airport, depending on traffic, and about 10 minutes by car from the city centre and Old Town.

1.3 Competition Categories

Q: What competition categories will be played at the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026?

A: The Championships include official IBTA visual classes B1, B2, B3, and B4.

Men’s and women’s events are organised separately where there are sufficient entries.

If entry numbers are low in a specific category, visual classes or gender divisions may be combined in line with IBTA rules.

The final event structure is confirmed after the close of entries.

1.4 Who Is Eligible to Participate

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026?

A: The Championships are open to blind and partially sighted athletes who meet the following conditions:

Players and participants must complete the official online registration form no later than 15 May 2026.
All participation fees must be paid in full no later than 15 May 2026.

Players must hold an international visual class granted through the official IBTA classification process.

2.1 Entry Fee Options

Q: What are the official participation fees for the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026?

A: In addition to the participation fee, a separate IBTA capitation fee of EUR 25 per player applies. This fee is payable by players only and is collected by the Organisers and transferred to IBTA.

The Championships are supported by multiple funding sources, including local partnerships, institutional support, and sponsorship. Participation fees paid by players and other participants cover only a limited portion of the total event costs and do not represent the full financial scope required to deliver the Championships.

Participants who registered before additional participation options were introduced will have the opportunity to change their selected option. The Organisers will contact these participants individually.

Player participation options (Options A–C)

The following options are available for players only:

Option A – EUR 170 per person per night

Includes all Championships services, a welcome package, hotel accommodation, catering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), drinking water, fruits and snacks throughout the Championships, and transport from and to the airport.
Classification services are provided for players only, where applicable.

Option B – EUR 140 per person per night

Includes all Championships services, a welcome package, hotel accommodation, breakfast only, drinking water, fruits and snacks throughout the Championships, and transport from and to the airport. Participants may arrange their own lunch and dinner.
Classification services are provided for players only, where applicable.

Option C – Independent participation (EUR 450 per player)

This is a one-time participation fee (not per night) designed for participants who prefer full flexibility and independent arrangements. It includes all Championships services: accreditation, welcome pack, drinking water, fruits and snacks, access to training and competition courts, officials, balls, live streaming, and full tournament organisation.

This option does not include accommodation, meals, or transport. Players are fully responsible for arranging these services independently.

Coaches and other participants (Options D–E)

Coaches and other participants such as accompanying persons or country representatives may organise their accommodation and meals independently, regardless of the option selected by the player. If they wish to stay at the official Championships hotel, the following options are available:

Option D – EUR 90 per person per night

Includes accommodation at the official hotel, breakfast, drinking water, fruits and snacks, and transport from and to the airport.

Option E – EUR 120 per person per nigh

Includes accommodation at the official hotel, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, drinking water, fruits and snacks, and transport from and to the airport.

Special dietary meals

Special dietary meals are available only for participants selecting full catering options (Options A and E). Participants selecting Options B or D are not entitled to special dietary arrangements from the Organisers.

Accommodation conditions (Options A, B, D, E)

The following conditions apply to all participants staying at the official hotel:

• Standard accommodation is in shared rooms (twin or triple).
• Participants who do not indicate roommates will be allocated with participants of the same gender.
• Participants may indicate preferred roommates in the registration form.

Single rooms:

• Limited availability
• First-come, first-served basis
• Additional cost: EUR 40 per night
• Subject to Organisers’ confirmation

The Organisers reserve the right to allocate rooms based on availability and operational requirements.

Important notes

• Options A–C apply only to players.
• Options D–E apply only to coaches and accompanying persons.
• All participants must ensure that their selected option matches their actual accommodation and service needs.

These fee levels are necessary to allow the organiser to meet all required standards and obligations of the Championships. Participation fees collected from players cover only a small portion of the total required budget, and every participant contributes to making the Championships possible.

2.2 Payment Methods and Deadlines

Q: How and when must the participation fees be paid?

A: Full payment must be completed no later than the registration deadline 15 May 2026. The registration deadline and the payment deadline are the same 15 May 2026.

Registration is confirmed only after full payment has been received.

If payment is not received by the deadline, the participant’s entry may be cancelled.

All participants shall pay the Organisers directly by bank transfer in euros.

If paying for multiple participants, list all full names in the payment reference or email the list to Organisers.

Payment details:
Recipient: Neigaliuju  sporto klubas Blind Sport LT
Address: Erfurto g. 48-24, Vilnius
IBAN: LT943500010016637915

Bank details:
Paysera LT, UAB
Address: Pilaites pr. 16, Vilnius, LT-04352, Lithuania
SWIFT code: EVIULT2VXXX
Bank code: 35000

2.3 Refund Policy

Q: What is the refund policy if I cancel my participation?

A: The refund policy is as follows:

A 100% refund is available for cancellations submitted by 15 June 2026.

A 50% refund is available for cancellations submitted by 15 July 2026.

No refunds are available for cancellations submitted after 15 July 2026.

This refund policy applies to participant cancellations.

In the event of force majeure or event cancellation, decisions will be made in accordance with applicable agreements and regulations.

3.1 Who Must Attend Classification

Q: Who is required to attend classification during the Championships?

A: Classification is mandatory for:

• Players who do not yet hold an IBTA international visual class.
• Players whose visual class status is scheduled for review or re-classification.

Players who hold a valid and confirmed IBTA international visual class and are not scheduled for review are not required to attend.

If a player is required to attend classification and does not appear at the assigned time, the player will not be allowed to compete.

3.2 Players with Existing IBTA Classification

Q: What if I already have an IBTA international visual class?

A: If you hold a valid IBTA international visual class granted through the official IBTA classification process, you are not required to attend classification, unless your status is scheduled for review or re-classification.

If your classification status is under review, you must attend the assigned classification session.

Only IBTA-recognised international visual classes are accepted for participation.

A national visual class granted in your own country is not valid for this event. In such cases, international IBTA on-site classification is mandatory.

If you are unsure whether your international visual class is still valid or until what date it remains valid, please contact IBTA at medical@internationalblindtennis.org.

3.3 New Players – Initial Classification Procedure

Q: How does the IBTA initial classification process work for players without an international visual class?

A: The entire international classification process is conducted and managed by IBTA. The Championships organiser is not responsible for classification decisions or procedures.

Players who do not hold an IBTA international visual class must complete international classification before they are allowed to compete in the Championships.

The classification process consists of two stages:

First, submission of the Medical Documentation Form (MDF) online in accordance with IBTA requirements.
Second, in-person assessment during the on-site classification panel conducted by IBTA appointed classifiers.

The required Medical Documentation Form (MDF) must be submitted in advance in accordance with IBTA requirements. Incomplete or missing documentation may delay or prevent classification.

Classification is conducted by authorised IBTA classifiers and includes review of medical documentation and vision assessment according to IBTA standards, which are aligned with IBSA and IPC standards.

An international visual class is granted only after the full classification process has been completed. The visual class is assigned during the on-site classification panel before the Championships.

3.4 Required Medical Documentation (MDF)

Q: What is the Medical Documentation Form (MDF) process for IBTA classification?

A: This is the first stage of the international classification process.

Players who are required to attend international classification must complete the official IBTA Medical Documentation Form (MDF).

The MDF can be download here

The form must be completed in English by a licensed ophthalmologist optometrist. The doctor may be based in your own country or in another country.

The form contains specific requirements for vision testing, which must be completed in accordance with the instructions provided in the document.

It is strongly recommended to complete the form as soon as possible and send it for preliminary review to the official IBTA MDF email address: mdf@internationalblindtennis.org.

IBTA classifiers will review the submitted MDF and provide a response. The response will either confirm that the form has been correctly completed or indicate specific deficiencies that must be corrected.

After correcting the identified deficiencies, the form must be resubmitted for review. This process continues until the MDF is formally approved by IBTA.

Once the form is approved, it must be uploaded as part of the participant’s official registration for the Championships.

The original signed MDF must be brought to the second stage of classification – the on-site classification panel held before the Championships.

Incomplete, incorrect, or late documentation may delay or prevent classification. Participants must ensure that all documentation is finalised before the registration deadline of 15 May 2026.

Without an officially approved MDF, the player will not be permitted to proceed to the second stage of classification.

3.5 On-Site Classification Schedule and Location

Q: When and where will the IBTA on-site classification panel (second stage) take place?

A: This is the second stage of the international classification process and it takes place in person.

The IBTA on-site classification panel will be held on 23–24 August 2026, before the start of the competition matches.

Classification will be conducted either at SEB Arena in Vilnius or at an ophthalmology clinic located in Vilnius, as determined by IBTA. Classification logistics are planned by the organisers to comply with the IBTA’s equipment requirements.

Each player who is required to attend classification will receive an individual appointment time from the responsible IBTA officials after the close of entries.

All classification dates, locations, and individual appointment times are determined exclusively by IBTA. The Championships organiser does not set or modify classification schedules.

Players must attend classification at their assigned time. If a player does not complete this second stage, no international visual class will be granted and the player will not be permitted to compete in the Championships.

3.6 Re-Classification and Review Cases

Q: What happens if my IBTA visual class is marked for review or re-classification?

A: If your IBTA international visual class is marked for review, you must attend the on-site classification panel as scheduled by IBTA.

In this case, you must complete the full classification process, in the same way as a player who does not yet have an international visual class.

After the reassessment, your visual class may be confirmed or changed in accordance with IBTA rules.

All classification decisions are made exclusively by the IBTA classification panel. The Championships organiser has no authority over classification decisions.

3.7 Player Responsibility and Penalties for Classification Attendance

Q: What are the player responsibilities and penalties related to classification attendance?

A: Players are responsible for arriving at their assigned classification appointment on the specified date and time.

A penalty fee of EUR 200 shall be imposed on registered players who miss their classification appointment without prior notification to IBTA and the Organisers.

If a player arrives late for their classification appointment without prior notification to IBTA and the Organisers, a penalty fee of EUR 100 may be imposed by the Organisers.

Until these penalty fees are paid in full, the player shall not be permitted to participate in any future IBTA-sanctioned tournaments.

These penalty fees are payable to the Organisers and serve as compensation for losses incurred in connection with the preparation of classification facilities, equipment, and related logistical arrangements.

3.8 Classification Appeals Process

Q: Can I appeal an IBTA classification decision on-site?

A: Yes. Appeals (classification protests) are allowed and must follow the IBTA Classification Rules and Procedures.

The player and their support personnel will be informed of the result in writing, and will also be informed of their right to appeal. Players can protest their assigned classification immediately following their on-site classification.

Only IBTA handles classification appeals. The Championships organiser has no authority over appeals.

4.1 Registration Procedure

Q: How do I register for the IBTA World Blind Tennis Championships – Lithuania 2026?

A: All participants must complete and submit the official online registration form available on the official IBTA website within the published registration period.

IBTA is directly responsible for the operation of the registration form and for ensuring its accessibility for screen reader software.

If you notice any technical issues, errors or inaccuracies in the registration form, please inform IBTA by email lithuania2026@internationalblindtennis.org.

Incomplete or incorrectly completed forms may not be accepted.

Registration is confirmed only after the form is submitted correctly and full participation fees are paid on time.

Late registrations may not be accepted.

4.2 Registration Deadlines

Q: What is the official registration deadline for the Championships?

A: The official registration deadline is 15 May 2026.

All participants must submit the online registration form and complete full participation fee payment by this date.

Registrations or payments received after 15 May 2026 may not be accepted.

Players who are required to undergo classification must also submit a completed Medical Diagnostic Form (MDF) together with their registration form.

Classification and MDF requirements are explained in detail in the separate classification section of this FAQ.

4.3 Mandatory Insurance to Participate

Q: Is insurance required to participate in the Championships?

A: Yes. All participants must arrange their own valid travel and medical insurance for the duration of the Championships.

Coverage must include medical treatment, accidents, and other personal risks during travel and participation.

IBTA and the Championships organiser do not provide personal insurance for participants.

IBTA and the Organisers also strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance as part of the travel insurance. This may provide coverage if the Championships cannot take place due to unforeseen circumstances such as force majeure or similar events. We sincerely hope that the Championships will proceed as planned.

4.4 Data Protection and Privacy

Q: How is my personal data processed for the Championships?

A: IBTA collects and controls participants’ personal data in accordance with the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). As IBTA is currently registered in the United Kingdom, it processes personal data under UK data protection regulations.

IBTA transfers relevant personal data to the Organisers for logistics, competition organisation, accreditation, accommodation, and other purposes directly related to the Championships organisers. No medical records are shared with the event organisers.

The Organisers, as a legal entity registered in Lithuania, process this data in accordance with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR).

5.1 Travel to Vilnius

Q: How do I travel to Vilnius and from the airport to the Championships venue?

A: Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Vilnius, Lithuania.

The nearest airport is Vilnius International Airport (VNO). SEB Arena is the official event venue and is located approximately 15–30 minutes by car from the airport, depending on traffic conditions.

The Organisers will provide airport transfers from and to the airport. After confirming flight details, participants must contact the Organisers to coordinate transfer arrangements.

Participants must send their flight details as soon as tickets are purchased and no later than 31 July 2026 to: worldchampionships2026lithuania@blindsport.lt.

If there are any changes to flight times, participants must inform the Organisers immediately at the same email address.

Airport transfers are organised in shared intervals and are not individual taxi services. Participants may need to wait for the next scheduled transfer. Immediate departure upon arrival cannot be guaranteed.

If a participant does not wish to use the transfer service, they must inform the Organisers no later than 24 hours in advance to decline the service.

UBER and Bolt operate in Vilnius. It is recommended to have these applications installed on your phone. The approximate cost from the airport to SEB Arena is EUR 8–10, depending on time of day and peak traffic.

5.2 Official Hotel and Room Allocation

Q: Where will participants stay during the Championships?

A: The official event hotel is located within the SEB Arena complex, which is the official venue of the Championships.

Room allocation is organised by the Organisers based on registration details and availability.

Accommodation shall be provided in double rooms. However, triple rooms may be allocated if necessary due to operational or logistical circumstances. The Organisers reserve the right to allocate and group participants into rooms at their discretion, taking into account logistical and operational considerations.

5.3 Hotel Check-In and Check-Out Times

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at the official hotel?

A: Standard hotel check-in time is from 15:00.

Standard check-out time is until 12:00.

These times are subject to the hotel’s internal policies and may change. Confirmed participants will receive updated information before arrival if applicable.

Early check-in or late check-out cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to availability and additional charges.

5.4 Meals and Dietary Requirements

Q: What meals are provided and how can I indicate dietary requirements?

A: SEB Arena has a restaurant located within the venue complex. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served there for participants who select the full catering option. Participants who select the breakfast-only option may also use the restaurant independently according to their own needs.

Meals are provided according to the selected participation option.

Option A – EUR 170 per person per night includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Option B – EUR 140 per person per night includes breakfast only.

Special dietary meals are provided only to participants who select Option A (EUR 170). Participants who select Option B (EUR 140) are not entitled to special dietary arrangements from the Organisers.

Special dietary meals must be requested in advance through the registration form. As special catering must be reserved and organised ahead of the event, it is essential to declare dietary requirements during registration.

5.5 Accreditation and Check-In

Q: How does accreditation and check-in work at the Championships?

A: All participants must complete on-site accreditation upon arrival at SEB Arena.

Upon arrival at SEB Arena, participants must proceed to the official Championships information desk designated for accreditation and check-in.

Participants must present valid identification during check-in.

Accreditation is mandatory and provides access to official Championship areas, courts, and catering services according to the selected participation option.

5.6 Accessibility at Venue and Hotel

Q: Is the venue and hotel accessible for participants with visual impairment?

A: Yes. SEB Arena is the official event venue, and the official hotel and restaurant are located within the same complex.

All main Championships activities, accommodation, and catering services take place in one location. This structure minimises movement between different sites.

The venue and hotel are appropriate for hosting athletes with visual impairment.