London 2012’s official Games-time Volunteer Programme will launch this summer.

Volunteering at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for members of the Judo community.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will recruit volunteers from across the UK – from a range of communities and backgrounds. The selection process will be transparent, open and fair.

Should you be selected as a Games delivery volunteer, you will be at the heart of the Games, part of a 70,000-strong team, representing the UK and delivering services that are essential for a successful and inspirational event. You will have the opportunity to use and develop your skills and play a key role in one of the largest and most unforgettable events ever to be held in the UK.

Volunteer roles:

Up to 70,000 volunteers will be needed to help put on a truly spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be two kinds of Games delivery volunteer –specialist and generalist: 

• Specialist volunteers will have specific existing skills or qualifications that are needed for them to complete the role – for example, sport or medical training.

• Generalist volunteers will not need any special skills or qualifications and will receive all the necessary training. They might be given roles in areas such as spectator services, Olympic and Paralympic Village operations or uniform distribution.

Specialist Sport Volunteer (SSV) opportunities in Judo will be available in the following areas:

•  Administration

•  Athlete Services

•  International Federation Services

•  Technical Officials Services

•  Field of Play Operations

•  Equipment Installation and Maintenance

•  Training Venue Operations

Note that:

SSVs should not be confused with National Technical Officials (NTOs) who are loosely defined as those who apply the rules or have a role in judging a competition. Judo NTOs w ill deliver a variety of roles including timing and scoring.

NTO positions are LOCOG appointments and NTOs must hold an approved BJA qualification and meet a number of criteria and essential requirements to make them eligible to apply to be an NTO.

Those interested in a Judo NTO role are also encouraged to consider applying to be a SSV as the Volunteer process for London 2012 will commence prior to selection of NTO positions, and anyone who is subsequently selected as an NTO will be removed from the Volunteer process.

Who can volunteer?

LOCOG aims to recruit volunteers who will bring passion, enthusiasm and energy to the Games, and who meet the following key criteria:

•  Be available to volunteer for a minimum of 10 days at either, or both, of the Games.

•  Be eligible to volunteer in the UK according to UK immigration laws. In other words:

•  Have the right to live and work permanently in the UK; or

•  Hold a valid passport or identity card from any country in the European Economic Area; or

•  Be in the UK or coming to the UK to work in accordance with the UK Points Based System; or

•  Be in the UK for another reason with a permission to remain in the UK that allows you to work as a volunteer; or

•  Be providing specialist sports specific skills at the Games or have extensive previous Games experience and can meet the requirements for a sports visitor visa.

•  Be able to attend a minimum of three training sessions prior to the Games.

•  Agree to, and pass, certain security and background checks.

LOCOG have set a general entry point at 18 years old. In line with their vision to inspire young people, they are also looking at opportunities for those under 18.

In addition to LOCOG’s requirements, British Judo considers the following criteria to be necessary for a specialist sport volunteer role in Judo:

•  An understanding of judo

•  Experience of working at judo events.

Why volunteer?

•  The main benefit of volunteering is the chance to play an integral role in one of the most exciting events ever seen in the UK.

•  The Games will provide a unique and inspirational setting for volunteers to gain experience and develop their skills.

Note that:

•  London 2012 will provide volunteers with free meals during their shifts.

•  Each volunteer will be given an official uniform to wear and will have the opportunity to keep their uniform as a souvenir of their experience and contribution to the Games.

•  Volunteer travel arrangements are still being planned. Details of these will follow shortly.

•  Accommodation will not be provided.

Key Dates of the volunteer recruitment process
Summer 2010 - London 2012’s official Volunteer Programme launches. All applicants will be required to complete an application form.

November 2010 - LOCOG will commence inviting short-listed applicants to a selection event.

January 2011 - February 2012 - Selection events take place.

October 2011 - Offers will begin to be sent out to successful applicants.

December 2011 – Judo test event

February 2012 - Orientation training takes place.

March 2012 - Role-specific training begins.

April 2012 - Distribution of uniforms and accreditation passes commences.

June 2012 - Venue training begins.

How to apply:

Visit london2012.com for more information on the Games-time Volunteer Programme, and details of other ways to volunteer in your local community now.

Every applicant will be expected to go through the full LOCOG recruitment process, which will include completing an application form and attending selection and training events.

Please note: members who are interested in applying for any other specialist roles (such as within Medical Services or Press Operations) or generalist volunteer opportunities should also register their interest on london2012.com.