Boccia
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Boccia UK
Read more about BocciaIntroduction
The idea of the game is simple. One side has six red balls and the other six blue balls. The aim is to get your balls closer to the white target ball, the 'jack', than your opponent.
To start an end, one side will throw the jack. They will then throw their first ball trying to get it as close as possible. The other side then attempts to throw their ball closer. After that, the side whose ball is not closest to the jack throws the next ball. Once all balls have been played, points are awarded. The side that is closest to the jack receives a point for every ball they have nearer than their opponent’s closest ball.
Sport Details
The Rules
A match consists of a set number of ends, four in Individual and Pairs events and six in the Team game. Once all ends have been played the side with the highest score is the winner.
Boccia is played indoor on a court similar in size to badminton. Players are positioned at one end in throwing boxes and can throw the jack anywhere on court over the ‘V’ line.
The balls are made of leather and are filled with plastic granules so they do not bounce and are easy to grip.
Eligible Impairments: athetosis, ataxia, hypertonia, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of motion.
Description: boccia is for athletes with significant physical impairments that impact all four limbs and the trunk. Athletes will often use an electric wheelchair for mobility. There are four Sport Classes depending on the level of impairment, with each determining how the athlete propels the ball and if they are allowed an assistant on the field of play.
Sport Class structure:
- BC1: for athletes with significant impairment of all four limbs and the trunk. Athletes will propel the ball with the hand or the foot. Because of difficulty gripping the ball, they may be supported by an assistant to pass them the ball.
- BC2: for athletes with a lower level of impairment than BC1. They throw the ball with their hand but are not entitled to have an assistant.
- BC3: for athletes with the greatest level of impairment. They are unable to grasp and release the ball with their hand, so use a ramp to propel the ball, with the help of an assistant.
- BC4: for athletes with an impairment resulting in significant locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs, for example due to impaired muscle power. Athletes throw the ball with their hand and are not entitled to have an assistant.
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