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Boccia scoring, rules and officials

Scoring

At the end of each round (both players taking six shots), the referee measures the closest ball to the target and awards a point to that player. If that player has additional balls closer to the target than their opponent they will receive an additional point for each ball.

  • The number of ends per match is based on the type of game.
  • An individual competition consists of four ends and six balls per player per end.
  • Doubles consists of four ends and six balls per pair per end (three per player).
  • Team competition consists of six ends, and six balls per team per end (two per player).

At the end of a game, if a score is level then one additional end is played to determine a winner.

Rules

Boccia is an attack and defend game, with two sides competing over a set number of ends. The aim is to score as many points as possible by placing their set of coloured balls closest to the white jack ball. These are taken from the rules as set out by Boccia England.

  • A ball can be propelled by rolling, throwing or kicking.
  • If a player is unable to throw or kick it, they can use a ramp (assistive device).
  • If they are unable to release the ball with their hands, players can use a head pointer.
  • All players must be seated during the game.
  • Singles and pair matches are four ends and team matches are six ends.
  • An end consists of all 13 balls being propelled onto court (the jack, 6 red and 6 blue).
  • Each side can have 1, 2 or 3 players (singles, pairs or team match).
  • Decided using a coin toss, the winning player/captain chooses to be red or blue.
  • Both sides must occupy a designated box on the court from where balls are propelled.
  • The red side always begins the first end by propelling the jack into court.
  • In a pair or team match, each player propels the jack onto court in turn.
  • In a singles match, both players will alternate twice.
  • The player who propels the jack ball also propels their team's first coloured ball.
  • A player from the opposite side then propels their first coloured ball.
  • The side not closest to the jack plays until they get closer, or run out of balls.
  • The end is complete when all balls from both sides have been propelled.
  • One point is awarded for every ball of the same colour, which is closest to the jack.

Officials

For every boccia competition, a referee is appointed. The referee is required to be present in the stadium throughout a tournament and to answer any questions regarding the interpretation of the rules.

During a game, a referee is appointed to monitor the game and use their judgement when applying the laws and regulations. In addition, linespersons are positioned to look for violations.

In addition to the referee, a boccia competition requires classifiers. The classifier's role is to assess players to determine which classification group players should compete in.