Rules and Classification

What is it?

Boccia is a sport which is similar to games such as bowls and pétanque. The sport has been specially adapted for athletes with a disability. The aim of all these games is for athletes to get a number of balls as near as possible to a target ball.

Who can participate in Boccia at the Paralympic Games?

Boccia is open to athletes with cerebral palsy and other conditions that affect muscle control and movement. All athletes compete in a wheelchair.

Classifications

There are four classifications:
BC1: athletes with cerebral palsy who can project the ball with minor assistance.
BC2: athletes with cerebral palsy who do not need assistance.
BC3: athletes with severe cerebral palsy who need to use a ramp.
BC4: athletes who have a condition other than cerebral palsy.

How is it played?

• Athletes propel the ball towards a white target ball, known as the ‘jack’.
• The closest ball to the jack wins.
• Men and women compete together in team, pairs and individual events.
• Each match has a number of different stages called ‘ends’.
• Each player, pair or team gets six balls in each end.
• Individual and pairs matches have four ends.
• Team events have six ends.
• When each ‘end’ is finished, the athlete (or pair or team) whose ball is closest to the jack scores one point.
• The athlete also receives another point for every ball that is nearer to the jack than the opposition’s closest ball.