World Boccia International Rules 2025-2028 - Detailed Notes

Document Overview
  • Title: World Boccia International Rules – 2025 - 2028
  • Version: 1.0
  • Date: January 18, 2024
  • Registered Address: 60 Charlotte Street, London W1 T2NU, United Kingdom
Document Control
  • Version Control: Changes made to the rules will be indicated. Check version number on title page for identification.
Scope and Application
  • Defines how Boccia should be played and applies to all tournaments sanctioned by World Boccia.
  • Competing in sanctioned tournaments requires adherence to:
    • Classification Rules
    • Anti-Doping Rules
    • Competition and Ranking Rules
  • Technical Guide may provide clarifications on rules as needed.
Spirit of the Game
  • Similar ethical standards and spirit as in tennis; spectators' involvement is encouraged but they must maintain silence during each player's throw.
Definitions (Section 1)
  • Classification: Designation of athletes according to World Boccia Classification Rules.
  • Division: Various levels of competition based on classification.
  • Side: Refers to athletes (1 for Individual, 2 for Pairs, 3 for Teams).
  • Various terminologies defined (e.g., Bola-Alvo, Bola Morta, Assistente Esportivo).
Types of Events (Section 2)
  1. Individual:
    • Eight events categorized by classification (BC1-BC4); each game consists of four (4) sections.
    • Athletes start with control of the Target Ball alternately.
  2. Pairs:
    • Must consist of one male and one female. Game consists of four sections.
    • Each athlete has three (3) colored balls.
  3. Team:
    • Comprised of three athletes; at least one must be male, one female, one BC1.
    • Each athlete has two (2) colored balls. Game consists of six (6) sections.
Tournament Setup (Section 3)
  • Court Requirements:
    • Dimensions: 12.5m x 6m; it must be flat and smooth.
    • Marking and measurements should follow specified standards.
  • Equipment Requirements:
    • Includes wheelchairs, ramps, timers. All equipment must be checked prior to tournaments.
Ball Specifications (Section 5)
  • Boccia Balls: Each set includes six red, six blue balls, and one white target ball.
  • Specifications include weight (275g ± 12g) and diameter (270mm ± 8mm).
  • Balls must be in good condition with visible manufacturer's logos.
Pre-Match Procedures (Section 6)
  • Warm-Up: 95 minutes before the match, providing 2 minutes of warm-up.
  • Call Room: All athletes must register and present their equipment for verification before entering the competition area.
Game Procedures (Section 10)
  • Time Limits: Prescribed time limits for throwing balls based on classification.
    • Example: BC1 players have 4:30 minutes per match.
  • Throwing Procedures: Discussion of throwing rules, including which side has priority based on ball proximity to the Target Ball.
Scoring (Section 10.16)
  • Points attributed per ball closest to the Target Ball (1 point for each ball closer than the opponent's closest).
Violations and Penalties (Section 16)
  • Various offenses lead to:
    • Retraction of a thrown ball
    • Awarding a penalty ball to the opponent.
  • Cards can be issued for infractions including yellow (warning) and red (disqualification).
Protests (Section 17)
  • Procedure for raising concerns about referee decisions during a match.
Communication Regulations (Section 15)
  • Restrictions on interaction during play; exceptions for immediate requests between players and their assistants.
  • Infractions can incur penalties relating to unauthorized communication.
Technical Timeouts (Sections 19-20)
  • Definitions and protocols for medical timeouts and equipment repair timeouts, along with duration and conditions for their use.