Boccia

Boccia is a game that is played using balls like a "game of bowls." It can be played on a competitive, educational or recreational level.  Through the years it has been revamped so that it can be played by anyone that possesses a physical disability.  It is a game of concentration that you can play while you are sitting down.  This is why it is so popular for anyone with a severe disability.

How to Play

The object of the game is for you to get your colored balls closer to the target than your opponent.  You can play this game against another individual, with a partner or against another team.  Each side has 6 colored balls and is required to get those balls as close to the target as possible.

During the first play of the game, the white target ball is thrown onto the court.  Then you throw you r colored balls at the target.  Once all of the balls have been thrown by both sides, they are counted in terms of distance from the target.  Usually the referee uses a measuring device to determine the distances.  If your team‘s balls are the closest, you win.

Equipment Needed

You don't need a lot of heavy equipment to play this game.  You need 6 red balls, 6 blue balls and or course one white target or "jack" ball.  The court must be on a hard surface and is usually inside.  However, you would have to use special balls for use on an outside court.

Classification

Because of the nature of the game, it has different classifications of play.  These classifications are based upon impairment levels.  "BC" is the abbreviation for Boccia classification.  The classifications go from levels 1-8. BC1 is the most severe of the levels. Because of the different abilities of the players, some are allowed to use assistants, ramps and chutes during play.  These tools can help you to put the ball into play if you can't do it yourself. This is another reason that the sport is so popular for anyone that has a disability.

Play Action

Boccia is divided up into 4 year cycles with different events being played on a yearly basis. It is becoming a widely played game throughout the world.  Padraic Moran is the 2010 World Champion because he won the BC1 gold medal in Portugal.  His origin country is a known participant in the sport.  The Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland was created in 1978 and continues to grow.

As a matter of fact, other leagues are developing within Ireland.  The Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland National Intercounty Boccia league was just started 2 years ago.  It began with 8 teams and has grown to over 25 teams.  This is a great sign of continued growth.  Although the league is filled and isn't currently accepting applications, you can find plenty of information on its website.

However, because of its popularity, you can play it if you have or don't have a disability.  In fact it is known to be played by both genders, the young and the old and by people with all types of disabilities and abilities.  So, if you think you have the muscle control, the concentration and the "bowl balls", see ya on the Boccia court.

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