Match Rules

In it’s simplest form Boccia is an attack and defend game, two sides (one using the red balls and one using blue) compete over a set number of ends to score as many points as possible. Players can score points by placing their balls closer to the jack than any of the other teams balls. For example, if the red team had three balls closer to the jack than any of the blue teams balls, they would score three points.

1. All players must be seated during a game.
2. All games consist of a series of ends – Singles and pairs are four ends whereas team games are played over six ends.
3. An end consists of 13 balls being propelled onto the court, the jack ball, six red and six blue.
4. The colour balls played with is decided using a coin toss, the winning player/captain chooses to be red or blue, both have their tactical advantages.
5. Both sides must stay in their designated box from where they propel the balls.
6. In the first end, the red team always propel the jack first, followed by first coloured ball,
7. In pairs or a team match, each player takes it in turns to propel the jack onto the court, in a singles match both players will do this twice.
8. The player who has propelled the jack, then plays their first coloured ball.
9. It is then the turn of the opposite colour to see if they can get their ball closer to the jack than the last.
10. Following on from this it is the player/team which is furthest away from the jack then plays their shot; this continues until they get closer or run out of balls.
11. The end is complete when all balls from both sides have been played.
12. For every ball of the same colour that is closer to the jack than the opposing colour, a point is awarded to that team.
13. The points from each end are accumulated over the match to give a final score.

These rules are from the Boccia England website. To find out more, click here to visit the Boccia England website.