Boccia is played indoors on a flat, smooth surface by either individuals or teams. A boccia court can be laid out on virtually any gym floor surface.

Athletes are allowed to throw, kick, or use assistive devices (ramps and release devices with the help of aides) to direct leather balls as close as possible to the white target ball called the jack. Although aides may be present, athletes are responsible for directing the ball. Aides always have their backs to the court and are only present to physically assist with the movement of the device based on the athlete's direction. Each player throws six balls per round. A point is scored for each ball closer to the jack than the competitor's closest ball. Four rounds are played, with the cumulative points per round determining the winner of the match.

While competitive boccia is limited to Class I and Class 2, Boccia is a game that anyone can enjoy. As a recreational activity, it also can be inclusive, inviting people of all ages and levels of ability to enjoy the game.

Who Can Participate

Boccia is available to athletes with cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.

NCHPAD Resource:

• Bocce Factsheet - http://www.ncpad.org/4/4/Bocce