Section 1 Boccia

What is Boccia? The name Boccia (pronounced Botcha) is derived from the Latin word for ball – Bottia Originally designed to be played by players with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with other severe disabilities It became a Paralympic sport in 1984 This games is played worldwide from participation to Paralympic level There are 4 International Boccia classes: BC1, BC2, BC3 & BC4

Boccia Basics Throwing game involving Red v Blue trying to get as close to the white jack ball as possible Can be played individually, pairs or teams of 3 Indoor game played with soft leather balls Everyone plays from a seated position Specifically designed for players with a disability but can be played by everyone

The Boccia Court

Section 2 Benefits of Boccia

Benefits of Boccia Boccia can be played by everyone and develops the following skills; Hand eye coordination Teamwork Colour recognition Numeracy

Benefits of Boccia Maintain and improve physical conditioning particularly for players with Muscular Dystrophy Developing life skills, confidence & independence Opportunity for international travel

Section 3 classification

International Classification The classification system ensures an even playing ground for athletes to compete against others with similar abilities There are four international boccia classifications; BC1, BC2, BC3 & BC4 Classifications are conducted by a panel of classifiers from BISFed at major championships

BC1 Players with Cerebral Palsy who are able to use their hands or feet to consistently propel a ball into play. BC1 athletes may have an aide on court to pass them their ball before each shot

BC2 Players with Cerebral Palsy who are able to use their hands to consistently propel a ball into play and have greater functional ability than a BC1 athlete

BC3 Players with Cerebral Palsy or other disability with locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs who are unable to throw or kick a ball into play. As such they are permitted to use an assistive device such as a ramp to propel the ball into play and are supported by an assistant (‘ramper’)

BC4 Players who do not have Cerebral Palsy but have another disability with locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs and have similar functional ability to BC2 athletes. Disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy and Tetraplegia will fall under this classification.

Other Classification Groups Players with a learning disability Players with other physical disabilities that do not meet international classification

Section 4 Delivery styles

Throwing The ball can be propelled onto court; Overarm Underarm Using a pendulum motion Like a dart

Kicking The ball can be kicked onto court by a BC1 player

Ramping The ball can be propelled down a ramp with the release being made with the hand, elbow or pointer

Competition Structure & Athlete Case Study Section 5 Competition Structure & Athlete Case Study

Scottish Championships Open only to players within the BC1, BC2, BC3 & BC4 classifications Held annually Qualification for British Championships

Scottish Open Championships Open to all players with a learning disability Open to players with a physical disability that do not meet the BC1 – BC4 criteria The largest competition on the calendar

Regional Development Championships Open to development players in the BC1, BC2, BC3 & BC4 classifications Players that represent Great Britain are not permitted to compete Introduces players to timing clocks, intricate rules etc

Boccia Case Study Patrick Wilson Identified at local Festival by Scottish Disability Sport Invited to attend East Regional Boccia Squad Won Bronze in his first National Championships SDS Academy Athlete Competed for GB at Brazilian School Games 2013 in São Paulo, where he won silver Won Silver in the BC3 Pairs at the BISFed World Championship, Beijing 2014 UK Sport World Class Talent

Practical Session

How to Get Involved Local opportunities, clubs and branches Scottish Disability Sport Regional Structure UKCC Level 1 & Level 2 Robust coaching pathway In line with other sports Boccia Refereeing