1. Section 1
Boccia

2. 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

3. 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

4. The Boccia Court

5. Section 2
Benefits of Boccia

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

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

8. Section 3
classification

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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’)

13. 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.

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

15. Section 4
Delivery styles

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

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

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

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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Practical Session

25. 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