Cerebral Palsy International Sports & Recreation Association (CP-ISRA) governs the world game.
CP Sport Boccia covers England and Wales.
Scottish Disability Sport covers Scotland.
WheelPower has a section on boccia.
British Blind Sport has a section on boccia.
See also the English Federation of Disability Sport.
Want to play competitive sport but have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or a similar motor skill disability?
Boccia (pronounced ‘Botcha’) is a sport for athletes with a disability. It is an ancient ball tossing game a bit like bowls or boules. Played by the ancient Greeks, boccia was rediscovered by Italians five hundred years ago and became a Paralympic sport in 1992. There are two modified versions of boccia that are commonly played: Precision boccia and Special Olympic Boccia.
The aim is to throw leather balls as close as possible to a small white coloured ‘jack’. The rules are simple, but playing well takes focus, control and accuracy. Men and women compete singly, in pairs or in teams of three. Helpers are allowed.
Boccia can be played all year round. Boccia is played sociably, at club, region or right up to Paralympic Games level. There is a National Boccia League with clubs all over the country, and probably one close to you. For a non-contact sport, boccia can get very competitive!
take part? small group | with family | in a team
where? inside | outside
energy/fitness level? relaxed
sociability? can talk some of the time
disability access*? on equal terms
can be played? competitively | as friends
contact sport? non-contact
try it cost? low
play it cost? low
Going to give boccia a go? Good idea! Check out the Boccia Associations (in the right side-box) for contacts and courses. See also the getting started page.
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* Individual circumstances vary hugely, and this affects participation in any sport. This guide is necessarily general in nature and may not suit your situation.