Boccia facts for kids
Boccia (pronounced BOT-cha) is a fun and strategic ball sport. It is played by people with physical disabilities, including those with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries. Players use special balls made of leather or soft plastic.
Boccia first became a Paralympic sport in 1984. Both men and women compete together in the same events. The sport was first created for wheelchair users with severe cerebral palsy. Over time, it grew to include other players with serious movement challenges. Now, it is also played by people with learning disabilities, milder movement issues, or visual impairments.
Contents
Player Categories in Boccia
In the Paralympics, players are grouped into four categories based on their level of disability. This helps make the competition fair. These categories are BC1, BC2, BC3, and BC4. Players can compete alone (one-on-one), in pairs, or in teams of three.
BC1 Players
Players in the BC1 category throw the ball using their hand or foot. They can have a helper during the game. This helper stands outside the playing area. The helper can help by steadying or adjusting the player's wheelchair. They can also give the ball to the player when asked.
BC2 Players
BC2 players throw the ball with their hand. Unlike BC1 players, they are not allowed to have any help while they are playing.
BC3 Players
Players in the BC3 category have very serious movement disabilities in both their hands and feet. They might find it hard or impossible to grasp or let go of a ball. They may be able to move their arms, but they do not have enough strength or control to throw a boccia ball onto the court.
Because of this, BC3 players use a special ramp to roll the ball onto the court instead of throwing it. They compete with a helper who moves the ramp and places the balls on it for the player. Helpers must keep their back to the court and cannot talk or look at the game while it is happening.
BC4 Players
BC4 players have serious movement disabilities in both their hands and feet. They also have poor control of their torso (the main part of their body). However, they have enough skill to throw the ball onto the court with their hand or foot.
Players who use their hand to throw are not allowed any help. Players who use their foot or feet to throw the ball can have a helper, just like BC1 players.
Who Manages Boccia?
The organization that controls international boccia is called BISFed. This stands for the Boccia International Sports Federation. BISFed creates the rules for the international game. They also help choose players for the Paralympic Games. BISFed runs many competitions for boccia players around the world.
The biggest competition is the World Championships. These championships happen every four years. They take place two years before and two years after the Paralympic Games.
See also
In Spanish: Bochas adaptadas para niños
