Boccia

About Boccia

Boccia is a precision ball sport requiring accuracy and strategy, played indoors on a hard-floor court, similar in size to a badminton court.

The aim of the game is to get closer to the white jack ball (the target) than your opponent. Once all six balls from each side have been thrown,
a point is awarded for every ball one side has closer to the jack than their opponent’s closest ball.

The sport can be played by individuals, pairs or as a team of three.

Athletes may throw, kick or use a ramp to propel the ball onto the court.

Who Can Play?

• Male and Female players
• Players of all ages
• Wheelchair and non-wheelchair users
• Boccia is suitable for people with a wide range of impairments that affect motor skill
• All events are mixed gender and the sport welcomes anyone to play.

Where Can I Play?

Competitions are held annually with three confirmed for 2026 so far.

Some competitions have eligibility requirements based on appearances in previous events. However, registration will be available
when a competition is available to all Boccia players.

You can see what Boccia events are coming by visiting our Events Calendar.

Boccia is also played in over 40 of our IWA centres nationwide.

Anyone with a physical disability is welcome to play Boccia in Ireland.

Boccia classification ranges from BC1 to BC6 and Open.

BC1– Players are able to use their hands or feet to consistently propel a ball into play.
BC1 players may have an aide on court to stabilise or adjust their playing chair and pass them their ball before each shot.

BC2 – Players are able to use their hands to consistently propel a ball into play and have greater functional ability than a BC1 player.
No assistance permitted.

BC3 – Players with severe locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs who are unable to throw or kick a ball into play and as such are permitted to use an assistive device such
as a ramp to propel the ball into play.
BC3 players are supported by an assistant (‘ramper’), who must keep their back to the court and their eyes averted from play.

BC4 – Players in this class have locomotor dysfunction of all four extremities as well as poor trunk control.
They can demonstrate sufficient dexterity to throw the ball onto the court. Players are not eligible for assistance.

BC5 – This class is for players with less impairment than a BC2 or BC4.
The impact of the impairment is on the throwing arm with fine motor skills and dexterity affected.
Players will have locomotor dysfunction affecting all four limbs.

* Please note that this classification is currently being trialled at international level and we await confirmation of its acceptance at international events.
** BC5 Classification is being introduced with the clear understanding that it is unlikely to be included in the Paralympic Games due to the restriction on the number of athletes who are permitted to participate in the Games.

BC6 – Boccia Ireland has introduced this classification for players who wish to compete at national level but who are not eligible under the BISFed classifications (BC1-BC5).
Players in this classification must have a permanent impairment affecting their upper limbs.

Open – As suggested by the title, this class is open to all Boccia Ireland members, regardless of disability or not.
This classification allows any member to challenge any other member to a match. Players from different classifications may play each other in this OPEN class.
This is more for fun competition and encourages family members, friends and supporters to get involved and try out the sport.