Bocce Officials Instructional Video: Unified Champion Schools

TL;DR

This video provides guidelines for officiating Unified Bocce games.

Transcript

welcome to the unified Champion schools unified Bocce training video we hope this offers you helpful guidance when officiating unified Bocce this season if you have any other questions following this video please contact your Regional UCS staff member thank you for being willing to officiate unified Bashi each Court should have two officials the he... Read More

Key Insights

• Unified Bocce games require two officials: a head official and a line official. The head official must be an adult, while the line official can be a student not on the team.
• Officials must wear a white polo or t-shirt, black pants, and sneakers. Essential equipment includes a coin, a green and red paddle, and a 25-meter measuring tape.
• The game is played with indoor bocce balls, including a small yellow ball called a Polina, and sets of green and red bocce balls.
• Coaches must remain within the designated coaching area and can only provide positive affirmations during the game. Instructing players during play can result in penalties.
• The Polina must be rolled underhanded and delivered from within the service area. It must land in the play area, and players have multiple attempts to achieve this.
• Officials are responsible for determining which bocce ball is closest to the Polina, using a measuring tape if necessary. Only one team receives points per frame.
• Each team is allowed one 60-second timeout per match, during which players and coaches can communicate. The team calling the timeout must have possession of the ball.
• Games continue until one team reaches 16 points or the 30-minute time limit is reached. Deliberate delays by a leading team can result in penalties.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the attire requirements for Bocce officials?

Bocce officials are required to wear a white polo shirt or white t-shirt provided by Special Olympics, along with black pants and sneakers. This dress code ensures a professional and uniform appearance among officials, making them easily identifiable on the court. The attire is designed to be comfortable and practical for officiating duties.

Q: How is a Polina properly rolled in Bocce?

The Polina must be rolled underhanded and delivered from below the waist within the designated 12 by 10-foot service area. The player rolling the Polina is the only one allowed in the service box during their turn. The Polina must land in the play area, and players have three attempts to achieve this successfully.

Q: What happens if a player steps over the line while rolling a bocce ball?

If a player steps over the line while delivering a bocce ball, it is considered a foot fault, and the ball is declared dead. The line official is responsible for identifying such faults and, if possible, stopping the ball before it affects other balls in play. The dead ball is removed from the court for the duration of that frame.

Q: How are points awarded in a Bocce game?

Points are awarded to the team with the bocce ball closest to the Polina at the end of a frame. The team receives one point for each ball closer to the Polina than their opponent's nearest ball. Only one team can score points in each frame, and ties result in a null frame with no points awarded.

Q: What is the role of the line official during a Bocce game?

The line official remains outside the court at the service line and is responsible for watching for foot faults and illegal rolls. They ensure players roll in the correct order and with the correct color ball. The line official may also assist in measuring distances when determining which ball is closest to the Polina.

Q: What are the timeout rules in Bocce?

Each team is allowed one 60-second timeout during the match. The timeout must be called by the head coach, and the team calling it must have possession of the ball. During the timeout, players and the head coach from both teams can communicate, but the coach must go to the players.

Q: How is a delay of game handled in Bocce?

If a team appears to slow down or delay the game to maintain their lead, the official will first warn the head coach. If the delay occurs a second time, the offending team will forfeit the frame, and the opposing team will receive four points. This rule ensures fair play and maintains the pace of the game.

Q: What accommodations are made for players with disabilities in Bocce?

Players with disabilities may use ramps or other assistance devices with approval. Ramps must be placed on the center of the 20-foot line, and verbal cues can be provided for visually impaired players. These accommodations ensure an inclusive playing environment, allowing all participants to engage in Bocce games effectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• This instructional video provides detailed guidelines for officiating Unified Bocce games, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of both head and line officials. It covers the necessary attire, equipment, and court setup, ensuring officials are well-prepared to manage the game effectively.

• The video outlines the rules of play, including how the Polina and bocce balls must be rolled, the conditions for scoring, and the use of timeouts. It stresses the importance of fair play and adherence to the rules to maintain the integrity of the game.

• Special considerations are given to players with disabilities, allowing for the use of ramps and verbal cues. Officials are trained to ensure these accommodations are used correctly, promoting an inclusive environment for all participants in Unified Bocce games.