We are on the lookout for future Paralympic boccia players - have you got what it takes? Download our eligibility guide and send us your details…
And we want more women and girls to play the game…
Are you eligible to play Boccia at an international level?
Like all para-sports played at international level, Boccia has a classification system where players are classified according to their impairment. The following 6 impairment groups are eligible to play Boccia in the classifications BC1-4:
1. IMPAIRED MUSCLE POWER: Muscle weakness as caused, for example, by spinal cord injuries, spina bifida or polio.
2. IMPAIRED PASSIVE RANGE OF MOVEMENT: Range of movement in one or more joints is reduced permanently, for example due to arthrogryposis.
3. LIMB DEFICIENCY: Total or partial absence of bones or joints as a consequence of trauma (e.g. car accident), illness (e.g. bone cancer) or congenital limb deficiency (e.g. dysmelia).
4. HYPERTONIA: Abnormal increase in muscle tension and a reduced ability of a muscle to stretch, due to a neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy, brain injury or multiple sclerosis.
5. ATAXIA: Lack of co-ordination of muscle movements due to a neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy, brain injury or multiple sclerosis.
6. ATHETOSIS: Generally characterised by unbalanced, involuntary movements and a difficulty in maintaining a symmetrical posture, due to a neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy, brain injury or multiple sclerosis.
If you answered YES to any of the above or think you might be eligible to compete in BC1-4 Classification of Boccia, please complete the below as we want to hear from you!
Please note: applicants may be contacted for additional information for clarity around eligibility decision making.
We will follow up with applicants directly to signpost to the correct stage of the UK Player Pathway to support applicants in achieving your potential in boccia.
We are looking for creative problem solvers with the determination and drive to achieve at the very highest levels.
If you would like to get involved and play Boccia, just get in touch with one of the following organisations to find your nearest club:
England – Boccia England
Northern Ireland – Disability Sport Northern Ireland
Scotland – Scottish Disability Sport
Wales – Disability Sport Wales
