GO TO ATHELTICS RULES | GOALBALL RULES
The rules presented in this text relate to playing the game of Boccia.
The ethics and spirit of the Game are similar to those of tennis. Crowd participation is welcomed and encouraged. However, spectators, including Team members not in competition, are encouraged to remain quiet during the action of an athlete throwing the ball.
No flash photography is allowed. Video filming of matches is permitted. However, tripods and cameras may only be placed with approval from the referee, HR or LOC.
18. Clarification and Protest Procedure20
Appendix 1 – Officials gestures/ signs23
Appendix 2 – Boccia Court Layout28
1.1 To be eligible to compete in ISF – Inclusive Games athletes must be born between 2001-2005. Are eligible to play, wheelchair and stand up students. Are allowed: stand up students with special needs and one student without special needs.
A Team must play the match with three athletes and include at least one wheelchair athlete and both genders on court at all times. Each Team is allowed one Sport Assistant for each wheelchair player who must abide by the Sport Assistant Rules (ref.: 3.3). A Team may include up to two substitutes. Stand up players with special needs are allowed. One stand up player without special needs is allowed.
In the Team Division a match consists of six (6) Ends. Each athlete initiates one End with the control of the Jack passing in numerical order from throwing box 1 to 6. Athletes have two (2) coloured balls each. The Side throwing red balls will occupy throwing boxes 1, 3 and 5 and the Side throwing blue balls will occupy throwing boxes 2, 4 and 6.
2.1.1 When entering the Call Room each member of the Team (including substitutes) may bring into the Call Room 2 red balls, 2 blue balls together with 1 Jack per Team.
2.1.2 Balls used by substitutes, will be put in a designated area near the Scorekeeper.
2.2.1 In Team competition, each Side is led by a captain for each match. A letter “C”, clearly visible to the referee, must identify the captain to the referee. Each captain is responsible for providing the “C”. The captain will act as the executive of the Team and assume the following responsibilities:
2.2.2 Representing the Team at the coin toss and deciding whether to play red or blue balls.
2.2.3 Deciding which Team member should throw during the match, including any penalty balls.
2.2.4 Calling a technical or medical time out or a substitution. The coach may also call a technical or medical time out or a substitution.
2.2.5 Acknowledging the referee's decision in the process of scoring.
2.2.6 Consulting with the referee in the situation of a disrupted end or where there is a dispute.
2.2.7 Signing the score sheet or nominating someone to sign on their behalf. The person signing must sign his or her own name.
2.2.8 Submitting a protest. The coach or the Team Manager may also submit a protest.
Wheelchair students are allowed to have a Sport Assistant only if he/her needs. Wheelchair hands’ and foot players’ Sport Assistant should be positioned behind the throwing box and may enter the throwing box when directed by their athlete. Wheelchair students with ramp Sport Assistants must be positioned inside their athletes’ throwing box and may not look in to the playing area during the Ends. Sport Assistants perform tasks such as:
• Adjusting or stabilizing the athlete’schair – when asked by the athlete;
• Adjusting the athlete’sposition – when asked by the athlete;
• Rolling and /or passing a ball to the athlete – when asked by the athlete;
• Positioning the ramp – when asked by the athlete;
• Performing routine actions before or after the throw;
• Picking up the balls after each End – when invited by the referee.
The Sport Assistant is not allowed to have direct physical contact with the athlete during the act of throwing, helping the athlete by pushing or adjusting the wheelchair or the pointer. A wheelchair student with ramp Sport Assistant may not look into the playing area during the progress of an End (ref.: 14.5.2, 14.6.5).
One Coach per team is allowed to enter the Warm Up and the Call Room areas designated for each match (ref.:
6.2, 7.2). The coach is allowed to enter the field of play with their own Team on a designated area.
The Local Organizing Committee will check the balls and the equipment of all teams.
The Head Referee and/or their designate will conduct the checks at a time determined by the LOC.
Equipment and ball check must take place at the start of a competition. The Head Referee and/or their designate will conduct the checks at a time determined by the LOC. Balls that fail will be held until the end of the competition.
Athletes using communication devices must have these approved at Equipment Check.
Competition balls, which are balls provided by the LOC, must also be checked for each competition.
The surface should be flat and smooth (e.g. polished concrete, wooden, natural or synthetic rubber.) The surface should be clean. Nothing may be used to interfere with the playing surface (for example, powders of any kind).
The Court dimensions are 12.5m x 6m with the throwing area divided into six throwing boxes. All measurements of the boundary lines are measured to the inside of the relevant line. Lines dividing the throwing boxes and the cross are measured to a thin pencil line with the tape evenly spread over either side of that mark. The throwing line and the V line will be placed inside the non-valid area for Jack (ref.: Appendix 3 – Boccia Court Layout).
All court markings should be between 1.9cm & 7cm wide and must be easily discernible. Adhesive tape may be used to mark lines. Thick tape, 4cm – 7cm wide, will be used for: external boundary lines, throwing line, and the V line. Thin tape, 1.9 to 2.6cm wide, should be used for: internal lines, the lines dividing throwing boxes, the target box, and the cross. The inside dimension of the target box is 25cm x 25cm. Thin tape is to be placed on the outside of the 25cm square target box.
3.2 Scoreboard
The scoreboard is to be placed in a position where all athletes competing in the match can see it.
3.3 Timing Equipment
Wherever possible timing equipment should be electronic.
A boccia ball that is out of bounds must be placed in a dead ball container, or outside the boundary line about 1m from the playing area, so that all competitors can see how many balls have been played.
The indicator is a coloured paddle used by the referee to show which Side (red or blue) throws next. The referee uses the indicator and his or her fingers to show the score at end of each End and at the end of match.
Templates are used to measure the circumference of a boccia ball. Tape measures, callipers, feeler gauges, flashlight…are used by the referees to measure distances on court.
A set of Boccia balls consists of six red, six blue, and one white Jack. Boccia balls used in sanctioned competitions must meet the criteria laid down by the BISFed (ref.: 3.7.1, 3.7.2).
Each athlete or Side may use his or her own coloured balls. In Team and Pair Division each Side must use only one Jack.
Competition balls may only be used by athletes who do not bring their own balls to the Call Room, or by athletes whose balls do not meet the criteria in a random check.
3.7.1 Boccia ball criteria Weight: 275 g. +/- 12 g.
Circumference: 270 mm +/- 8mm
No trade markings are required on balls, provided that they meet the above criteria.
The balls must have a defined colour of red, blue and white, and they must be in good condition without any visible cut marks. No stickers are allowed on balls. The Head Referee and ultimately the LOC will make the final decision as to whether any particular balls may be used.
3.7.2.1 The weight of each ball will be tested using a weigh scale accurate to within 0.01g.
3.7.2.2 The circumference of the ball will be tested using a rigid template of thickness 7 – 7.5mm which contains two holes: one hole with a circumference of 262mm (the ‘small’ hole) and one with a circumference of 278mm (the ‘big’ hole.) The test procedure will be:
3.7.2.2.1 Each ball will be tested to check that it will not pass through the small hole under its own gravity by placing the ball gently on top of the small hole.
3.7.2.2.2 Each ball will be tested to check that it will pass through the big hole. Each ball will be placed gently on top of the big hole. The ball must pass through the big hole under its own weight (i.e. under gravity alone).
3.7.2.3 The Head Referee may perform additional random tests under rules 3.7.2.1 – 3.7.2.2 in the Call Room preceding any match.
3.7.2.4 Any ball which fails under rules 3.7.2.1 – 3.7.2.2 will be rejected and retained by the Head Referee until the end of the competition; such a ball may not be used during the competition.
Assistive Devices, such as ramps and pointers are used by whellchair students with ramp are subject to approval at the Equipment Check.
4.1 A ramp when laid on its side must fit into an area measuring 2.5m x 1m. Ramps, including any attachments, extensions and bases must be extended to the fullest position during the measurement.
4.2 A ramp may not contain any mechanical device that would aid propulsion; speed up or slow down the ball; or aid the orientation of the ramp (i.e. lasers, levels, brakes, sighting devices, scopes, etc.). Such mechanical devices are not permitted in the Call Room or on the Field of Play. A raised top used for sighting is not allowed. A fixed or temporary accessory attachment on the ramp may not be used for sighting/aiming/orienting the ramp. Once the athlete releases the ball, nothing should obstruct the ball in any way.
4.3 When throwing a ball, the ramp may not overhang the throwing line.
4.4 There is no restriction on the length of the head, mouth or arm pointer.
4.5 After the referee presents the Jack, and before throwing the Jack, the athlete throwing must clearly move their ramp at least 20 cm to the left and 20 cm to the right (ref.: 14.8.10).
For tie break ends, each athlete must swing their ramp 20cm to the left and 20 cm to the right prior to throwing their first ball, but after the referee indicates it is their turn (ref: 12.5). The ramp must also be swung 20cm each way before any penalty throws.
Athletes that have balls remaining to throw must reorient the ramp before making their throw by making the 20 cm swing when they or their teammate returns from the playing area. If the athlete has no balls remaining he/she does not need to make this swing (ref.: 14.8.11). It is not required to swing the ramp between the other throws.
4.6 An athlete may use more than one ramp and/or pointer during a match. All assistive devices must remain in the athlete's throwing box for the entire End. If the athlete wishes to use any items (bottles, coats, pins, flags…) or other equipment (pointer, ramp or ramp extension…) during an End, these items must be inside the athlete’sthrowing box at the beginning of that End. If an item is taken out of the athlete’sthrowing box during the End, the referee will judge according to rule 14.6.1, 14.6.4.
4.7 If a ramp breaks during the match, time must be stopped, and the athlete will be given a one ten (10) minute technical time out to repair that ramp. If there is one more wheelchair player with ramp, an athlete may share ramps with his/her teammate or/and the substitute. A replacement ramp may be substituted between Ends (the Head Referee must be notified of this).
5.1 Competition wheelchairs should be as standard as possible. Scooters may also be used. There is no restriction on seat height for wheelchair athletes with ramp, so long as they remain seated. For all other athletes the maximum seat height is 66cm from the ground to the lowest point of where the athlete's buttock is in contact with the seat cushion.
5.2 If a wheelchair breaks during the match, time must be stopped, and the athlete will be given a ten (10) minute technical time out for repairs. If the wheelchair cannot be repaired the athlete must carry on playing.
5.3 In case of dispute the Head Referee in conjunction with the LOC shall make a determination. Their decision is final.
6.1 Prior to the start of each match athletes may warm up in the designated Warm Up Area. The Warm Up Area is to be used exclusively by the competitors who will play before the time designated by the LOC for each scheduled match. Athletes, coaches and Sport Assistants may enter the Warm Up Area and proceed to their designated warm up court, within their scheduled time.
6.2 Athletes may be accompanied into the Warm Up Area by a maximum number of people as follows:
• Team: 1 coach, 1 Sport Assistant for each wheelchair student (when he/she need the Sport Assistant to play);
6.3 If it is necessary, one translator and one physiotherapist/massage therapist per country may enter the Warm Up Area. These individuals may not assist with coaching.
7.1 An official time clock will be situated at the entrance of the Call Room and will be clearly identified. If not possible it will be considered the official clock at the venue.
7.2 Athletes may be accompanied into the Call Room by a maximum number of people as follows:
• Team: 1 coach, 1 Sport Assistant for each wheelchair student (when he/she need the Sport Assistant to play);
7.3 Prior to entering the Call Room, each athlete and Sport Assistant must show their accreditation tag. Coaches must show their accreditation. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in entry being refused to the Call Room.
7.4 Registration is done at the Call Room desk, which is at the entrance to the Call Room. A Side that is not present in the Call Room on time forfeits the match.
7.4.1 All athletes must be registered between thirty (30) and fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled start time of any specific match.
7.4.2 Each Side must register together and must bring all of their equipment and balls with them. Each Side should bring to the Call Room only the items necessary to compete.
7.5 Once registered and inside the Call Room, athletes, coaches and Sports Assistants may not leave the Call Room. Should they do so, they will not gain readmittance and will take no further part in the match (rule 7.13 is an exception.) Any other exceptions will be considered by the Head Referee and/or the LOC.
7.6 All Sides must remain in the Call Room in their designated court area immediately after they have registered.
7.7 At the appointed time the Call Room doors will be closed and no other person or equipment or balls may enter or take part in the match (exceptions may be considered by the Head Referee and/or the LOC).
7.8 Referees will enter the Call Room to prepare for the match at the latest when the Call Room door closes.
7.9 Athletes may be asked to show their accreditation tag to the referee.
7.10 The examination of all equipment, checking balls, plus the coin toss should be conducted in the Call Room. Any equipment that fails a check cannot be used on court, unless that Side can immediately make a repair to make it legal.
7.11 Coin toss - the referee flips a coin and the winning Side chooses whether to play red or blue. A Side is permitted to examine an opposing Side’sBoccia balls, before or after the coin toss.
7.12 Competition balls may be used by athletes that do not bring their own balls to the Call Room, or by athletes whose balls do not meet the criteria in a random check.
7.13 If there is a schedule delay, while the Call Room is in operation, the Head Referee or the LOC can agree to a request to use the toilet under the following guidelines:
• the other Side of that match must be informed;
• a staff member must accompany that athlete;
• the athlete must return to the Call Room before the group is released for entrance into the Field Of Play; failure to return in time results in forfeit of the match if it leaves the athlete's Side with insufficient numbers.
7.14 Translators may only enter the Call Room if asked to do so by a referee. The translator must be present in the area outside the designated Call Room prior to the start of any match in order to be eligible to enter the Call Room.
8.1 Equipment is subject to random checks at any time during the competition at the sole discretion of the Head Referee.
8.2 Balls that fail the criteria in rule 3.7.1, 3.7.2, will be confiscated until the end of the competition. The athletes will be allowed to replace the ball/s with competition ball(s) at this time. After the match, these competition balls shall be returned to the referee. If an athlete brings too many balls into the Call Room, the extra balls will be confiscated until the end of the competition.
8.3 Where one or more balls fail a random check, the athlete will be issued with a yellow card under rule 14.9.3. If one athlete has more than one ball rejected at the same random check, the offence will incur only one yellow card.
8.4 If an athlete's balls or equipment fails the criteria on a second occasion on the random check, that athlete receives a 2nd yellow card and will be barred from the current match under rule 14.9.2 and 14.9.3.
8.5 When a ball(s) is rejected, that athlete can ask for the type of competition ball(s) they want (hard, medium or soft) if available. They will be given the appropriate balls but may not select the balls for themselves.
8.6 Athletes and coaches may watch the random check. If an item fails, the referee must call the Head Referee to repeat the evaluation. Random checks may occur in the Call Room and / or on the court during the match.
8.7 Athletes must identify each athlete’sequipment and balls in the Call Room so that if an item fails a random check, it can be correctly associated with the correct athlete. If it is not possible to determine who that athlete is, the yellow card is given to the captain. (ref.: 14.9.2)
Preparation for a match begins in the Call Room.
Once on court, the athletes will position themselves in their designated throwing boxes. The referee will indicate the start of a 2 minute warm up period during which each Side may throw up to seven balls, (including the Jack). Substitutes do not throw warm up balls at any time.
The warm up is finished when both Sides have thrown all 7 balls or after 2 minutes; whichever is the earlier.
When throwing any ball (Jack, red or blue), the athlete must have all their equipment, balls; and belongings inside their own throwing box. For wheelchair athletes with ramp this includes the Sport Assistant.
9.2.1 The Side playing red always initiates the first End.
9.2.2 The athlete may only throw the Jack after the referee indicates it is that Side’sturn.
9.2.3 The Jack must come to rest in the valid area for the Jack.
9.3.1 The Jack will be fouled if:
• when played, it comes to rest in the non-valid area for the Jack;
• it is thrown out of bounds;
• a violation is committed by the athlete throwing the Jack. The appropriate penalty in rule 14.1 - 14.11 will also be awarded.
9.3.2 If the Jack is fouled then the athlete who is due to throw the Jack on the following End will throw the Jack. If the Jack is fouled on the final End, the athlete who is in the box that threw the Jack on the first End will throw the Jack. The Jack throw will continue to advance in sequence until it is thrown into the valid area for the Jack on the court.
9.3.3 When the Jack is fouled, the following End will be started as if the foul had not occurred, and the Jack will be thrown by the athlete who was due to throw the Jack.
9.4.1 The athlete who throws the Jack also throws the first coloured ball (ref.: 14.8.9).
9.4.2 If the ball is thrown out of bounds, or is retracted following a violation, that Side will continue to throw until a ball lands in the playing area of the court or all their balls have been thrown. Any athlete, from the Side indicated to throw may throw the second (2nd) coloured ball into the playing area.
9.5.1 The opposing Side will then throw.
9 .5.2 If the ball is thrown out of bounds, or is retracted following a violation, that Side will continue to throw until a ball lands in the playing area or all their balls have been thrown. Any athlete may throw the second (2nd) coloured ball.
9.6.1 The Side to throw next will be the Side which does not have the closest ball to the Jack, unless they have thrown all their balls, in which case the other Side will throw next. This procedure will continue until both Sides have thrown all balls.
9.6.2 If an athlete decides not to throw any remaining balls, they may indicate to the referee that they do not wish to throw any more balls during that End, and the remaining balls will be declared Dead Ball(s). Balls Not Thrown (BNT) will be recorded on the score sheet.
9.7.1 After all balls have been thrown and there are no penalty balls, the referee will verbally announce the score and then, “End is finished.” (ref.: 10).
Wheelchair player with ramp Sport Assistants may turn to face the playing area at this time.
9.7.2 If there are penalty balls to be thrown, after acknowledging the End score with the captains, the playing area will be cleared by the referee (the lines person may assist). The Side awarded a penalty ball will select any one (1) of their coloured balls, which will be thrown at the target box at the cross. The Referee will verbally announce the tallied score (ref.: 10) and then, “End is finished.”.
Wheelchair players with ramp Sport Assistants may turn to face the playing area at this time. The total score from the End is recorded on the score sheet.
9.7.3 In the final End of a match, if all the balls have not been thrown and the winner is obvious, no penalty will be incurred if the Sport Assistant or coach cheers. This also applies for penalty throws.
9.7.4 Sport Assistants and coaches may enter the playing area only when directed by the referee (ref.: 14.9.7)
The referee will allow a maximum of one minute between Ends. The one-minute begins when the referee picks up the Jack from off the floor and announces, “One Minute.” Sport Assistants and/or officials, coaches will retrieve balls for the beginning of the next End.
After 45 seconds the referee will call “15 seconds!” At one minute, the referee will call “Time!”. All actions of the opposing Side must stop when the referee gives the Jack to the athlete who is to throw. The referee asks for “Jack!”. If the opposing Side is not ready, they will have to wait until the referee indicates their turn to throw, at which time they may complete their preparation.
Athletes must be in their throwing boxes; Sport Assistants and coaches must be in their designated area when the referee calls, “Time!” or receive a yellow card for delaying a match (ref.: 14.9.4).
9.9.1 When the ball is released, the athlete must have at least one buttock in contact with the seat of the wheelchair/scooter. For stand-up players they must have at least one foot in contact with floor.
9.9.2 If a ball is thrown and it bounces off the athlete who threw it, or off an opposing athlete or his/her equipment, it is still considered to be in play.
9.9.3 A ball, after being thrown, kicked, or exiting the bottom of a ramp, may roll out the side of the athlete’sthrowing box (either in the air or on the floor), and through an opposing Side’sthrowing box, before crossing the throwing line and going into the playing area.
9.9.4 If a ball in play rolls on its own, without being touched by anything, it will remain on the playing area in the new position.
9.10.1 Any ball will be considered out of bounds, if it touches or crosses the exterior boundary lines. If the ball is touching the line and supporting another ball, the ball on the line will be removed directly outwards perpendicular to the boundary line in one motion while keeping the ball in contact with the floor. If the ball that was supported falls and touches the line, that ball will also be out of bounds. Each ball will be dealt with according to 9.10.4 or 10.11.1.
9.10.2 A ball that touches or crosses the exterior boundary line and then re-enters the playing area is considered to be out of bounds.
9.10.3 A ball, which is thrown and fails to enter the court, except in the case of rule 9.14, will be considered out of bounds.
9.10.4 Any coloured ball that is thrown or knocked out of bounds becomes a Dead Ball and is placed in the appropriate area. The referee is the sole arbiter as to whether a ball is out of bounds.
9.11.1 If the Jack is knocked out of the playing area, or into the non-valid area for the Jack during the match, it is repositioned on the cross.
9.11.2 If this is not possible because a ball is already covering the cross, the Jack will be placed as close as possible in front of the cross with the ball centered between the side lines (‘in front of the cross’ refers to the area between the throwing line and the cross).
9.11.3 When the Jack has been placed on the cross the Side to throw next will be determined according to rule 9.6.1.
9.11.4 If there are no coloured balls on the playing area after the Jack has been replaced, the Side, which knocked the Jack out, will play.
When determining which Side is to throw next, if two or more scoring balls of different colours are equidistant from the Jack (even if the score is more than 1-1 for one of the Sides), it is the Side that threw last that must throw again. The Side to throw will then alternate until either the equidistant relationship is disturbed, or one Side has thrown all of its balls. Play will then continue as normal. If a newly thrown ball disturbs the equidistant relationship but remains to make a different but still equidistant relationship, that same colour must play again.
If a Side throws more than one ball when it is that Side's turn to throw, both balls will be retracted and become Dead Balls (ref.: 14.8.12).
If an athlete accidentally drops the ball, it is the athlete’sresponsibility to ask the referee for permission to replay that ball. The referee will determine whether the ball was dropped as a result of involuntary action, or whether by a deliberate attempt to throw the ball. There is no limit to the number of times a ball may be rethrown and the referee is the sole arbiter. In this case, time will not be stopped.
If due to an error of a referee the wrong Side throws, the ball(s) is returned to the throwing athlete. In this case time must be checked and amended as appropriate. If any balls have been disturbed the End should be treated as a disrupted End (ref.: 11, 14.2.4).
9.16.1 Each Side is allowed to make up to two athlete substitutions during a match, if they have two substitutes (ref.: 2.1).
9.16.2 A substitution may only take place between Ends and the referee must be informed of the substitutions. If the captain is being substituted out, another teammate must become captain. The substitute must occupy the throwing box of the athlete being removed.
9.16.3 The substitutions must not delay the playing of the match. Once an athlete has been removed from the match they may not be substituted back in.
Coaches and substitutes are to be positioned at the end of the court in an appropriately defined area.
The definition of this area will be determined by the LOC and will be dependent upon the overall court layout.
10.1 Scoring will take place by the Referee after both Sides have thrown all balls, including penalty balls where appropriate. Penalty ball points, if any, are added to the score and recorded.
10.2 The Side with the ball closest to the Jack will score one point for each ball closer to the Jack than the opponent’sclosest ball to the Jack.
10.3 If two or more balls of different colours are equidistant from the Jack and no other balls are closer, then each Side will receive one point per ball.
10.4 At the completion of each End the referee must be sure that the score is correct on the score sheet and the scoreboard. Captains are responsible for ensuring that the scores are recorded accurately. For each penalty throw, a coloured ball that stops within the target box will score one (1) point.
10.5 At the completion of the Ends, the points scored on each End are added together and the Side with the higher total score is declared the winner.
10.6 The referee may call captains forward if measuring has to take place, or the decision is close at the end of an End.
10.7 If the scores are equal after the regulation Ends have been played, including any penalty throws, a tie-break End is played. The points scored in a tie-break End will not count towards a Side’stally in that match; it will only determine the winner.
10.8 If a Side forfeits a match, then the opposing Side is awarded the match by the higher score of 6-0; or the greatest points difference in any match. The barred Side will score zero. If both Sides forfeit the match, the LOC and Head Referee will decide the appropriate action.
11.1 An End is disrupted when balls have been moved by contact from an athlete or the referee, or by a ball thrown during a violation that the referee fails to stop.
11.2 If an End is disrupted due to a referee's error or action, the referee in consultation with the linesperson, will return the disturbed balls to their previous position (the referee will always try to respect the previous score, even if the balls are not in their exact previous position). If the referee does not know the previous score, then the End must be restarted. The referee will be the final arbiter.
11.3 If an End is disrupted due to a Side's error or action, the referee will take action as described in rule 11.2, but may consult with the disadvantaged Side in order to avoid making any unfair decisions.
11.4 If a disrupted End is caused and penalty balls have been awarded, the penalty ball(s) will be played at the completion of the (replayed) End. If the athlete or Side that caused the disrupted End has previously been awarded penalty ball(s) in that End, they will not be able to play those penalty balls.
12.1 A tie-break constitutes an extra End.
12.2 Athletes will remain in their original throwing boxes.
12.3 After a maximum of one minute after the tie-break End has been called there shall be a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss decides which Side will throw the first coloured ball. The Jack of the Side that plays first will be used. During, or after the coin toss, the wheelchair student with ramp Sport Assistant may not look in to the playing area (ref.: 14.5.2).
12.4 The Jack is placed on the cross.
12.5 The tie-break is then played as a normal End. ALL wheelchair students with ramp (both red and blue), MUST swing their ramp after the referee signals their Side to throw, and prior to releasing their first ball (ref.: 5.5, 14.8.10 – retraction of the thrown ball).
12.6 If a situation detailed in rule 10.3 occurs and each Side receives equal points on the tie-break the scores are recorded and a second tie-break is played. This time the opposing Side will begin the tie-break. This procedure continues, with the first throw alternating between Sides, until there is a winner.
12.7 When it is necessary to play an additional tie-break End to decide the final position of the Sides, the athletes will meet in the Call Room and the referee will:
• Toss the coin to choose which Side plays red or blue;
• Toss the coin again to choose which Side starts the End;
• The Jack of the Side that plays first will be placed on the cross;
• This tie-break is then played as a normal End;
• If each Side receives equal points in the tie-break, the scores are recorded on the score sheet and a second tie-break is played. This time the opposing Side will begin the End with their Jack placed on the cross;
• This procedure continues, with the first throw alternating between Sides, until there is a winner.
13.1 A Side may not prepare their next shot, orient the wheelchair or the ramp, or roll the ball in the opposing Sides’ time (before the colour is shown, it is acceptable for an athlete to pick up a ball without throwing it; e.g. it is permitted for red to pick up their ball before the referee signals for blue to throw and to put the ball in their hand or lap; it is not permissible for red to pick up a ball after the referee has signalled for blue to throw.), ref.: 14.5.4.
13.2 Once the referee has indicated which Side is to throw, athletes from that Side are free to enter the playing area and any empty throwing box. Athletes are allowed to orient the ramp from their own or any empty throwing box. Athletes may not go into opponents’ throwing boxes while preparing their next shot or to orient a ramp.
13.3 Athletes may not go behind the throwing boxes to line up their shots or to talk to their teammates. The path behind the boxes may only be used by wheelchair students with ramp to enter the playing area.
Athletes breaking this movement on court rule will be told to stay in the proper area and begin setup again. Elapsed time is not restored.
13.4 If any athlete needs assistance to go onto the court, they may ask the referee or the linesperson to assist them.
13.5 If an athlete throws a ball and their teammate is still returning to their throwing box, the referee will give a 1 ball penalty plus retraction of the thrown ball (ref.: 14.6.7).The returning athlete (non-throwing) must have at least one wheel/foot inside his/her own throwing box when the teammate throws.
13.6 Routine actions before or after the throw are allowed without a specific request having to be made to the Sport Assistant.
In the case of a violation there can be one or more of several consequences:
• One ball penalty
• Retraction
• One ball penalty plus the retraction
• One ball penalty plus a yellow card
• Yellow Card
• Red Card (Disqualification)
An athlete and their own Sport Assistant are considered as a single unit – any yellow or red cards the Sport Assistant receives are awarded to the athlete as well.
A coach is considered a single unit, if a coach receives a yellow or red card, it does not transfer to the Side. If a coach is disqualified that is his/her own consequence.
14.1.1 A one ball penalty is the award of one extra ball to the opposing Side. This ball will be thrown after all the balls have been played in an End. The referee tabulates the score; all balls will be removed from the playing area and the Side awarded the penalty ball will select any one (1) of their coloured balls, which will be thrown at the target box at the cross. The referee will show the colour indicator and call “One minute!”. The athlete has 1 minute to throw the penalty ball. If this ball stops inside the 25cm target box without touching the outside line, the Side throwing the penalty ball is awarded one additional point. The referee will tally the score with the score from the End and it is recorded on the score sheet. In the case of a penalty ball, the clock will be reset to 1 minute after noting the current remaining time on the score sheet.
14.1.2 If more than one violation occurs during an End by one Side more than one penalty can be awarded. Each penalty ball is thrown separately. The thrown ball is removed and tabulated (if it is scoring) and the Side selects from all their six coloured balls to throw any subsequent penalty balls.
14.1.3 Violations committed by both Sides do not cancel each other out. Each Side will attempt to earn their point and will throw in order of penalty received. The first throw will be by the Side that received the 1st penalty ball, after which throws alternate for any other penalty balls.
14.1.4 If a violation that leads to the award of a penalty ball is committed while a penalty ball is being thrown, the referee will award a penalty ball to the opposing Side.
14.2.1 A retraction is the removal of a ball from the court. The retracted ball will be placed in the dead ball container, or designated area.
14.2.2 A retraction can only be given for a violation which occurs during the act of throwing.
14.2.3 If a violation is committed which leads to a retraction the referee will always try to stop the ball before it dislodges other balls.
14.2.4 If the referee fails to stop the ball before it dislodges other balls, the End will be deemed to be a disrupted End (ref.: 11.1-11.4).
14.3.1 When committing a violation listed in rule 14.9 a yellow card will be shown, and the referee will note the violation on the score sheet.
14.3.2 If an athlete, and/or his/her Sport Assistant, receive a 2nd yellow card, he/she is barred from the current match. The match may continue with the two remaining athletes. Any balls not thrown by the athlete receiving the 2nd yellow card will be placed in the dead ball designated area. In any subsequent Ends the Side will continue with four balls. If it is the captain that is barred, another team member will assume the role of captain. If a second athlete within a Team is barred, the Side will forfeit the match (ref.: 11.8).
For the 2nd yellow card and each subsequent yellow card that an individual receives, he/she will be barred from the remainder of the current match but is eligible to play any remaining matches in the competition.
14.4.1 When an athlete, coach or Sport Assistant is disqualified, a red card will be shown, and recorded on the score sheet. A red card always means an immediate disqualification from the competition for the individual receiving the red card (ref.: 14.11.4).
14.4.2 If an athlete and/or their own Sport Assistant in the Team is disqualified, the match will continue with the two remaining athletes. Any balls not thrown by the disqualified athlete will be placed in the dead ball designated area. In any subsequent Ends the Side will continue with four balls. If the captain is disqualified, another team member will assume the role. If a second athlete within a Team is disqualified, the Side will forfeit the match (ref.: 11.8).
14.4.3 A disqualified individual may be reinstated for future competitions at the same tournament at the discretion of the Head Referee and LOC.
14.5 The following actions will lead to the award of a one ball penalty (ref.: 14.1):
14.5.1 an athlete leaves the throwing box when their turn has not been indicated (ref.: 13.2).
14.5.2 a wheelchair student with ramp Sport Assistant turns to look in to the playing area to view play during an End (ref.: 2.3, 12.3).
14.5.3 if in the opinion of the referee there is inappropriate communication between athlete/s, their Sport Assistants and / or coaches (ref.: 15.1 --15.3).
14.5.4 the athlete and/or Sport Assistant prepares his/her next shot, orienting the wheelchair and/or the ramp or rolling the ball in the opposing Sides’ time (ref.: 13.1).
14.5.5 the Sport Assistant moves the wheelchair, or the ramp or the pointer or passes a ball to the athlete without the athlete asking (ref.: 2.3).
14.6 The following actions will lead to the award of a one ball penalty and the retraction of the thrown ball (ref.: 14.1 / 14.2):
14.6.1 throwing the Jack or a coloured ball when the Sport Assistant, the athlete or any of their equipment, balls or belongings is touching the court marking or a part of the court surface not deemed to be part of the athlete's throwing box. For wheelchair students with ramp and their Sport Assistant’s, this includes while the ball is still in the ramp (ref.: 9.2).
14.6.2 throwing the ball when the ramp is overhanging the throwing line (ref.: 4.3).
14.6.3 throwing the ball without having at least one buttock, in contact with the seat of the chair. For standup players they must have at least one foot in contact with floor. (ref.: 9. 9.1).
14.6.4 throwing the ball when the ball is touching a part of the court, which is outside the athlete's throwing box (ref.: 9.2).
14.6.5 throwing the ball when the wheelchair student with ramp Sport Assistant looks in to the playing area
(ref.: 2.3).
14.6.6 throwing the ball when the athlete’sseat height is higher than the maximum 66 cm for wheelchair students playing without ramp.
14.6.7 an athlete throwing a ball while a teammate is still returning to their throwing box (ref.: 13.5). If the non-throwing athlete has at least one wheel/foot touching inside their own throwing box, they are “in” their own throwing box.
14.6.8 preparing, and then throwing a ball when it is the opposing Side’sturn to throw (ref.: 14.5.4).
14.7 The following actions will lead to the award of a one ball penalty and a yellow card (ref.: 14.1, 14.3):
14.7.1 any deliberate interference with or distraction of another athlete in such a way that it affects their opponent’sconcentration or throwing action.
14.7.2 causing a disrupted End.
14.8 The following actions will lead to retraction of the ball (ref.: 14.2):
14.8.1 throwing a ball prior to the referee indicating which colour is to throw.
14.8.2 if a ball stops in a ramp after it has been released.
14.8.3 if a wheelchair student with ramp Sport Assistant stops the ball in the ramp for any reason.
14.8.4 if a wheelchair student with ramp is not the person that releases the ball. An athlete must have direct physical contact with the ball at its release. Direct physical contact includes using an assistive device attached directly to the athlete's head, mouth or arm (ref.: 4.4).
14.8.5 if the Sport Assistant is touching the athlete or pushing/pulling the wheelchair as a ball is thrown
(ref.: 2.3).
14.8.6 if a Sport Assistant and an athlete simultaneously release the ball.
14.8.7 if a coloured ball is thrown before the Jack.
14.8.8 if a Side has not released the ball when the time limit is reached (ref.: 16.5).
14.8.9 if the first coloured ball is not thrown by the athlete who threw the Jack (ref.: 9.4.1).
14.8.10 a wheelchair student with ramp not swinging the ramp at least 20 cm to the left and 20 cm to the right after the Jack has been presented and before throwing the Jack; or before throwing a penalty ball; or before the first throw of each athlete in a tie break (ref.: 4.5).
14.8.11 if a wheelchair student with ramp does not reorient the ramp by making the 20 cm swing when they or their teammate return from the playing area, prior to throwing their own ball (ref.: 4.5).
14.8.12 if any Side throws more than one ball at the same time (ref.: 9.13).
14.9 An athlete, Sport Assistant and/or coach who commits any of the following offences will receive a yellow card (ref.: 14.3):
14.9.1 An athlete bringing to the Warm Up Area, or into the Call Room, more than the allowed personnel (ref.:
6.2, 7.2). This will result in a yellow card for the captain.
14.9.2 A Team bringing to the Call Room more than the allowed number of balls (ref.: 2.1.1). The extra balls will be confiscated and held until the end of the competition.
The yellow card is given to the athlete who brings more than the allowed number of balls. If it is not possible to determine who that athlete is, the yellow card is given to the captain (ref.: 8.7).
“Extra balls” that have been confiscated, and are otherwise legal, may be reclaimed for the ensuring competition at the same tournament.
14.9.3 An athlete when their ball(s) fails to meet the criteria during a random check (ref.: 3.7.1, 3.7.2 and 8.2.).
14.9.4 Unreasonably causing a match to be delayed.
14.9.5 Not accepting a referee's decision and/or acting in a manner detrimental to the opposing Side or competition personnel.
14.9.6 Leaving the court area during the match without referee’spermission, even if it is between Ends or during a medical or technical time-out, that individual may not return to the match.
14.9.7 The Sport Assistant or coach enters the playing area without the referee´spermission (ref.: 9.7.4).
14.10 An athlete, Sport Assistant and/or coach who commits any of the following offences will receive a 2nd yellow card and is barred from the current match (ref.: 15.3):
14.10.1 Receiving a 2nd warning during the same competition (i.e. have previously been shown a yellow card for any offence listed under rule 14.9).
14.10.2 A second yellow card in the Warm Up Area or Call Room to the athlete and/or Sport Assistant during the same competition will lead to being barred from the current match.
A second yellow card to the coach prevents him/her from entering the field of play for that match.
14.10.3 A second yellow card on court during a match will lead to being barred from the match and could result in a forfeit (ref.: 10.8).
If it is the coach, she/he is forced to leave the field of play, but the team may continue.
14.11 An athlete, Sport Assistant and/or coach who commits any of the following offences will receive a red card and an immediate disqualification (ref.: 14.4):
14.11.1 Demonstrating unsporting behaviour such as, attempting to deceive a referee; or making unauthorized remarks on the field of play.
14.11.2 Violent conduct.
14.11.3 Using offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures.
14.11.4 A red card at any point will lead to an immediate disqualification from the competition. The results of prior matches during the competition will be forfeited. (ref.: 14.4.1).
15.1 There will be no communication between athlete, Sport Assistant, coach and substitutes during an End.
The exceptions are:
• when an athlete requests his/her Sport Assistant to carry out a specific action such as altering the position of the wheelchair, moving an assistive device, rolling the ball or passing the ball to the athlete. Some routine actions are allowed without a specific request to the Sport Assistant,
• coaches, Sport Assistants and substitute athletes may congratulate or offer encouragement to athletes on their Side after a shot and between Ends,
• communication between coaches, substitute athletes and substitute Sport Assistants but in a way that the athletes on court cannot hear them. If in the referee’sopinion the athletes on court can hear them, the referee will consider inappropriate communication and give one penalty ball (ref.: 14.5.3).
15.2 During the playing of an End athletes may only communicate with their teammates that are on court after the referee has indicated that it is their turn to throw. During an End, when neither Side has been indicated to play (eg: during a measure by a referee; a time clock malfunction…) athletes from both sides may converse quietly but must cease as soon as the opposing Side has been indicated to play.
15.3 An athlete may not instruct his/her teammate’s Sport Assistant. Each athlete may only communicate directly with his or her own Sport Assistant.
15.4 Between Ends, athletes may communicate between themselves, their Sport Assistant and their coach. This must cease once the referee is ready to begin the End. The referee will not delay the match to allow for lengthy discussion.
15.5 An athlete may ask another athlete or wheelchair student with ramp Sport Assistant to move if he/she is positioned in such a way as to be impinging upon the playing of a shot, but cannot ask them to go out of their throwing box.
15.6 Any athlete may speak to the referee in his or her own time.
15.7 After the referee determines which Side will throw, any athlete from that Side may ask for the score or for a measure. Requests about ball positioning (i.e. which opponent’sball is closer?) will not be answered. The athletes may come onto the playing area to make sure for themselves how the balls are positioned.
15.8 If translation is required on the court during a match, the Head Referee will have full authority to select an appropriate translator. The Head Referee will first attempt to use either a competition sport volunteer or another referee who is not currently involved in another match. If no suitable translator is available, the Head Referee may choose to select an individual who is a member of the athlete’s country.
15.9 Translators will not be seated on the field of play. No match will be delayed if a translator is not present when needed.
15.10 Any communication device, including a smartphone taken onto the field of play must be approved by the Head Referee or LOC. Any misuse will be inappropriate communication and warrant a one ball penalty.
Coaches are permitted to use tablets and smartphones to take notes. Athletes and Sport Assistants on court must not receive any communication from coaches or substitutes outside the boundary lines. Any infringement of this rule would constitute inappropriate communication and warrant a one ball penalty.
16.1 Each Side will have a time limit for the playing of each end and is monitored by a timekeeper. The times are:
• Teams: 6 minutes per Team per end
16.2 Throwing the Jack is counted as part of a Side's time allocation.
16.3 A Side's time shall start when the referee indicates to the timekeeper which Side should throw, including the Jack.
16.4 A Side's time will stop the moment the ball being thrown becomes stationary within the court boundaries or crosses the court boundaries.
16.5 If a Side has not released the ball when the time limit is reached, that ball and other remaining balls of that Side become invalid and shall be placed in the dead ball designated area. In the case of wheelchair students with ramp the ball has been released once it starts to roll down the ramp.
16.6 If a Side releases a ball after the time limit is reached then the referee will stop the ball and remove it from the court before it disturbs play. If the ball disturbs any other balls the End will be disrupted (ref.: 11).
16.7 The time limit for penalty balls is one minute for each violation (1 ball).
16.8 During each End the remaining time for both Sides will be displayed on the scoreboard. At the completion of each End the remaining time of both Sides will be noted on the score sheet.
16.9 During the playing of an End, if the time is incorrectly calculated, the referee will adjust the timing to compensate for the error.
16.10 During matters of dispute or confusion, the referee must stop the time clock. If it is necessary to stop during an End for translation, the time must be stopped. Whenever possible, the translator should not be from the same team/country as the athlete (ref.: 15.8).
16.11 The timekeeper shall announce, loud and clear, when the remaining time is “1 minute”, “30 seconds”,“10 seconds”; and “Time”, when the time is expired. During the “one minute” between Ends the timekeeper shall announce “15 seconds!” and “Time!”
17.1 If an athlete or Sport Assistant becomes ill during a match (it must be a serious situation) any athlete may ask for a medical time out if necessary. A match may be interrupted for a medical time out for ten (10) minutes during which the referee must stop the timing of the match. If is a wheelchair student with ramp, during the ten minute, medical time out, Sport Assistants may not look in to the playing area.
17.2 An athlete or Sport Assistant may only receive one (1) medical time out per match.
17.3 Any athlete or Sport Assistant who receives a medical time out must be seen on court as soon as possible by the medical doctor assigned to the venue. The doctor may be assisted with communication from the athlete or Sport Assistant, if necessary.
17.4 In Team, if an athlete is unable to continue, due to illness, the present End must be finished without that athlete’sremaining ball(s). If their teammates still have balls to throw, they may throw the balls within their allotted time. A substitute may only come into the match between Ends (ref.: 9.16.2).
17.6 If anathlete that was the next to throw the Jack becomes ill and is now unable to continue, and there are no substitutes, the Jack will be thrown by the person who is due to throw the Jack on the following End.
17.7 If an athlete cannot continue in subsequent matches (for a medical reason only) and there is no substitute, the Team may continue to compete with two (2) athletes who will only use four (4) balls.
17.8 If an athlete continues to ask for medical time outs in subsequent matches, the LOC in consultation with a medical doctor and a representative of that athlete’s country will determine if that athlete should be removed from the remainder of the competition.
18.1 During a match a Side may feel that the referee has overlooked an event or made an incorrect decision, which affects the result of the match. At that time, the captain of that Side may draw the referee's attention to this situation and seek clarification. The time must be stopped (ref.: 16.10).
18.2 During the match a captain may request a ruling from the Head Referee, whose decision is final.
18.2.1 Inaccordance with rules 18.1 and 18.2, during a match the athletes may draw the referee’sattention to a situation that they don't agree with and seek clarification. They must request a ruling from the Head Referee if they want to proceed to rule 18.3 (protest procedure).
18.3 At the end of each match competing Sides will be asked to sign the score sheet. Should a Side wish to protest a decision or action, or feels that the referee has not acted in accordance with the rules during that match they must not sign the score sheet.
18.4 The referee will note the time of match completion (after registering the result on the score sheet). Formal protests must be submitted within a 30-minute period from the conclusion of that match. If no written protest is received then the result stands.
18.5 A completed protest form (requested to the Head Referee or LOC) must be handed to the competition secretariat by the athlete, captain or Team Manager, accompanied by 75€ and written in English. This protest form should detail both the circumstances and the justification (quoting rule references), for making the protest. The Head Referee, or their designate, will convene a Protest Panel as quickly as possible.
This panel shall consist of:
• An appointed member of the Portuguese Federation of Disability Sports.
• An appointed member of the Local Organising Committee.
• An referee not involve in the match.
18.5.1 Once the Protest Panel is formed, they should consult with the referee involved with the match that is being protested, before making a final decision. The Protest Panel should meet in a private area. All discussion regarding a protest must remain confidential.
18.5.2 The decision of the Protest Panel will be made as soon as possible and presented in writing to the captain, or Team Manager, and to the other Side involved.
The decision is final.
18.6 If a protest decision requires that a match be replayed, it will be replayed from the beginning of the End where the situation that motivated the protest occurred.
LOC recognises that certain situations may arise that have not been covered within this manual. These situations will be dealt with at the time they arise in consultation with the LOC and/or Head Referee.
The following pages (Appendix 1 and 2) contain diagrams of gestures that will be used by referees, an explanation about protest procedures and a court diagram. The gestures have been developed in order to assist both referees and athletes to understand certain situations. Athletes cannot protest if a referee forgets to use a specific gesture.
1st ISF Inclusive Games, Portugal, 2019