Bocce

Bocce, or as some call it lawn bowling, is a cross between bowling and croquet. It is played on a court of either grass, packed sand or artificial turf by Individuals, Traditional Doubles Teams (two Special Olympics Athletes) Unified Doubles Teams (one Special Olympics Athlete and one Non-Special Olympics Athlete), 4 Person Traditional teams (four Special Olympics Athletes) or 4 Person Unified Teams (two Special Olympics Athletes and two Non-Special Olympics Athletes.)

Coordinator:

Jackie Miller – chitchat1955@gmail.com

Training Times & Locations:

Advanced/Competing Athletes

Saturdays, 10:00am-12:30pm, Cedar Lane Park

Skills/Non-Competing Athletes

Saturdays, 10:00am-11:30am, Cedar Lane Park

Practice Overview:

Advanced/Competing Athletes: These are athletes that have the skills and understanding of bocce to compete. In order to compete, you must understand the game and be able to play without assistance from coaches. (Coaching is not allowed during competitions.) These athletes will compete in Summer Games which is held each year at Towson University.
Skills/Non-Competing Athletes: These are the athletes that do not want to compete or do not have the skill level or understanding of the game to compete, but want to learn it or just have fun playing.

Requirements:

  • Athletes at all ability levels are welcome.
  • Participation in competition is optional.
  • Athletes new to Bocce who want to compete must be evaluated to determine if they have the skills and understanding to play independently.

Equipment:

  • Equipment provided by Special Olympics.
  • All athletes must wear closed-toed shoes.

Uniforms:

  • Shirts are provided for athletes who participate in competition.
  • Athletes participating in competition must provide their own khaki shorts or pants.

Competition:

  • Competing athletes must attend two qualifiers. (Schedule is determined once the season starts.)
  • State games is a two-day event held in June at Towson University

Volunteer Roles:

  • Volunteers are needed to assist athletes at practices.
  • Unified partners can compete with athletes in bocce doubles at qualifiers and Summer Games.