Eligibility/Classification

Anyone can play boccia!

However, athletes who are interested in attending competitions, need to go through a process called classification, in order to determine in which category they will play.

Through classification, athletes are observed by a group of knowledgeable individuals that include: an individual who understans the technical aspects of boccia, a physiotherapist and/or a doctor who understand how your muscles and body moves, along with understanding your medical condition. This team ensures athletes are grouped into similar categories to ensure an equitable playing field.

To start the process of classification, a potential player MUST have the Medical Diagnostic Form below completed by their doctor.

Medical Diagnosis Form (MDF)

If you're an athlete attending a national event and you require classification, please ensure that the medical diagnostic form here is completed and returned to [email protected] in order to get a spot on the classification schedule. This should be sent at least 6 weeks prior to the competition. This is the first step to classification, and you cannot proceed in the process until this is sent to Boccia Canada. If you are not classified, you will not be able to play at a National Competition.

National Boccia Classification Database (NBCD)

Once classified, all players are entered into the National Boccia Classification Database. You will find the National Boccia Classification Database here.

Classification Manual

Find the classification manual for boccia here. This is the set of rules that guide the classifiers to determine in which group you belong.

Boccia Classification Rules

Athletes are assessed on their functionality and sporting ability into one of six classifications listed below. The BC1-3 categories are for athletes with a coordination impairment. BC4 category is for athletes with a muscle power impairment.

BC1:

Severe impairment affecting all four limbs
Limited functional range of motion and coordination
May need power wheelchair for mobility
Has difficulty changing sitting position in chair
Has a hard time gripping and releasing the ball, but can throw consistently with hands or kick with feet

BC1 athletes may have an on-court assistant to help place the ball in their hand and position their chair.

BC2:

Severe impairment affecting all four limbs
May use a manual or power wheelchair for everyday mobility
Lacks stability, but may be able to walk short distances
Strong grip and release of ball

BC2 athletes are not eligible for an on-court assistant.

BC3:

Very severe impairment in all four limbs
May have arm movement but is unable to throw a boccia ball consistently with speed onto the playing area

BC3 athletes are able to have an on-court assistant as well as use an assistive device such as a ramp and a pointer.

BC4:

Locomotive dysfunction affecting all four limbs
May have poor trunk control and will need assistance to return upright
Weak or lack of control of upper and/or lower limbs as well as trunk
Poor range of movement
Poor grip and release of ball, but has enough strength to throw a ball consistently

BC4 athletes are not eligible for an on-court assistant.

BC5:

These are players with less impairment than a BC2 or BC4
For conditions of both cerebral and non-cerebral origin
Cerebral: Quadriplegic, Triplegic, Severe Hemiplegic.
Non-cerebral: impairment may result from lack of muscle strength, limitation in range of movement or limb shortening
May use either a manual or power wheelchair
May be able to walk with assistance or using a walking aid over short distances
Has a more active throw as a result of increased trunk control and/or upper limb muscle strength

BC5 athletes are not eligible for an on-court assistant.

Open

The Open classification is for athletes who have a disability but do not qualify for the BC1-5 classifications. Open athletes may compete in any competition that offers an open division but are not eligible for competitions outside of Canada.