Referees

Referees ensure that the game is officiated fairly, accurately, and in accordance with the Boccia International Sport Federation (BISFed) rules. BISFed rules are governed by the BISFed Rules Committee.  

The general pathway for becoming a referee is as follows: 

  1. Certified Trained Official 
  2. Trained Provincial Referee 
  3. Certified Provincial Referee 
  4. Certified National Referee 
  5. International Referee 

For more information or support in becoming a referee, please contact your provincial boccia partner or [email protected].

Referee Training Program

Boccia Canada provides training for those interested in becoming Provincial and National Referees. Through the Referee Training Program, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of boccia and learn how to perform necessary duties. 

  • Who can take the program? Participants must be at least sixteen years old, have some experience as a Minor Boccia Official (Timekeeper or Line Judge), and have been recommended by their Provincial Sport Organization (PSO).If you do not have experience as a Minor Official, please contact your PSO and indicate your interest in boccia and to find out their requirements. Once you have completed the requirements, you will be considered a Certified Minor Official and can then complete the Referee Training Program offered by Boccia Canada.
  • How long is the program? The course is 1.5 days.
  • How much does it cost? Registration Fees are set by the host, but usually range from $45-100.
  • What do I receive? All participants will receive the most recent edition of the BISFed Boccia Rules, a Referee Workbook, and the BISFed Procedures Manual. If successful, participants will also receive a Measuring Equipment Set, Referee Logbook, and an Official Boccia Canada Referee Shirt. 

Referee Training Program: Provincial

Provincial Referees are qualified to officiate at competitions up to the provincial level. Provincial Referees could also be invited to officiate at national competitions.  

After successful completion of the Referee Training Program, you will be considered a Trained Provincial Referee. To become a Certified Provincial Referee, you must also complete a written examination (achieving 70% or higher) and an on-court evaluation (achieving level 3 or higher for each criterion). 

To maintain certified status, provincial referees are expected to officiate 5 games per year, attend referee development workshops when offered and score 3 or above for each criterion on an on-court evaluation once every four years.  

Header: Referee Training Program: National

National Referees are qualified to officiate at competitions up to the national level. National Referees could also be invited to referee at international competitions hosted in Canada.  

To be a Certified National Referee, you must be evaluated in competition by a Boccia Canada Referee Learning Facilitator and achieve a minimum of level 4 or higher on each criterion. To request an on-court evaluation, please contact [email protected].  

To maintain certified status, national referees are expected to officiate 10 games per year, attend referee development workshops when offered and score 4 or above for each criterion on an on-court evaluation once every four years.  

International Referee

To become an International Referee, you must meet the pre-requisites established by the Boccia International Sport Federation (BISFed) and attend an International Referee Course. To learn more, please visit www.worldboccia.com.  

To maintain certified status international referees must meet maintenance criteria established by BISFed.  

Hosting a Boccia Referee Course

Any community, club, or provincial sport organization can host a Boccia Referee Course. To host a course, please contact [email protected], stating your name, location, and organization. Boccia Canada will set up the course logistics and arrange for a Learning Facilitator to visit. 

Costs: 

  • Learning Facilitator Fee: $500 
  • Learning Facilitator travel, meals, and accommodation (using CCPSA meal per diem rate) 
  • Facility rental costs (if applicable) 
  • Participant fee: $45 per referee