Boccia Canada Statement Regarding World Boccia Ball Licensing Rule & Domestic Competitions
Ottawa, ON (June 16, 2021) – In March 2021, World Boccia announced that anyone competing in international events will be required to use balls purchased from a licensed ball manufacturer as of January 2022.
Boccia Canada has confirmed that Canada will not require the use of licensed balls at domestic competitions.
This means that while athletes may choose to purchase licensed balls, they are not required for athletes to compete in Canada at domestic competitions.
All balls remain subject to the ball check protocols and rules, except in regards to licensing.
Boccia Canada continues to work towards ensuring anyone who would like to play our sport is able to do so, and strives to ensure Canadian competitions are as accessible as possible.
We will monitor the situation with ball licenses on an ongoing basis and may re-evaluate this position at some point in the future. If a change to this position is deemed necessary, Boccia Canada will consult with stakeholders, including athletes and provincial partners.
Athletes representing Canada at the international level will be required to meet World Boccia requirements, and Boccia Canada will continue to work with these athletes to make sure they are in compliance before the licensing requirements take full effect.
About Boccia Canada
Boccia Canada is the boccia delivery arm of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA), the National Sport Organization for the Paralympic sport of boccia. Boccia Canada is focused on providing athletes and individuals of all ages and skill with the chance to play a unique Paralympic sport. CCPSA collaborates with partners to increase the participation of Canadians with cerebral palsy and related disabilities in sport and physical activity, while leading, developing and growing boccia from grassroots, to producing World and Paralympic Champions.
About boccia
Boccia is a Paralympic sport of precision and strategy similar to lawn bowling or curling, played by athletes with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and related disabilities. It is one of only two Paralympic sports that do not have an Olympic counterpart. Athletes compete in one of six sport classes based on their level and type of disability: BC1, BC2, BC3 BC4, BC5, and Open.
Media Contact
Holly Janna
Communications and National Team Coordinator, Boccia Canada
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 613-748-1430 x3 | Cell: 514-944-5193