Bocce is a competition between two teams of two athletes who try to get their team’s ball the closest to the target ball, called the pallina. Bocce provides athletes of all abilities the opportunity to compete and be social.
Participants will be divisioned by Special Olympics South Dakota by the following divisions: 1 – Basic understanding of Bocce and the rules (throws from the same spot, simply aiming bocce ball to pallina), 2 – Intermediate understanding of Bocce and the rules (some advanced understanding but not consistent hitting, blocking), and 3 – Advanced understanding of Bocce and the rules (Pallina placement, hitting, blocking, angles, strategy, and most important “taking advantage of opponents’ weaknesses”)
This sport offers a Unified option. This gives individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities a chance to compete on the same team. This sport also offers a MATP option that is for any athlete who needs assistance picking up the ball, entering/exiting the court, or physical assistance to stand.
Coaches: registrations will be due to your Area Director on July 27th.
Sports certifications must be updated every three years. Please click here to verify which coaching level you are at and take the proper courses to recertify your coaching status.
Please reach out to coachesed@sosd.org with any questions at any time.
Coaching Forms
- Doubles: Two players per team
- MATP Doubles: Modified two players per team
- Unified Doubles: Two players per team
Competition Season
Bocce competition season takes place from July through September.
Special Olympics South Dakota Bocce Handbook
The International Federation of Bocce is Special Olympics Inc. and therefore the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Bocce shall govern all Special Olympics or competitions.