Court Resce Bocce League
Welcome to the Court Resce Bocce League. Your host is the Britton family. The court is located at 1412 E Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72756. Court dimensions are 66’ X 12’ with three identifiable lines: center line and one foul line 5’ feet from each backboard resulting in a 61’ playing surface. Court surface is artificial turf. Court balls are (2) red and (2) green 107 mm/920 gram throwing balls and a 57 mm target ball (Pallino). The court is lit for night time play. A measuring tape is provided.
Court Resce generally uses the Open Bocce Regulations Of the United States Bocce Federation with a few simplified house rules.
Balls
A set of 8 balls will be used for each match between two teams. Each team will use four balls of different colors and one contrasting colored ball called a Pallino or Jack. Teams may use the Court Resce set or play their own set; however, the opposing team must agree to play with the opposing team’s set or have their own set equal in size and weight; otherwise, the Court Resce set must be used.
Teams
During match play, teams will be comprised of four players. Each team will have a dedicated captain. Two players from each team will be permanently stationed at each end of the court. Captains will decide who plays on either side of the court.
The Match
Begin the match with the flip of a coin between the captains of each team. The winner of the coin flip wins the first toss of the pallino, chooses the color of the balls and designates the team players’ position on the court. The opposite team will then have the opportunity to designate team players’ position on the court.
Tossing the Pallino
A player may toss the pallino any distance, so long as the pallino passes the center line of the court (must not be touching the center line), and does not hit the backboard. If a player fails to toss the pallino properly, the opposing team will toss the pallino and put it into play. If the opposing team fails to properly toss the pallino, the pallino reverts to the original team.
Starting the Game
The first ball may be rolled by any member of the team who ORIGINALLY tossed the pallino. That team does not roll again until the opposing team has either rolled one if its bocce balls closer (IN BALL) to the pallino, or has thrown all of its balls. Whenever a team has the IN BALL, they step outside the court and let the other team roll. The other team throws until it has the IN BALL. This continues until both teams have used all of their bocce balls. At the end of each frame, the game resumes at the opposite end of the court. The team who scored LAST throws the pallino to begin the next frame. The order of the throws by teammates shall be at the option of the players but they may only throw 2 balls each. Players may use the side walls at any time. If a player rolls the wrong color ball, simply replace it with the correct color when it comes to rest. If a player rolls out of turn or plays more than two balls, the other team may leave all balls as is or remove the illegal ball from play and return all balls to their approximate position. If unable to determine/agree to their approximate position the frame will end and the match continues at the opposite end. The non-offending team will throw the pallino to begin the next frame.
Foul Lines
Players may step on but not over the foul line before releasing the pallino or their ball. 1st offense will result in a warning by the referee. Subsequent offenses gives the opponent the option to allow all balls to remain as is or remove the illegal ball from play and return all balls to their approximate position. If unable to determine/agree to their approximate position, the frame will end and the match continues at the opposite end. The non-offending team will throw the pallino to begin the next frame.
Scoring
Only one team scores in a frame. One point is given for each ball that is closer to the pallino than the closest ball of the opposing team. If at the end of any frame the closest ball of each team is equidistant from the pallino, no points are awarded to either team and the game resumes from the opposite end of the court with the same team tossing the pallino. Games are played to 12 points.
Balls Hitting the Backboard
A ball hitting the backboard is a “dead ball” & must be removed from play unless it first hits another ball (this includes hitting the pallino). If a thrown ball does not first touch another ball and hits the back board and then strikes a stationary ball, that stationary ball shall be replaced to its approximate position and the thrown ball is removed from play.
Pallino Hitting the Backboard
Once the pallino is in play, it remains in play even if it hits the backboard during the game. However, if the pallino is knocked out of the court, or is knocked in front of the center line, the frame will end and play will resume from the opposite end of the court, with the same team tossing the pallino.
Shooting Volo
Volo shooting is lofting the ball in the air beyond the center of the court mostly in an attempt to hit another ball. Volo shooting is not permitted for safety considerations.
Measuring and Disputes
Members may ask the referee at any time which colored ball is the IN BALL; however, any player may request a measurement. ONLY the team captains will conduct the measurement and if in doubt, the dispute will be resolved by the match referee. Preferred method of measuring is to use a measuring tape measuring center to center from the top of the balls. A useful technique is to twist the balls slightly prior to measuring to minimize movement. In the event of a tie, the last team to roll will roll again. An end of frame tie results in no points awarded to either team. The match resumes at the opposite end with the winning team from the previous frame tossing the pallino. In the event balls are moved during a measurement, the balls are returned to their approximate position. If unable to determine/agree to their approximate position the frame will end and the match continues at the opposite end. The non-offending team will throw the pallino to begin the next frame. ALL decisions of the referee are final.
Late Arrivals, Substitutions and Delays
A team not showing within 20 minutes of the scheduled start time will forfeit the game. A team missing players at the start of the game may delay up to 10 minutes but then must start the game or choose to forfeit; however, each player may only roll two balls. A player arriving late may enter a match, but only after the completion of the frame. A team may make one substitution per match. Substitutions may only be made between frames. Substitutes do not have to be “official” team members. Repeated conferences, distractions, and generally not paying attention during a frame causing delays in the match are discouraged. Team captains may ask the referee to impose the one minute warning rule. Once the rule is in effect any violations will result in the “burned ball” rule removing one of the offending teams closest ball to the pallino from the court.
Game Notes
– All balls shall be thrown underhand.
– Any time a player is rolling, all same side opposing players and all opposite court players must remain outside the court.
– Coaching is encouraged among teammates on the same side of the court. Coaching by teammates opposite court is not permitted. 1st offense will result in a warning by the referee. Subsequent offenses will result in a “dead ball” by the offending member’s next throw. The only time cross court coaching is permitted is to warn a teammate he/she is about to throw out of turn.
– Court etiquette is to remain quiet on the throwing side of the court. Harassing, teasing and yelling at opponents about to throw is not permitted. 1st offense will result in a warning by the referee. Subsequent offenses will result in a “dead ball” by the offending members next throw.
– Players should never touch or move any ball or pallino until after the team captains agree on the points. If a player (including the captains) moves a ball prior to this agreement, the offending team will lose one point.
– After a match, please softly shove the balls across court to the opposite side. Kicking the ball hard colliding with each other can cause injury to others and/or damage the balls.
– As the Hosts, we encourage any recommendations to these guidelines to make our league more enjoyable for everyone. Please provide any feedback to us to improve our game!!