Do you ever wonder how competitions ensure a fair game of boccia for everyone? You are not alone. As someone who often watches the sport, I am curious about the equipment used by the players, specifically the balls. So, I researched the topic and made a fascinating discovery.
The BISFed Rules Committee regulates international bocce games. The organization requires balls to pass the standard roll test. It involves examining the legality of the balls using a testing kit.
This article covers the importance of a boccia roll test. I will also answer your questions about the ideal weight, size, and material for playing balls.
What Is The Boccia Roll Test?
The boccia roll test is part of the game rules. To be specific, it is under the pre-match ball check guidelines stipulated in the BISFed International Boccia Rules.
It is important because it is a way to confirm that each ball meets the criteria of a legal boccia ball. As such, it can guarantee that players are on a level playing field. That means that the athletes’ skills are the largest factor in deciding on the winner of the boccia game instead of the equipment used.
The boccia roll test involves using a testing kit. It includes a 290mm ramp supported by two aluminum bars that are 50mm apart from each other. A horizontal exit plate is located at the end of the ramp.
The referee must set the ramp at 25 degrees to the horizontal plate. They must use a digital accurate level to measure the correct ramp angle. If this device is not available, they can use a mobile phone application instead.
The athlete will hand over their boccia balls to the referee in the call room before the match. The same official takes each in their cupped hand. They will turn their cupped hand on the top of the ramp with their fingers down.
The referee will open their fingers to let the ball roll down the ramp under its own weight. A legal ball must travel along the length of the ramp and the horizontal exit plate, and then drop off at the end.
If the ball fails in the first attempt, the referee will drop the ball for a second and third try. The free hand should never touch the ball or the ball roll test device.
If the ball still does not roll down the ramp after three attempts, it is considered dead. Softer balls usually fail the test. The referee confiscates the ball from play and gives a yellow card to the athlete. This player can only toss balls that pass the roll test and other call room procedures. That can significantly reduce the chances of winning the competition.
What Is The Roll Test History?
Boccia has been around since 1984, allowing thousands of disabled individuals to participate in the Paralympic Games. However, the ball roll test has not been implemented until 2017. To understand why it was included in the game, let me teach you its history.
Previously, the Boccia International Sports Federation, or BISFed, did not require boccia balls to pass the roll test. As long as they meet the standard size and weight (which I will cover later), these balls can come from different manufacturers. But eventually, these balls become softer and softer, causing many athletes and coaches to question their legality. That is because these softer balls can give an unfair advantage to players.
BISFed wanted to ensure the fairness of the sport. The organization believed that the winner should be determined by the athletes’ skills rather than their equipment. So, in 2014, they called on a General Assembly to fix the problem. The members authorized Loughborough University (LU), a global trailblazer in sport research and technology, to develop a solution.
LU came up with a two-stage plan. The first one involves conducting an extensive study to understand the problem. The university consulted various BISFed Members, disabled athletes, coaches, and manufacturers to learn about their experiences and opinions.
In the second stage, LU sought out ten different manufacturers to provide their standard competition balls. The university eventually devised a test on how a boccia ball performs, leading to the development of the roll test.
BISFed included the ball roll test in the 2017 international boccia rules handbook. They prohibited the use of super soft balls. They also encouraged manufacturers to produce a whole new set of balls that meet the roll standard. However, they still allow balls of varying hardness and softness to promote innovation. Today, over 98% of balls from different manufacturers pass the test.
What Is The Ideal Ball Size and Weight for Boccia?
BISFed requires athletes to use boccia balls from a licensed manufacturer. The balls must contain the official manufacturer logo and the BISFed licensed logo. They must also meet the standard size and weight to ensure fair gameplay.
The boccia balls, including the jack ball, must have a spherical shape. Its circumference should be around 262 to 278mm, with 270mm as the official ball size. In diameter, that converts to an 83.4 to 88.4mm ball.
Competition balls must also weigh 275 grams (0.60 pounds). They can have a lighter weight at 263 grams (0.57 pounds) to suit boccia players with limited strength or gripping ability. These balls can also be slightly heavy at 287 grams (0.63 pounds) for athletes with greater strength and skills.
What Material Is Used for Boccia Ball?
Besides the size and weight, the material of the boccia ball is another important consideration.
Although leather is a popular choice, BISFed does not favor one material over another. The organization allows athletes and manufacturers to use leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, polyurethane fabric, or suede. Any outer material with low elongation and stretch characteristics can be used. That is because they offer highly consistent roll on the boccia court, whether it is a wooden gym floor or a carpeted surface.
However, BISFed requires a specific ball filling. Balls must have uniformly sized pellets, polyethylene beads, or natural inert materials.
The panels of the ball must also use the same material. They must be sewn together to create a spherical shape.
All materials should be non-conductive, non-magnetic, and non-metallic to be allowed in the Paralympic Sport.
Conclusion
Boccia balls are available in varying softness and hardness levels to suit unique playing styles. However, some manufacturers and athletes took advantage and used too soft balls, giving them an unfair advantage.
The Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) developed the ball roll test to prevent very soft balls from competing. The test uses a ramp and a horizontal exit plate where the boccia ball must successfully roll to be deemed legal. It ensures fair gameplay for everyone.
Do you have other questions about the ball roll test? Feel free to drop by our contact page to send your queries!
