How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Bocce?

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Bocce is a beloved game regardless of age, gender, race, and athletic ability. As the game gains more fans and players, you might want to make sure how old you have to be to play bocce.

Bocce is a flexible game not only when it comes to playing rules but also in its players. Anyone, regardless of age, can play free-play bocce as long as they are able to hold and toss a ball. Officially sanctioned games and leagues have stricter age requirements for players. What this is would vary depending on the game officials.

Even if anyone can play bocce, you should still prioritize safety and caution when playing. And for leagues and official games, it would be best to consult with the game officials.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Bocce?

Bocce is a universally loved game. The game has centuries of history and has been enjoying a surge in popularity over the last couple of years.

It has amassed millions of fans and players who are more than ready to learn more about the game, including its long history, the basic gameplay, and how old one has to be to be eligible to play the game.

One of the things most people love about the game is its flexibility. While there are official and standard rules, it’s also a very adaptable game. As long as you have a flat surface to play on and a bocce ball set to play with, you can have a game started and going.

The game’s flexibility and adaptability don’t end with how the game is played. It also extends to how old a player has to be to be able to participate in a game.

Free play bocce games

Free-play bocce games offer the most flexibility in this sense. Everyone can play in unofficial and casual games, no matter the player’s age.

As long as the player is able to hold and toss the ball, bocce can be played by anyone of any age, whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned player.

Bocce is also known as a social game in parties and gatherings where you can have guests ranging from kids to adults. Playing the game gives all these age groups a chance to socialize together.

Leagues and official competitions

Leagues and official competitions have stricter guidelines on how old players must be to participate.

There’s not one definite answer to this question. Ultimately, it boils down to the specific league or competition you’re trying to join.

Some leagues or competitions require players to be 18 or above. Some take it higher to 21 or older to be able to participate. There are also leagues that allow players as young as 14 years old to participate, as long as they are supervised by an adult.

Again, age restrictions to play bocce ball and participate in leagues and official games would vary greatly so checking in with your local bocce league is your best bet.

Additionally, bocce is part of the Special Olympics and is often a participating game in the Senior Games so it’s safe to say it’s a very welcoming sport regardless of race, gender, age, and athletic abilities in general.

Playing With Bocce Balls: Basic Game Rules

Before we go, we think it would be good to review bocce’s basic game rules, just to prepare you for your next game:

Beginning the game

The game begins by dividing the players into two teams with equal players. Teams can have one to four players each.

To begin the game, a coin toss decides which of the two teams throws the pallino and the first bocce ball into play.

Gameplay

The goal of the game is simple: get your team’s bocce ball closer to the pallino than the opposing team’s closest ball.

Players are allowed to toss or roll their balls into play or hit and displace the other team’s balls or even the pallino to turn the game around.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro player, you can use various throwing techniques like punto, raffa, and volo.

Free-play games can be more relaxed than officially sanctioned games when it comes to gameplay rules.

You can read more about official throwing rules in our previous guide here.

Scoring

In bocce, it’s important to be the team with the closer bocce ball to the pallino because only one team scores at the end of that frame.

The scoring team will score one point for each team’s ball that is closer to the target ball than the closest ball of the other team. For a ball that is kissing the pallino, the team earns two points for it.

Conclusion

Bocce is a game beloved by millions across the world as it transcends players of all ages, genders, races, and athletic abilities. Still, you might be wondering how old you have to be to play bocce.

Free-play bocce games are flexible not just about the rules of the games but also about who can play them. Bocce can be played by anyone of any age, as long as they are able to hold and toss the ball. Leagues and official games are a bit different. Age requirements will vary depending on the game officials.

Of course, it’s still important to weigh in safety and caution even if you’re playing casually. And for official games and leagues, it’s best to consult with them regarding age requirements.

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