Boccia is a Paralympic sport of precision and strategy. It's designed for disabled athletes and provides an incredible platform for competition and opportunity to showcase honed skills. But if you're new to the sport, you might wonder about the different classifications you see during a match. These are known as classifications , and they ensure fair play by grouping athletes with similar functional abilities. Let's break down what each category means:
BC1
In the BC1 classification, players demonstrate significant challenges with their movement and coordination. They typically throw the ball with their hands or kick with their feet. BC1 players are permitted to have an assistant who can pass each ball to the player to take a shot. The assistant cannot otherwise help with play.
BC2
BC2 players have better trunk control and arm movement than BC1 athletes, but still experience considerable challenges with coordination. A key distinction for the BC2 category is that players cannot be assisted by others during play. This emphasises their independent ability to manoeuvre and release the boccia ball, relying solely on their own physical capabilities and strategic decisions.
BC3
The BC3 category is for players with the most severe locomotor dysfunction. These athletes often cannot grasp or release the ball effectively, nor do they have the range of movement to throw it. This is where assistive equipment, like a ramp and head pointer, comes into play. Players use these devices to propel the ball onto the court.
Like BC1 players, BC3 players can also have an assistant, but with a unique and strict rule: the assistant must not look at the court when play is ongoing. Their role is to follow the player's verbal instructions to adjust the ramp or positioning. Looking for a boccia ramp of your own? See the full range here.
BC4
Finally, the BC4 category features players who have a non-cerebral disability that affects all of their limbs. They do not use assistive devices or work with an assistant during play.
Understanding these categories can help you make a plan for how you'd like to get involved with boccia. See our Getting started guide to find out more!
For help understanding your own classification, head to Boccia England's website to find their Interactive Boccia Self-Classification Tool.