Welcome to Boccia Nova Scotia

At Boccia Nova Scotia, we believe in the power of sports to bring people together and create opportunities for all. Our mission is to introduce the sport of Boccia to individuals with physical disabilities or mobility challenges, providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy.

Our Services

Book a Try Boccia Session for your group, colleagues or clients

Clubs and Programs

Where can I play? 

Join our Boccia Club in Halifax!

When: Saturdays, 9:30am to 11:00am

Where: Halifax Activity Centre located on the main floor at Northwood Halifax, 2630 Gottingen Street

Duration:  Fall session: September 20th to November 29th

Please contact us to register!

How can I volunteer? 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boccia and how is it played?

Boccia is a Paralympic sport  played by anyone, with a physical disability or mobility challenge. In Canada, it is played recreationally and competitively. Originally designed for people with severe cerebral palsy, it is now enjoyed by players with a wide variety of physical disabilities.

A co-ed sport, it can be played one on one, in teams of three, or in pairs. Boccia is played indoors, on a court that is similar in size to a badminton court. Games last four or six ends. Players propel balls towards the target or “jack” ball, by throwing, kicking or by using a ramp. Each side has six balls (red or blue) per end to try and score points. The closest side to the target ball when all the balls have been played, scores. 

Watch  this short video about Boccia!

boccia 101 non wifi (english version).mp4

Who can participate in Boccia?

Anyone can play Boccia!  We have two streams, Recreation and Competitive.   Everyone is welcome to play recreationally as long as you follow the rules of the game and respect other players and volunteers.   If you are interested in playing in our competitive stream there are some criteria that you have to meet, you must have a physical disability that affects all four limbs and you must fit into one of six Boccia Classification profiles.  Here is a summary of each of the Boccia Classes; 

BC1:

  • Severe impairment affecting all four limbs
  • Limited functional range of motion and coordination
  • May need power wheelchair for mobility
  • Has difficulty changing sitting position in chair
  • Has a hard time gripping and releasing the ball, but can throw consistently with hands or kick with feet

BC1 athletes may have an on-court assistant to help place the ball in their hand and position their chair.

BC2:

  • Severe impairment affecting all four limbs
  • May use a manual or power wheelchair for everyday mobility
  • Lacks stability, but may be able to walk short distances
  • Strong grip and release of ball

BC2 athletes are not eligible for an on-court assistant.

BC3:

  • Very severe impairment in all four limbs
  • May have arm movement but is unable to throw a boccia ball consistently with speed onto the playing area

BC3 athletes are able to have an on-court assistant as well as use an assistive device such as a ramp and a pointer.

BC4:

  • Locomotive dysfunction affecting all four limbs
  • May have poor trunk control and will need assistance to return upright
  • Weak or lack of control of upper and/or lower limbs as well as trunk
  • Poor range of movement
  • Poor grip and release of ball, but has enough strength to throw a ball consistently

BC4 athletes are not eligible for an on-court assistant.

BC5:

  • These are players with less impairment than a BC2 or BC4
  • For conditions of both Cerebral and Non Cerebral origin
  • Cerebral: Quadriplegic, Triplegic, Severe Hemiplegic.
  • Non Cerebral: impairment may result from lack of muscle strength, limitation in range of movement or limb shortening
  • May use either a manual or power wheelchair
  • May be able to walk with assistance or using a walking aid over short distances
  • Has a more active throw as a result of increased trunk control and/or upper limb muscle strength

BC5 athletes are not eligible for an on-court assistant.

Open

The Open classification is for athletes who have a disability but do not qualify for the BC1-5 classifications. Open athletes may compete in any competition that offers an open division but are not eligible for competitions outside of Canada.

 

 

How can I volunteer with Boccia Scotia?

To volunteer with Boccia Nova Scotia, simply reach out to us through our contact form or through our Facebook page, and we'll send you an application form.  Anyone wishing to volunteer with Boccia Nova Scotia must also provide a recent (within the current year) copy of their  Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Record Check.  

Contact us

Have a question, would like to play or volunteer? Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

About us

Boccia Nova Scotia is the Provincial Sport Organization in Nova Scotia for the the sport of Boccia.  We are the provincial partner of Boccia Canada.  We provide athletes and players  opportunities to play this unique Paralympic sport.

Our passionate team of volunteers is dedicated to promoting the sport of Boccia and creating opportunities across the province for individuals with physical disabilities and  mobility challenges to participate in this exciting sport. With a focus on inclusivity and excellence, we strive to empower our players to achieve their goals and enjoy the benefits of sportsmanship and camaraderie.