Region B Bocce

COVID Procedures

Unless a venue has specific COVID protocols in place, Special Olympics Illinois is following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC COVID protocols and guidelines.  Please refer to event specific information or website page (if applicable) to determine if the venue has any specific COVID protocols. 

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible.  While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority.  All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information.

What Is Bocce?

Bocce is an ancient sport invented during the Roman Empire. The game combines the skills of bowling with the accuracy of darts. Players try to get their Bocce balls closer to the Pallina (target ball) than their opponents. Individuals can participate in Bocce as a traditional single player or as part of traditional doubles or team. Unified Bocce is available in doubles and team formats. Unified sports combine a Special Olympics athlete with a non-disabled peer as partners or on teams for competition.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in Bocce compete locally at a Region Qualifying event. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championship held at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Bocce Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• Singles Competition
• Doubles Competition
• Team Competition

Unified

• Doubles Competition
• Team Competition

Competition Information

All Special Olympics Illinois Bocce competitions abide by Special Olympics Incorporated rules. Any modifications to these rules done by Special Olympics Illinois can be found in the linked rules interpretation.

2023 Special Olympics Illinois Bocce Rule Interpretations

Competition will be broken up into an AM session and PM session. AM session competition will begin at 8:30am. PM session competition will begin at 12:30pm.

AM Session – All athletes scheduled to compete in the AM session should on site by 8:00am.

AM Session Divisions listed below will report to their assigned courts by 8:00am. Athletes in divisions listed below not present at their courts by 8:30am will be scratched. All remaining divisions in AM session will be called individually to the bullpen and assigned an open court once a division is completed.

Addition Divisions in AM Session (these divisions will be called to the bullpen individually once a division above is finished and awarded). Athletes not present when their division is called will be given three (3) calls before they are scratched.

PM Session – All athletes scheduled to compete in the PM session should on site by 12:00pm.

PM Session Divisions listed below will report to their assigned courts by 12:00pm. Athletes in divisions listed below not present at their courts by 12:30pm will be scratched. All remaining divisions in PM session will be called individually to the bullpen and assigned an open court once a division is completed.

Addition Divisions in PM Session (these divisions will be called to the bullpen individually once a division above is finished and awarded). Athletes not present when their division is called will be given three (3) calls before they are scratched.

Facility Information

Parking is available in the main lot at McHenry West High School. Restrooms will be available in the school and potta-potties.

Teams should plan to bring bag chairs and popup tents to create a team camp area. Tents will be asked to be taken down if it is a windy day.

Spectators will be asked to say on the outside of the flagged area.

Volunteer Information

Awards

Awards will be presented on the courts after all matches in a division are completed.

Souvenirs & Concessions

Concessions will be available for sale to benefit Special Olympics Illinois Region B.

Supporting Documents

2023 Special Olympics Illinois Region B Bocce Final Results – 10/16/23

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world.  Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life.  Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.