Region C 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:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf

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.

Bocce Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• Singles competition
• Doubles Competition
• Team Competition

Unified

• Doubles competition
• Team competition

Competition Information

As of today- any scratches will be considered a forfeit – we will not redo the divisions/schedule. We are aware that athletes competing in TD 6-   will play singles/doubles back to back. There will be an agreed upon break to ensure there is adequate rest time.

Important Reminders and Information:

• All Coaches must bring valid picture ID’s.
• Athletes will play two matches in each event (the second is listed as consolation or championship).
• First place winners will be eligible to advance to the 2023 State Summer Games Competition in Bloomington Normal. 

Day of scratches:  Upon arrival, notify the registration table of any athlete who is not in attendance. In the event there has been a scratch from their division and an athletes has a bye for their first game, it is recommended to have the athlete wait at the court so that they do not miss their second game.

SOILL Bocce Rule Interpretations At all levels of competition including the State event, the following procedures will be utilized to determine winners of a match:

• Single and Double games will be played to 12 points or 30 minutes whichever comes first.
• Teams will play to 16 points or 30 minutes whichever comes first.
• If the score is tied when the time limit is called, one additional frame will be played to determine the winner.

Event Information

Schedule

Staging:   There will be no formal staging area.  Coaches are required to take athletes to their assigned court five (10) minutes before the start of the first game for each division. Courts will be marked with signs. If an athlete is not at their assigned court at their scheduled game time the athlete will be scratched from the match. In most cases, athletes will play back to back matches within their division. This will mean that the court volunteers will move the winner and loser from each court over to the other court, and the athlete will already be in place for their second match. In the event there has been a scratch from their division and an athletes has a bye for their first game, it is recommended to have the athlete wait at the court so that they do not miss their second game.

Facility Information

Directions

Directions into the parking lot: Traveling on North Ave. turn North onto Wolf Rd. The second light will be Whitehall, turn left, then into the driveway past the Baseball Field into the Parking Lot.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided for athletes and coaches on a 4:1 ratio. Lunch will include a subway sandwich, chips and water. If your athletes have any dietary restrictions please plan accordingly.

Awards

**NEW** awards will be presented on the court once the entire division is complete. Please make sure athletes are present or nearby during the final game so awards can be presented in a timely manner.  

Supporting Documents

2023 Special Olympics Illinois Region B Bocce Final Results – 9/21/23

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.