When is a boccia match forfeited?
A · Advanced · Violations · 2 of 2A yellow card warns an athlete or unit, for faults such as failed equipment or leaving the court without permission; a second in a competition forfeits that match. A red card, for cheating, tampered balls, violence or abuse, disqualifies from the competition and removes earlier results. A forfeit scores 6-0 or more. Disputes go to the Head Referee, whose ruling is final.
How it works
- Yellow: warning to athlete or unit.
- Second yellow: forfeit of that match.
- Red: disqualification, earlier results lost.
- Forfeit: 6-0 or the pool's biggest margin.
- Causes: breaking kit, failing checks, leaving court.
- Clarification: asked with the clock stopped.
- Head Referee: final ruling.
- Protest: none beyond the Head Referee.
The glossary has the yellow card (boccia), the red card and disqualification (boccia), the forfeit (boccia), the clarification and dispute, the ball tampering and the movement on court.
Tricky cases
A second yellow card in a pool. Out of the tournament?
No. Only that match is forfeited.
An athlete leaves the court without permission. Result?
A forfeit.
Can a side protest the Head Referee's ruling?
No.
What is the forfeit score?
6-0, or the biggest margin in that series.
Why the rule exists
Card ladders warn before they punish. A final Head Referee ruling stops matches stalling over disputes.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Warning | 16.3 |
| Red | Disqualification | 16.4 |
| Dispute | Head Referee final | 17 |
From the rule book
World Boccia, International Sport Rules 2025-2028 (version 1.2.1, April 2026), rules 16.3, 16.4, 16.8 to 16.12 and 17. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boccia International Sport Rules 2025-2028.