Who throws the jack in boccia?
B · Beginner · Playing an end · 3 of 5Red propels the jack in odd ends and blue in even ends, after the referee signals. The jack must stop beyond the V line inside the court. A jack that stops short, goes out or follows a violation is fouled, and the next athlete in sequence throws instead. The jack thrower plays the first coloured ball.
How it works
- Odd ends: red throws.
- Even ends: blue throws.
- Signal: only when the referee indicates.
- Valid area: beyond the V line, in court.
- Fouled jack: next athlete in line throws it.
- First ball: by the jack thrower.
- Jack knocked out: back on the cross.
- Time: counts towards the side's end time.
The glossary has the playing the jack, the fouled jack, the jack knocked out, the throwing line, V line and cross, the jack and the time per end.
Tricky cases
A ball knocks the jack off court. What then?
It goes on the cross.
Jack fouled, then fouled again. What happens?
The next in sequence throws, until one is valid.
Does time run while throwing the jack?
Yes.
Who plays the first coloured ball?
The side that threw the jack.
Why the rule exists
Alternating the jack shares the advantage of setting the target. The fouled jack rule punishes a poor throw without stopping play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Odd ends | Red | 10.4 |
| Even ends | Blue | 10.4 |
| Fouled | Next in line | 10.5 |
From the rule book
World Boccia, International Sport Rules 2025-2028 (version 1.2.1, April 2026), rules 10.4, 10.5 and 10.11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boccia International Sport Rules 2025-2028.