What is a boccia ramp?
I · Intermediate · The game · 1 of 4A BC3 ramp must fit in 2.5 m by 1 m, with no lasers, levels, brakes or sights. The pointer touches only the athlete and the ball. Before key shots the ramp is swung 20 cm each way. Seats are at most 66 cm high, except in BC3, and equipment is stamped at the start.
How it works
- Ramp size: fits 2.5 m by 1 m.
- No aids: lasers, levels, brakes or sights.
- Overhang: not past the throwing line at release.
- Pointer: touches athlete and ball only.
- Two-way swing: 20 cm left and right.
- Seat: 66 cm at most, except BC3.
- Supports: approved at classification.
- Breakdown: one 10-minute technical time-out.
The glossary has the ramp, the pointer, the two-way swing, the wheelchair (boccia), the equipment check and the technical time-out.
Tricky cases
Can a pointer clip onto the chair?
No, not during release.
A ramp breaks mid-match. What happens?
A 10-minute technical time-out, once a match.
When must the ramp be swung?
After the jack is shown, before penalty and tie-break balls and on replays.
Can gloves be used?
Yes, with a classifier's approval.
Why the rule exists
The swing stops the ramp operator setting up the first shot. Banning aiming aids keeps the aim the athlete's own.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BC3 | Ramp and pointer | 4.1 |
| Seat height | 66 cm, not BC3 | 4.2 |
| Breakdown | Technical time-out | 4.1.8 |
From the rule book
World Boccia, International Sport Rules 2025-2028 (version 1.2.1, April 2026), rule 4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boccia International Sport Rules 2025-2028.