How long does each boccia player have?
I · Intermediate · Playing an end · 2 of 4Each side has its own clock for each end: BC1 4:30, BC2 3:30, BC3 6 minutes, BC4 3:30, teams 5 minutes, BC3 pairs 7 minutes and BC4 pairs 4 minutes. Throwing the jack counts. Balls not played in time become dead. Between ends there is at most one minute while assistants collect balls. A penalty ball has one minute.
How it works
- BC1: 4:30 per athlete.
- BC2 and BC4: 3:30.
- BC3: 6 minutes.
- Teams: 5 minutes.
- BC3 pairs: 7 minutes.
- BC4 pairs: 4 minutes.
- Out of time: remaining balls dead.
- Between ends: one minute.
The glossary has the time per end, the time between ends, the technical time-out, the dead ball and out of bounds, the penalty ball and the releasing a ball.
Tricky cases
The clock runs out with two balls left. What happens?
Both become dead balls.
Does the jack throw use the side's time?
Yes.
Do balls not back in the boxes after the break count?
No. They become dead.
Is there time for a ramp repair?
A 10-minute technical time-out.
Why the rule exists
Time limits stop a side freezing the game while thinking. Longer limits for BC3 reflect slower ramp setup.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BC3 | 6 minutes | 10.2 |
| BC3 pairs | 7 minutes | 10.2 |
| Penalty ball | One minute | 10.2 |
From the rule book
World Boccia, International Sport Rules 2025-2028 (version 1.2.1, April 2026), rules 10.2, 10.3 and 11. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Boccia International Sport Rules 2025-2028.