What is Bocce?

Newmarket Bocce Club

Bocce, the European version of bowls, was introduced to Australia by immigrants from Europe, especially Italians, in the early 1900’s.

For many years it was played as a social recreation in backyards, streets and suburban parks. In the 1960’s, following the post-war inflow of immigrants, it became an organised sport and part of ethnic Australia social culture.

When Italian immigrants established large social clubs, bocce courts were incorporated in them. However, today recreational bocce is still played in back yards and parks.

How Bocce was Developed

There is one registered Bocce club left in Brisbane, being the Newmarket Bocce Club, which has 4 playing courts – situated at 23 Foster Street, Newmarket (behind the “City Church”). This club was established in 1972 and the first Brisbane Cup was played in 1976 between Newmarket Bocce Club (formally Italo-Australian Bocce club) and Australian Italo Club (Tavernetta) at Carseldine.

Bocce Tournaments

The club has social games on Wednesdays from 6.30pm; Tuesdays and Fridays from 8.30am. The club also has Sunday social competitions throughout the year including sponsored competitions with other clubs i.e. Redlands Sporting Bocce Club.

When possible, we also enjoy playing with Bundaberg Bocce Club. The Redlands Bocce Club is situated in the Redlands Shire Council and has 8 playing courts.

These three clubs are members of the Queensland Bocce Federation, whom is a member of the Bocce Federation of Australia, whom is a member of the Federation Internationale De Boules.

The international Federation is a member of the Confederation Mondiale des Sports de Boules, recognised by the I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee).

The Game of Bocce

A game can be conducted between two players, or two teams of two, three or four.

A match is started by a randomly chosen side being given the opportunity to throw a smaller ball, the jack (called a pallino, or a boccino in some areas), from one end of the court into a zone about 5metres in length, ending 2metres from the far end of the court (a court is about 27 meters long). The side that first played the jack is given the opportunity to bowl first.

Once the first bowl has taken place, the other side has the opportunity to bowl. From then on, the side which does not have the ball closest to the jack must bowl until that side makes the point (is closer), then the opposing team plays.

At that point, the other side bowls its remaining bocce balls. The team with the closest bocce ball to the jack is the only team that can score points in any end.

The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the jack than the closest ball of the other team.

The length of a game varies by region but is typically based on a time limit or reaching 13 points.

Players are permitted to throw the ball in the air using an underarm action. This is generally used to knock either the jack or another ball away to attain a more favorable position.

Tactics can get quite complex when players have sufficient control over the bocce ball to throw or roll it accurately.

Development of Bocce

The Bocce Federation of Australia (based in Melbourne, Victoria) is the governing body and has met the needs of the technical aspects by accrediting Coaches and Referees, initially using international expertise.

They are members of the Australian Sporting Commission.

The development of bocce games e.g. Raffa and specialised games are entering the wider community, facilitated by the National Development Director has enhanced the opportunities for the sport in the future.

Newmarket Bocce Club (NB), Redlands Bocce Club, and Bundaberg Bocce have had many champions over the years. Members have represented in the National and International arenas.

The Future of Bocce

As mentioned previously the Newmarket Bocce Club is the only Bocce club left in Brisbane and the community should embrace this sport and not let it die. The club welcomes all cultures to play Bocce, young and old.

Your commitment to the game of bocce would be appreciated, so bocce can be around for many years to come.

You will find many articles on Bocce on the internet, including pictures and videos. U Tube offers many videos of champion players in action.

You will find a few interesting articles on Bocce Australia’s website: www.bocceaustralia.com.au

We also accommodate corporate events, work parties and special events.

To find out more about Newmarket Bocce Club please contact Tony Di Sipio on 0418 731 423; or Mario De Marco on 0403 257 325 for further details.