Bridgewater Bocce

Fall ’26 Rec League Rules

BRIDGEWATER BOCCE RECREATIONAL LEAGUE: FALL 2026

THESE RULES HAVE BEEN IN PLACE & MODIFIED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF BW BOCCE.

DEFINITIONS

  1. Pallino, Pollino, Pollina, Pellino: All refer to the one smaller yellow or white ball.
  2. Bocce Balls: Refers to the 4 larger blue/green and 4 red/pink balls.
  3. Point: Established at the beginning of each set by rolling the Pallino. Every bocce ball rolled thereafter, that is closest to the Pallino, establishes a new point.
  4. Roll or throw or toss, etc. are all expressions for the act of rolling Bocce or Pallino balls.

PLAYERS & TEAMS FOR THE 6-PLAYER FORMAT

  1. Our Fall 2026 Games will be played on Monday’s at 2:30 and 4:30. The schedule will be for 9 weeks. Beginning October 5 – November 30. We will keep December 7, 14 and 21 reserved as make-up game dates generally caused by court conditions and weather. If these make-up dates are not needed, we may insert a tournament for some extra playing time for those interested. There will be 9 teams, numbered 1 – 9. Monday game days consist of 8 teams playing whereby each team plays 3 consecutive games against the same team as scheduled. One team each week will have a bye week. Each team will have 6 assigned players including a designated captain. We will have a total of 54 players.
  2. Teams and captains will be assigned by Steve Schwartz, BW Recreational Bocce League Coordinator. To avoid excessive same team player conflicts, we will again eliminate spouses playing on the same teams. Team captains are responsible for attendance and managing player rotations during games. No outside replacement players are available within this 6-player format.
  3. Players are assigned to teams by the BW Recreational League Administrator, with the intention of making the teams evenly competitive and to minimize scheduling conflicts.
  4. All players must be residents of Bridgewater.

THE GAME

  1. At the beginning of a game, each team determines amongst themselves the placement of 2 players at each end of the court for the duration of that game. (If only 3 players are available in the 6 Player Per Team Format, 1 player may be on one side). Each team decides among themselves the order in which they take turns throwing their balls. Each team has 4 bocce ball rolls per game set. 2 bocce balls per player on each side of the court, (4 balls if 1 player on one side), other than whomever rolls the Pallino
  2. Each game set will start with a coin flip. The team winning the coin flip will decide which team rolls first. The other team decides the color of the balls. Any member of the team that begins with rolling the Pallino follows with the first bocce ball roll for that team.
  3. A center line is clearly marked on both sides of the board. Any ball thrown must touch or pass this line.
  4. A 4 ft. foul line is clearly marked on both sides of the court. Both feet must stay behind the 4 ft foul line when throwing the Pallino or bocce balls. The initial violation of the foul line by any ball will result in a warning only at the discretion of the Judge. A second foul line violation, if rolling the Pallino will result in the opposing team controlling the Pallino. A second foul line violation if rolling a bocce ball will result in a dead ball. Treated the same as a centerline or backwall violation. Any balls in play that were hit should be returned to their prior location as best possible at the judge’s discretion. Or the opposing team may chose to keep the bocce balls as is.
  5. There is another line at 7 ft. This is a spoking line. We do not play in our Recreational League with spoking rules or a spoking line. Therefore, disregard that line.
  6. The Pallino must at least touch or pass the mid-line and not hit the back wall to start a game. If this is not achieved, the Pallino is then returned to the same player for a second roll. If after a second roll, the player fails to establish a valid Pallino toss, then a player on the opposing team, rolls the Pallino only. If the opposing player does not make a valid toss, the Pallino returns to the original team. The alternating process continues. Throwing the bocce balls always remains with the initial team.
  7. If any bocce ball does not touch or pass the mid-line or hits the back wall without first touching any ball on the court, then it is removed from the court and that turn is lost.
  8. If a bocce ball hits the backboard without first touching any other ball and bounces back and then strikes any other balls on the court, that ball is removed and the battered balls are placed back as best possible to their original positions at the judge’s discretion.
  9. Players may use side boards at any time. Side boards do not count as hitting a ball. Therefore, you still must pass the half court line and not hit the back wall without first hitting a ball.
  10. Once the Pallino is properly in play, the object of the game is to get the most bocce balls closest to the Pallino to result in points. The player that rolls the first bocce ball is the player who first rolled the Pallino.
  11. Points are earned by the closest ball to the Pallino. If a 2nd, 3rd or 4th ball by that team is deemed closest to the Pallino than any of the opposing team’s bocce balls, then up to 4 points can be earned accordingly.
  12. As a game progresses, a team with the closest bocce ball to the Pallino establishes the point and does not throw again until the opposing team can beat their point or the opposing team is out of their 4 bocce balls.
  13. The winner of each set, of 4 balls per team, is awarded the point(s) accordingly and that team starts the next set and controls the Pallino. The start of the next set switches sides of the court.
  14. If it is determined usually by measurement, that both teams’ bocce balls are of equal distance to the Pallino, therefore tied, the team that rolled the tie ball will roll again since the point was not beaten. If both teams have thrown all balls and it is still a tie, equal distance to the Pallino by measurement, then the next closest ball will determine the only final single point awarded.
  15. The Pallino is always a valid target and remains in play even if it strikes the back wall after being struck by any valid bocce ball during a game.
  16. If a Pollino is knocked out of the court or bounces back before the center line, the frame is void and the starting team will begin the frame again at the same end.
  17. If a player rolls out of turn from their opponent, or plays more Bocce balls than allowed, the opposing team has two (2) options. Leave all balls as they rest or remove the illegally thrown ball from play and return all other balls to previous position(s). The rule of 4 bocce balls per team in a set, remains in either situation.
  18. The winner of each set, of 4 balls per team, is awarded the point(s) accordingly and that team starts the next set and controls the Pallino. The start of the next set switches sides of the court.
  19. Games are played to10 points. It is not necessary to win by 2 pts. Only 1 team can score,1- 4 pts per set. Once a team hits 10 pts, that team does not need to roll any additional balls. GAME OVER.

FALL 2026…. 6 PLAYER FORMAT RULES & SUBSTITUTIONS

  1. Every player who attends will play at least 2 games. Each game may include up to 4 players from each team, or as few as 3 players, with no more than 2 players on each side. At the start of each team’s game, players and side rotations will be determined by that team at the captain’s discretion, subject to these rules. The winner of each game set is the first team to reach 10 points.
  2. 2:30 START TIME: Games must start at 2:30 sharp if 4 players are available. Or 3 players if a 4th is not expected. We need to show courtesy for the 4:30 teams that are affected by the game completion time. Each team that is scheduled for the 2:30 start time will be assigned to either Court 1 or Court 2. Each team will play 3 consecutive games, against the same opponent without changing courts. (This helps avoid game delays caused by waiting for games on the other court to finish.) We will allow 5-minute breaks between games. Between games only a player that has not yet thrown a bocce ball during the previous game, may practice up to 6 balls if time allows within the 5-minute break. Between games 2 and 3 only a late arrival that has not yet thrown any bocce balls may throw up to 6 balls.
  3. 4:30 START TIME: The same rules for the 2:30 start time apply. However, the 4:30 start time is an estimated start time which depends on the completion of the 2:30 games on the respective courts. Regardless, we will allow a 10-minute warm up time of no more than 6 balls per player and/or a sweep of the court if time allows. Given that the completion of the 2:30 games may vary, the 2 team captains may agree upon altering the above to start sooner than 4:30 if the courts are available. If the completion of the 2:30 games run late, the captains may also agree upon altering the rules to start quickly. 4:30 players should arrive early and be prepared to start early.
  4. GAME TIME: Game times are set at 2:30 & 4:30. Once the first ball is in play, no further changes of player positions nor substitutions can be made. Only if less than 4 players are present for either team, a maximum grace period of 10 minutes from start time will be allowed if another player is expected.

PLAYER RESTRICTIONS FOR THE 6-PLAYER FORMAT

  1. PLAYER RESTRICTIONS: Before every team’s first of 3 games, both Team Captains determine their OPPONENTS top 1 & 2 players that will have restrictions for a 5-player and/or a 3-player team. Designated players are named regardless of how many players on either team are available at the start of the game.
  2. WHEN 6 PLAYERS ARE PRESENT: All players must play in 2 games. No other player restrictions.
  3. WHEN 5 PLAYERS ARE PRESENT: Each player will play in at least 2 games. Two players will have the opportunity to throw 3 games. That team will be restricted. Only 1 of the 2 players designated by the opposing captain will be allowed to throw in 3 games. Either of those 1 or 2 players are now chosen by that team’s captain eligible to play 3 games if desired. (Not the opposing team).
  4. WHEN 4 PLAYERS ARE PRESENT: Each player will play in all 3 game sets.
  5. WHEN 3 PLAYERS ARE PRESENT: 1 player will be playing solo throwing all 4 balls on one side in each of the 3 games. (If all 3 players will play in all 3 game sets, a team could gain an advantage when its strongest player throws all 4 balls alone, especially in more than 1 game.) That team will be restricted and the players that throw 4 balls alone on one side must therefore rotate each game, whereby no player can play solo more than 1 time. The further restriction is that one of those 3 players, designated as the top number 1 player by the opposing team before the games started will only be allowed to throw 4 balls alone in the 3rd game and only after the other 2 players assumed that solo role of 4 balls as a 3-player team.
  6. Once a game begins, no substitutions nor players can switch sides, until that game is complete. Except for substitutions due to extenuating circumstances such as illness, injury, or if a player must leave. In this situation, to substitute and maintain the same number of players, the opposing team’s coach will choose that team’s substitution from that bench. If no additional player is available, then the players will remain in their positions on either side, and the team will play with 3 players.
  7. A player removed may not return later that game day. Players may arrive or leave between games. If the result is 3 or 5 players available, then the 3 or 5 -player restriction is followed. Less than 3 players is a forfeit.
  8. 3 Player Substitution Exception: If a team is playing with 3 players and a 4th player arrives late, that arriving player will be inserted immediately to pair with that solo player. If this happens in any of the 3-game sets, the team will continue like a 4-player team and that game will count for that late player.
  9. If less than 3 players are present for the start of any game, the team will forfeit. If that team anticipates a late arrival for the second game, but it is past the 10-minute grace period, that game will be forfeited. If the player is still expected, the teams will wait till the start of the next game for that player. That start time will be determined by the start time of that next game on the opposite court, with no grace period. In this situation, no additional time will be allowed for a 3rd game resulting in another game forfeit.

JUDGING. MEASURING & RULES

  1. We try to have a Judge assigned to each court. It can be an outside player, bye week player, player that is idle and waiting for their scheduled game, or if in a pinch, an active player from one team or both teams, from the opposite side of the throwing team.
  2. Balls can be measured at any time initiated by the judges or player’s request. This is at the judge’s discretion.
  3. If a ball is moved unintentionally, it will be replaced as accurately as possible.
  4. If the wrong color ball is rolled unintentionally, it will be replaced with the correct color ball. No penalty.
  5. No team member can cross the opposing center line to measure or view balls for the purpose of judging. All players need to remain on their respective side of the court. An exception would be if a player on the throwing team has a very poor visual of the Pallino or ball placement. The intent to pass the midline for clarification should be clearly noted to the judge, so it is not interpreted as any attempt to judge or disagree. This cannot be to view for judging or arguing. This visual exception by a player is not to be abused.
  6. MEASURING: A firm, standard, rigid metal measuring tape should be used. The method of measuring should be consistent for each occasion. Example: If a ball is measured from top of Pallino to top of bocce ball, this must be consistent for all balls at that time. If it is from bottom of Pallino to bottom of bocce ball, this must be consistent for all balls. (Front of Pallino to front of bocce ball. Top of Pallino to bottom of bocce ball, etc.). Avoid a sagging tape measure which will be less accurate when measuring multiple distances.
  7. Players should never touch or remove any balls from the court until the set has ended, and scoring has been finalized. The judges should initiate the removal of balls.
  8. No player should remove any balls from the court or racks at any time. This includes dead ball removed from the court should be placed in plain sight. This avoids miscounting balls while the game is in play.
  9. Players at either end of the court often have very inaccurate views and deceiving depth perceptions of the bocce balls and the Pallino. This is a natural part of the game. The judge has the best view. Only 1 player per team on the receiving end should ever enter the court. The best view of the distance between bocce balls and the Pallino is to stand over the Pallino, looking out at the distance between the bocce balls in play. Game situations that arise where balls must be removed or replaced back to previous positions are almost always difficult. Especially if multiple balls are involved. Judges may seek input from players, but the final decisions are made by the judges.
  10. Prior to throwing a bocce ball, the active player may request clarification regarding ball placements, distances, and strategy for his/her next throw. That player can request from the judge that a single member of their receiving team on the opposite side may enter the court to provide guidance. This allowance for a teammate’s guidance should be limited and should not cause excessive delays. Judge’s discretion,
  11. There is no place for arguing with judges. Players entering the court should be limited when there is a judge.
  12. The decision of a Judge (referee, League official) is final.

COURT AND GAME ETIQUETTE: THIS IS A FRIENDLY BRIDGEWATER COMMUNITY LEAGUE

  1. The success of our recreational bocce program has been greatly attributed to the social environment we’ve created with our healthy spirited competition and social friendships. Cheer for any great bocce ball rolls, encourage our least experienced players, help, teach and be kind especially to new players.
  2. Basically, the only player on the court should be the player rolling the Pollino or Bocce ball. Keep in mind there will be special occasions when a second player may be used to help the other player on and off the court or help to pick up the balls. Once a player is ready to roll, no other player should be on the court.
  3. Once a player is ready to throw, try and keep voices down. Respect the players’ moments to concentrate. Back off the immediate area for the player that is set to roll. Especially the opposing team.
  4. PERMANENT BENCHES AND SHADE AT THE BOCCE COURTS SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR THE CURRENT GAMES ACTIVE PLAYERS ONLY. WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO BRING THEIR OWN CHAIRS.
  5. Chairs should be placed on the grass, set back from the court at least to allow enough room for players or judges to walk on the grass. Active players involved in the present game can bring chairs closer. Allow space for the active players. In other words, don’t crowd the perimeter or throwing end of each court.
  6. Although we are here to have fun, respect and do not overly heckle or distract players or judges.
  7. Please, NO POLITICS. No political discussions, arguments, posters, symbols, hats, shirts, etc. We all should protect our successful bocce program and the atmosphere that we have all worked hard to develop. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone could provide a tent/canopy that can provide shade. This should be set back to allow players or judges to walk along the grass.
  8. At the end of the season, we have a celebration party. We strive for everyone’s participation. A fee will be collected to cover expenses and trophies acknowledging the season’s champions. Team trophies are displayed in the BW Coffee Room. Volunteers needed.

VISIT OUR WEDSITE AT: BridgewaterBocce.Org
STEVE SCHWARTZ, Coordinator Bridgwater Recreational Bocce League
Rev: 10/2/26

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