Each team can consist of 2-8 players. Teams will have 4 balls each in every set. A team may have substitutes (alternate) players on the team. You must have at least 1 female in rotation at all times. A team without at least two players present at the scheduled game start time forfeits the game with zero points and the opponent is awarded 13 points. (There is a 15 min. grace time to arrive before forfeit, FORFEIT FEES ARE $14 DUE PRIOR TO YOUR NEXT GAME)
The match will begin after the captains flip a coin to decide who will throw the Pallino first. The team who throws the Pallino first will also throw the first Bocce Ball, even if the attempt to put the Pallino in play is not valid. The Pallino must go past the mid-way point of the bocce court and stay in bounds in order to start. If the Pallino does not go past the mid-way point and stay in bounds than the Pallino must be re-thrown. If the Pallino once again does not pass the mid-way point or stay inbounds than the opposing team will throw the Pallino.
Once the Pallino is in play, the object is to get your teamâ??s bocce balls closer to the Pallino than your opponentâ??s bocce balls. After the first bocce ball is thrown that team does not roll again until the opposing team has either gotten one of its bocce balls closer to the pallino or has thrown all of its balls. The team whose bocce balls are closest to the pallino is called "inside" and the opposing team "outside." Whenever a team gets inside, it steps aside and lets the outside team roll. The team outside throws until it beats (not ties) the opposing ball. This continues until both teams have used all their bocce balls (a total of 8, 4 from each team).
Out of bounds: If a bocce crosses the inbound plain (even if it lands fair or on the line) the ball is out of bounds and considered a dead ball. No points can be awarded.
Only the inside team scores points. For every bocce ball the inside team has closer to the pallino, the team will be awarded a point. If your teamâ??s bocce is touching the pallino and in bounds, you will be awarded 2 points for that bocce. The first team that has 13 points will win the match.
The team who scored last, throws the pallino to begin the next frame.
You can knock a bocce ball of the opposing team or your own team without a penalty. You can also knock the Pallino, however if the Pallino goes out of play than the set will restart and the team who originally threw the Pallino will throw it again.
One player cannot throw a ball more than twice in a given set. Judges will settle any disputes between teams and judgeâ??s decisions are final.
Measurements: All measurements should be made from the inside dimensions of the bocce ball to the inside dimension of the pallino. Only an official and one representative from each team may be present for the measurement.
Foul Line: Player's movements are limited to the foul line. The player may step on, but should not step over the foul line before releasing the pallino or bocce ball. If the intent of the foot foul rule is abused, the offending player may be removed from the game under the judgeâ??s discretion.
Team Conduct: If a player is standing in the playing half of the court while the opposing team requests that the player step aside, that request should be honored. Courtesy and respect should be displayed at all times. Excessive profanity and unsportsmanlike conduct is not permitted.
Violations may result in a warning by a ruling official to the player and team captain. Severe violations or a violation after a warning may result in the players expulsion by the ruling official from the game or match.
There is absolutely no drinking at the court or on the facility premises by players or fans.
MSSC reserves the right to alter, add, or remove any portion of rules at any point throughout the season.