Bocce is an Italian sport where the basic principle is to roll a bocce ball closest to the target ball, which is called a palina. Special Olympics bocce provides people with special needs the opportunity to have social contact, develop physically and gain self-confidence.

Bocce is a summer sport where athletes train and compete from March through June.  


General Information

The Bocce Fact Sheet provides general information on the sport’s background, popularity and statistics in the Special Olympics sports world.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for basketball shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. View the most updated Bocce Rules.

Article 1 provides general principles established by the Special Olympics Official General Rules that are not found in sport-specific rules. When there is conflict between a sport’s official rules and the general rules, the general rules in Article 1 will be followed.


Upcoming Events


Coaching Resources

Special Olympics New Jersey strives to provide additional sport training to our athletes so that they are at their best when it comes time for training and competition. Please make sure to check back regularly for new and upcoming training resources!

Coaches are encouraged to use the resources below to be as prepared as possible for bocce training and competition.

If you have any questions on coaching, visit our coach section for information.


Additional Bocce Information

Sports Registration Checklist

Read through and complete this checklist of to-dos before signing up for a local program.