Boccia

Boccia (pronounced "bot'cha"') is an Italian game of lawn bowling played on long. narrow court. Not unique to Waldensians, this game has been played in Europe for over 7,000 years. The Waldensian men brought this game from Italy and it has continued to be a part of the Valdese culture through the generations., It has been said that Napoleon once outlawed the game for his troops because they were too involved in the game and not focused on the war., Requirements for play are (illegible) court of hard packed dirt, 50 to 75 feet long and 12 to 20 feet wide, a set of 8 handballs, 1 boccia per player, a small target ball or bouchin, and two team of 4 players each. The boccia used for play - a wooden or plastic handball 4 1/4 inches in diameter-gives the game its name., Before the game, players prepare the court by wetting it down and sweeping or brushing it carefully to smooth out bumps and remove pebbles or debris that could deflect a ball from its course. When the court is ready to play, the bouchin (target ball) is rolled down to one end of the court. Then the players try to out-mauneuver one another by rolling their handballs in turn ever so closer to the target ball. The four balls closest to the bouchin each score a point, and the last team to score twelve points, wins the match., There was a time when only the men were allowed to play. We always like to remind the ladies that the men were going to bring their wine, and by the end of the day there was going to be a fight. They really didn't miss that much. , Today, Boccia offers fun for everyone, the timeless sport is enjoyed by all. Give it a try!