Introduction to Bocce

Overview

Special Olympics Ireland is the governing body responsible for the delivery of Coach Education for the sport of Bocce in Ireland.

Bocce is an Italian Game which is very similar to Lawn Bowls. Opposing players and teams play with either red or green balls, competing in singles, doubles and team events. The basic principle of the sport is to roll a bocce ball closest to the target ball, which is called a pallina.

Courses Aim:

The aims of Special Olympics Ireland’s Introduction to Bocce course are:

To outline the basic principles and rules of Bocce.
Identify the role of a Special Olympics Bocce coach and utilise the qualities and skills required to coach athletes in training and competition.
Identify key factors which should be considered when coaching Bocce to athletes with an intellectual disability.
Organise, plan and deliver a Bocce coaching session.
To teach basic level skills and techniques of the game

Pathway Phase:

This course is aimed at Special Olympics volunteers who wish to become involved in coaching Bocce in their clubs. Once completed, the coach will work as an assistant coach with athletes in the Fundamental phase.

Entry Requirements:

Course participants will be required to be at least 16 years of age and be a registered volunteer in Special Olympics Ireland. Participants must have completed Safeguarding Level 1. It is recommended that coaches would have attended Special Olympics Ireland’s Introduction to Coaching Practices course or would complete the course within 12 months of completion of the Introduction to Bocce course.

Duration/Format:

Approximately 8 hours

This is usually completed in 1 full days course, but on occasion may be split over 2 or more days.

Methodology: The course will use both classroom and practically based presentations. There will be a combination of demonstration, lectures and an opportunity to gain practical experience. Coaches will experience all aspects of a session from planning through to evaluation of a session.

Assessment:

The course is attendance based and there will therefore be no formal assessment. Coaches will receive feedback from tutors and peers during practical coaching tasks.

Certification:

Full attendance is required to receive certification.

Cost:

Ordinarily, the course cost for the Intro to Bocce will be €50, this may vary course to course based on specific regional funding support and varying facility hire costs.

Ongoing Support:

Regional Development Officers- Sports and Special Olympics Ireland Sports Department will be available to provide support to coaches following completion of their Introductory Coaching Course.

How to register?

Upcoming courses will be listed on the Special Olympics Ireland events calendar -https://www.specialolympics.ie/events

You can also contact your regional development officer for sport if you need further details -

https://www.specialolympics.ie/rdo-sport