WELCOME to the

(Your Name) Bocce

 Website

My.BocceWebsite.Com  is a Service Mark (SM) of Prince Associates                            

Site by My.BocceWebsite.Com Webmaster
Copyright © 2010 Prince Associates   All rights reserved.
Revised: November 08, 2010 .

My.BocceWebsite.Com  is a Service Mark (SM) of Prince Associates                             

Site by My.BocceWebsite.Com Webmaster
Copyright © 2010 Prince Associates   All rights reserved.
Revised: November 08, 2010 .

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS

CLUB MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

My.BocceWebsite.Com  is a Service Mark (SM) of Prince Associates                             

Site by My.BocceWebsite.Com Webmaster
Copyright © 2010 Prince Associates   All rights reserved.
Revised: November 08, 2010 .

Back

Answers to some Frequently Asked  Bocce Questions

( This page is used to answer questions that people may have about the club, activities, etc. The following are samples. You can add, delete, or change these.)

Table of Contents

1. What is the history of Bocce?
2. What is Team Play Bocce?
3. How are the Social Bocce Teams formed?
4. Can I play Bocce other than the scheduled times?
5. Is there a fee or any cost for Bocce?

What is the history of Bocce?

There are numerous versions of the history of bocce. The following summarizes several versions found on the Internet.

x

   Bocce is an ancient game, its birth lost in the shadows of antiquity. Some authorities claim it originated in Egypt about 5200 B.C.; others, that the game was started in Greece during the 6th Century B.C. The most reliable sources agree that Bocce, as we know it today, was played between battles during Rome's Punic Wars against Carthage, which started in 264 B.C. Soldiers selected a small stone called a "leader" and threw it first. Then larger stones would be thrown at the "leader" and the stone coming closest to it would score. The game provided exercise and relaxation for the soldiers. Teams were composed of two, four, six, or eight men and the score would vary from 16 to 24 points per game.

   The game continued to be played until 1319 when Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV ordered its discontinuance as he thought that, because of its popularity, it would interfere with sports of a more military nature.

   Years later the prohibition was lifted when the Medical Faculty at Montpelier, France, declared that Bocce was the best exercise to prevent rheumatism.

   An interesting historical note on Bocce claims that the English Admiral, Sir Francis Drake, was informed of the approaching Spanish Armada while playing a game of Bocce. Drake, in his usual cool manner, replied: "First, we finish the game; then we have time for the Invincible Armada."

   Bocce was played throughout Europe. Emperors, Admirals, Generals, poets, sculptors, scientists and men from all stations of life were active participants in the sport. It was a favorite with Giuseppe Garibaldi.

   Bocce was a game played in the Italian Alps, early in the Christian Era, in which stones were tossed at a target stone--not necessarily to hit it, but to land as close as possible to it.

    Bocce  was a major amusement for Roman soldiers, who spread it through the empire. Balls were eventually substituted for the stones and they were usually rolled rather than tossed.

    Three distinct types of the sport developed through the centuries. In France, the game was known as boules, from the Classical Latin word for ball. A different form of the sport became known in England as "lawn bowls". Bocce, also known as boccia, derived its name from the Vulgar Latin word for ball, bottia.

     Italian immigrants brought bocce to the United States. Its original centers of popularity were New York City and San Francisco because of their large Italian-American populations. But, as newer generations grew away from the sport, bocce declined and seemed in danger of extinction in this country.

    The sport experienced a small resurgence, mainly in California, during the 1970s and it's grown rapidly during the last decade. The center of the sport in the U. S. is Martinez, California, which has more than a thousand competitors in league play and many more who simply play for fun.

    The U. S. Bocce Federation says there are about 1 million players in the United States. Outside of California, major centers of popularity include Chicago, Las Vegas, Memphis, New Orleans, Phoenix, St. Louis, New York and now Southwest Florida.

Back

What is Team Play Bocce?

Team Play Bocce is competition between teams in Leagues. Club Members (men and women) sign up to be a team member. Teams consisting of 4 players each are formed from those signed up to be team players. Teams play a set of scheduled games. A play off tournament is held to determine the League champions for the season. A League Bocce Awards Party is normally held after the tournament.

Back

How are the Social Bocce Teams formed?

Teams are formed by the group present at the start time. Team formation depends on the number and mix of men and women present. Sometimes the men and women play on separate courts or play mixed. Typically, new players are split among the teams and given assistance by an experienced player.

Back

Can I play Bocce other than the scheduled times?

When the courts are not reserved or being used, the courts are available to all Residents members and their guests. The equipment is at the courts and can be used to play or practice at any time.

Back

Is there a fee or any cost for Bocce?

There is no fee for residents or their guests to play on the courts or for Social Bocce play.

A nominal fee may be charged for Bocce Leagues to cover incidental expenses and trophies.

Back