Referees are an essential part of boccia and without them the sport would not be able to run. Refereeing coursees are regularly being run to increase the quantity and quality of referees in the UK.
Accreditation conditions: all referees must have a completed log book and register all the competitions and courses that have been attended in order to be accredited in each level.
Level 0: Young Official
Conditions:
- Young official, 14-19 years old, officiating foundations
- Young Officials’ course to a minimum of bronze
Competitions permitted:
- Referee: local/county level competition, e.g. School Games, Lord’s Taverners Under 19 competition
- Linesperson: Regional Boccia Championships
Level 1: Regional/National Referee
Conditions:
- To have previous experience of boccia and participate with success in a Level 1 course and complete an assessment to demonstrate knowledge of the rules at Level 1
Competitions permitted:
- Referee: Regional level competitions; National League matches; national school competitions/finals
- Linesperson: National Boccia Championships; Boccia League National Finals
Level 2: National/UK Referee
Conditions:
- To have successfully completed the Level 2 course and be part of a regional/national mentor programme
- Demonstrate competency at regional championships
- Complete assessment to show knowledge aligned to Level 2
Competitions permitted:
- Referee: National level competitions; UK Championships; National League Finals
Level 3: International Referee Training
Conditions:
- To have been a Level 3 referee and to have refereed as a National Referee for at least 20 games
- To participate with success in a Level 4 workshop
Competitions permitted:
- Referee: European Championships; Asia and Oceanic Championships; America and Africa Championships; World Open; Continental Cup
Level 4: International Referee
Conditions:
- To be a Level 4 – Regional International Referee and to have refereed at least 10 games every year in a national event
Competitions permitted
- Referee: World Championships; Paralympic Games; Individual World Championships
Level 4+: International Head Referee/Accreditor
Conditions
- To be nominated by BISFed (Boccia International Sports Federation)
- To have been a Level 4 International Referee and to have conducted and refereed at least 10 games over the past two years
Competitions permitted:
- Head Referee: All international competitions