Before we explain the details, we want to be perfectly clear: The traditional 2-vs-2 game, with players at opposite ends, will remain the official, default way to play in our league. This proposal simply adds more choices to accommodate different team sizes and preferences for social, side-by-side play.
These new formats can only be used if both team captains agree to one of them before a match begins. If either team prefers to play the traditional way, the traditional rules will be used—no questions asked. This ensures the choice always rests with the players on the court.
Below is the proposed new Rule VIII for your review. We believe these options will make our club even more welcoming and flexible for everyone.
Proposed New Rule VIII (Trial Basis - Fall 2025)
VIII. Enriching the Bocce Experience: Optional Playing Formats
The East Portal Bocce Club proudly upholds the classic rules of bocce as our default and cherished method of play. To add variety and new social and strategic dimensions to our games, the following optional formats are available. These alternatives may only be used when both team captains mutually agree to adopt one of them prior to the start of a match. If no agreement is reached, the Classic Format will automatically apply.
Format 1: The Classic Format (Default)
- Setup: 2 players versus 2 players.
- Play: Teammates are positioned at opposite ends of the court. Each player rolls all 4 of their team’s balls for that end of the court.
- Note: This is the standard format for all league play unless both captains agree to an alternative.
Format 2: The Social Format
- Setup: 2 players versus 2 players. All four players are at the same end of the court.
- Play: Each of the two players on a team rolls 2 bocce balls per frame. Teammates can roll their balls in any order. After each frame, all four players walk to the opposite end to begin the next frame.
- Benefit: This format emphasizes camaraderie and allows for more immediate, side-by-side team collaboration between teammates who strategize and play from both ends of the court.
Example: Team Red (Anna and Ben) and Team Green (Carlos and Diane) all start at the west end of the court.
- Carlos from Team Green throws the pallino and then rolls his first ball.
- Anna from Team Red throws the next ball.
- The four players at the west end (Anna, Ben, Carlos, and Diane) then continue play, rolling their two balls each, until all eight balls at that end have been played.
- For the next frame, all four players move to the east end of the court.
Format 3: The 4-vs-4 "Full Court" Format
- Setup: 4 players versus 4 players. Each team places two players at each end of the court.
- Play: Each of the four players at the scoring end of the court rolls 2 bocce balls per frame. The two teammates at an end can roll their balls in any order to suit their strategy.
- Benefit: Allows for larger teams to get four of their players actively involved in a single game.
Example: Team Red has Anna and Ben at the west end, with their teammates Frank and Grace at the east end. Team Green has Carlos and Diane at the west end, with their teammates Hector and Isla at the east end.
- The frame begins from the west end. Carlos from Team Gold throws the pallino and rolls his first ball.
- The four players at the west end (Anna, Ben, Carlos, and Diane) then continue play, rolling their two balls each, until all eight balls at that end have been played.
- Once the frame is complete and points are scored, the next frame will be started from the east end by Frank, Grace, Hector, and Isla.
Ultimately, this proposal is about enriching our league by blending tradition with choice. We welcome you to explore these new playing formats during the Fall season and find the option that best enhances your team’s enjoyment on the courts.
Sincerely,
The EPBC Board
