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Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about LCC Bocce |
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FAQ Table of ContentsClick on question for answer
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 to Top
What is Team Play Bocce?Team Play Bocce is competition between teams in Leagues. Lexington Country Club Members (men and women) sign up to be a team member or substitute from October 15 to November 15 of each year. Between November 15 and December 1, teams consisting of 4 players each are formed from those signed up to be team players. Teams practice during December and then play a set of scheduled games during January and February. A play off tournament is held in March to determine the League champions for the season. A League Bocce Awards Party is normally held after the tournament. Back to Top
What is Social Bocce and how are the teams formed?There are time slots reserved, open to all Lexington members and guests, to gather for Social Bocce, choose teams, learn about Bocce, play the game, have lots of fun, and meet new friends. 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 to Top
Can I play Bocce other than the scheduled times?When the courts are not reserved or being used, the courts are available to all Lexington Country Club members and their guests. The equipment is at the courts and can be used to play or practice at any time. Back to Top
Is there a fee or any cost for Bocce?There is no fee for members 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 to Top
How are League Bocce Teams formed? Based on the current skill ratings of the league players, bocce teams with 4 players each are formed by the computer to produce balanced teams based purely on the ratings of the players. ( CLICK HERE for more detailed information. )
At the end of the season all the team captains must rate all the players on their team and any other players they feel capable of rating. Ratings are based purely on bocce skills. The rating for each player is the average of the ratings submitted by the team captains.( CLICK HERE for more detailed information. )
How are Captains selected and what are their duties? Team Captains are selected from the highest rated players in their league. Team Captains have numerous duties relative to managing their team and conducting league matches. ( CLICK HERE for a detailed list of duties. )
What are the Substitution Rules? A system for substitutes has been implemented to prevent a team improving their team with substitutes. ( CLICK HERE for detailed rules. )
What happens in case of a rainout?
How are team standings during the season calculated? Team standings have 3 components, 1. match points won, 2. game points scored, and 3. game points yielded to the opponents. Team positions are determined by match points won with most game points scored as the first tie breaker and least game points yielded as the second tie breaker. Since leagues have a bye team each week the 3 components are calculated as percentages. The match points won percentage is the sum of match points won to date divided by the total match points available to date (4 points per match). Similarly the game points percentages are the sum of game points scored to date divided by the total game points available to date (36 points per match). CLICK HERE for more information.
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