BC3

This article is about the boccia classification. For other uses, see BC-3.

BC3 is a Paralympic boccia classification.

Definition

In 2008, BBC Sport defined this classification was "BC3: For players with a very severe physical disability. Players use an assistive device and may be assisted by a person, who will remain in the player's box but who must keep his/her back to the court and eyes averted from play" In 2008, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation defined this classification was "BC3: This category is for players with a very severe physical disability. Players use a device to assist them and also can be helped by a nominated person at the court. However the assistant must keep his/her back to the court, so they cannot give advice on where to throw or kick the next ball to get it closest to the jack." In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association defined this classification as: "BC 3 – These athletes are also unable to hold and release a ball. These athletes may use a ramp and an assistant ." In 2012, the Great Britain Boccia Federation defined this classification as: "Players with Cerebral Palsy or other disability with locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs who are unable to throw or kick a ball into play and as such are permitted to use an assistive device such as a ramp to propel the ball into play and are supported by an assistant ('ramper')e"

Events

Events this classification competes in are mixed gendered competitions for either single players or a pair of players. At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, this classification will compete in a six end individual event, and a pairs event with four balls per each end in a four end game. Players in this classification have six minutes to play an end. Players in this classification have eight minutes to play an end during team play.

Performance

Great Britain's performances in this classification meant their talent identification unit for sport performance focuses specifically on improving it as one of the best opportunities for medals at the 2012 London Games.

At the 2012 Australian national championships held at the Sydney Sport & Recreation from 30 April to 3 May, the BC3 individual event was won by Angie McReynolds of New South Wales, with second place going to Terry Cooper of New South Wales and third place going to Sheila Thomas of New South Wales.

Becoming classified

Classification is handled by Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association. The classification officer for the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association is Joan Steele-Mills.

To be eligible for classification, a boccia competitor "must have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury or other nonprogressive brain damage with locomotor dysfunction, either congenital or acquired (exception: Boccia “BC 4” players)."

Competitors

Competitors in this classification include Jessica Hunter who has represented both England and Great Britain, and Jacob Thomas who has represented both Wales and Great Britain.

See also

• Boccia classification