Recreational Bocce Ball Program
Setting Up a Bocce Ball League - Views from Industry Expert, Larry Marx
Are you ready to add an activity that is fun, social and accessible to everyone? We asked club industry expert, Larry Marx, to share his view on creating a bocce ball league based on his success setting these up for dozens of country clubs. Here is his how-to guide.
Bocce Fun
League Recommendations
Start by communicating with members or residents that you will be starting a "competitive" bocce league and encourage people to organize teams and turn in a roster.
- Leagues for many country clubs occur in the fall and spring, but can be held whenever is convenient for one's audience.
- 8-12 players are typically required per team.
- Recommended cost is $60-75 per season. This fee typically includes food at the events, trophies, and prizes.
- 3 evenings consisting of 370 players.
Bocce Court League
Benefits
Adding bocce courts and leagues to one's club or facility can have multiple benefits including:
- Increase in food and beverage revenue
- Enhanced member satisfaction
- An added options for parties and corporate events
- Add-ons to other club events
- Beautification of club grounds
Steps to Set up a League
Find a location. The location of your bocce court will need to be a level area to provide ideal playing conditions. It is beneficial if the area is near a food and beverage station. Lighting and sound systems are also helpful.
Create a business plan with profit and loss sheets to ensure the addition of bocce courts will generate revenue for your business.
Hire a construction team to professionally install your courts. Having courts professionally installed will establish the longevity of the courts.
Begin trial bocce parties. These parties can help your business get a feel for any obstacles a business may experience during league play.
Begin communication about bocce leagues. This communication should include sign-up dates, rules, guidelines, schedules, rosters, and standings.
Prepare for league kick off! Make sure you have staff assigned to attend to the players of the league and a maintenance crew scheduled for cleanup after the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sign up for Bocce Ball?
Return the registration form with all the members of your team listed to the front desk of the office. You may pick up a form or for last minute reservations, you may contact a bocce administrator.
- How many players can be on a team?
You must have at least eight players to start a bocce team and no more than fourteen. At least three players must be in attendance before a match starts in order not to forfeit. The sign-up sheet has a spot for ten players to sign-up. If more spaces are needed, the captain can add member’s names and numbers to the back of the sheet.
- When and where will bocce leagues be played?
The two courses will be located near the tennis club house, just past the golf practice area. League play will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with 2-3 times available each day; 5:30pm and 7:15pm. A strict time limit of 1 ½ hours per match will be enforced.
- Will there be food and beverage available?
Snacks and light food will be provided for members during league play. Full menu and bar will be available.
- How much does it cost?
Bocce ball participation can cost $60 per person.
- Will there be space to sit & eat at the bocce courts?
There will be plenty of seating for all players and ample amount of tables and chairs for eating.
- Can children play bocce ball?
Children are allowed to be with their parents, although not preferred, but just like the fitness center, pool and clubhouse, children must be at least 14 years of age in order to play down at the courts and are not to be left unattended.
- Can I sign up as a single?
We will do our best to place you on a team with others or with an incomplete team. Please let us know if you have an interest in being team captain, as one will be picked/ decided for each team.
- What is the dress code?
The dress code is country club casual. Closed toe and comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Can I have a bocce event/party?
Of course! Please contact your catering department with any questions you may have. We can accommodate anything.
- What are the deadlines concerning bocce?
Registration will run until the start of the season although it is typical for the league to be full several weeks prior.
- What are the bocce ball court's hours of operation?
The bocce ball courts will be available for members from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm on normal club business days.
- Is there time for open play at the bocce courts?
Members can use the courts any time there is not a league being played or about to be played. Bocce ball sets will be available at the club. Members will need to sign out when they take sets and need to be checked off when sets are returned. Open play is on a first come basis.
- Is there a fee for playing?
For our members to play is free during open times. If you wish to have the courts prepped and cleaned there will be a small fee. Please try to let us know beforehand so we may have it ready.
- What if I am waiting to play while there are other groups playing?
If other teams/groups are waiting for a court, please limit your time to one game. About ½ hour. From then groups should alternate as long as there is a team in waiting.
- Is there any equipment associated with Bocce Ball?
There is equipment to rake and clean the courts as well as scoreboards, but members are not required to clean them before play or use the scoreboards. This equipment will be available down by the courts, and is the responsibility of the users. Please return to its place after use.
- Can any member play in a Bocce League?
Yes, teams can be made up of any combination of adult members. All men, all women or coed; it’s up to you. All types of membership are welcome for league and open play.
- Can guests play in the club’s Bocce League?
Members have first priority, but we will open up the leagues for any friends or guests of a member who want to play if there are spots open and no members in waiting.
- Can I sign up for more than one team?
Yes you can, but the teams will need to be in separate leagues. Our leagues are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays so the limit this season will be three teams. If teams meet in the playoffs, the team with the lowest seed of the two teams have priority for that player.
Bocce Ball League Downloads
Adding a bocce court is just one way to Bring Your Space Alive. The Recreational Group's family of brands offer a wide variety of innovative amenities - from putting courses to multi-sport game courts - that will enhance the value of your facility, promote active lifestyles, and make your space more fun.
Bring Your Space Alive