Loughborough University are conducting a research project into the specification of boccia balls ©Getty Images

Loughborough University are carrying out an independent research project on the manufacture and testing of boccia balls for competition.

Their research project was launched after the International Federation for Boccia (BISFed) made a resolution at their first-ever General Assembly in Beijing last year that a clear specification for the manufacturing and testing of balls for BISFed sanctioned competitions should be put into place.

Recommendations are set to be made to the BISFed Board by Loughborough University, one of the world’s leading academic institutions who have a particular expertise in sport science, at the close of the project.

The institution, who have previously completed similar projects for the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), are conducting the project in three stages.

Direct data gathering was the first stage of the project and drew to a close with the completion of the European Team and Pairs Championship in Guildford, England, on Sunday (July 26) with an expert researcher having attended the event to find out the views of stakeholders.

An expert researcher was at the European Team and Pairs Championships to gather date
An expert researcher was at the European Team and Pairs Championships to gather date ©GB Boccia

The expert also attended last month's World Open in Poland, with both events providing the researcher with a variety of viewpoints, including those of both athletes and coaches, as well as ball manufacturers.

Members of the boccia community are now being encouraged to become involved in the second stage on the project, as an online portal is set to be established, in a bid to give players and coaches an opportunity to put forward their views, as the data gathering continues.

BISFed are urging those with an interest in the specification of boccia balls to make the most of their chance to add their voice to the research project and influence the final outcome.



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