BC4 is aboccia classification.[1]
In 2008,BBC Sport defined this classification was "BC4: For players with other severe physical disabilities — not necessarily cerebral palsy. Players are not eligible for assistance "[1] In 2008, theAustralian Broadcasting Corporation defined this classification was "BC4: This category applies to people with other severe disabilities not covered by the three other categories. Players are not allowed assistance."[2] In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association defined this classification as: "BC 4 – These athletes have a severe physical disability who have a diagnosis other than CP. They often lack strength, have poor timing and release of the ball. Many BC4 athletes have progressive disabilities and use an underhand, pendulum swing to release the ball."[3] In 2012, theGreat Britain Boccia Federation defined this classification as: "Players who do not have Cerebral Palsy but have another disability with locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs and have similar functional ability to BC2 athletes. Disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy and Tetraplegia will fall under this classification."[4]
Events this classification competes in are mixed gendered competitions for either single players or a pair of players.[4][5] 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.[4] Players in this classification have five minutes to play an end.[6] Players in this classification have six minutes to play an end during team play.[6]
Competitors in this classification includeJamie Docherty who has represented both Scotland and Great Britain.[7]
At the 2012 Australian national championships held at the Sydney Sport & Recreation from 30 April to 3 May, the BC3 individual event was won byDean Nottle of New South Wales, withAdam Del Biondo of New South Wales taking second andCaleb Crowden of South Australia taking third.[8]
Classification is handled byCerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association.[9] The classification officer for the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association isJoan Steele-Mills.[10]
For the2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio, theInternational Paralympic Committee had a zero classification at the Games policy. This policy was put into place in 2014, with the goal of avoiding last minute changes in classes that would negatively impact athlete training preparations. All competitors needed to be internationally classified with their classification status confirmed prior to the Games, with exceptions to this policy being dealt with on a case-by-case basis.[11] In case there was a need for classification or reclassification at the Games despite best efforts otherwise, boccia classification was scheduled for September 8 at Carioca Arena 2.[11]
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