Play Petanque in the UK Two balls and a jack were unearthed in the sarcophagus of an Egyptian Prince of the 52nd Century B.C. Thus there is archaeological evidence that a form of pétanque was played over seventy centuries ago. Subsequently there have been historical references in both France and England at the time of Edward the Third and Elizabeth the First. What else could Drake have played on the Hoe at Plymouth? It is fact that a game played with cannon balls the size of cricket balls, was very popular with both soldiers and sailors at that time. In 1910 a new version was developed in the small town of La Ciotat, near Marseilles. Interestingly it was adapted from a similar game of the time to enable a handicapped player to participate. It is this version that has become the standard throughout the world played to a set of internationally recognised rules.
Pétanque is played throughout the British Isles. It is a sport for all ages and both sexes, it is classless and can be played wherever a reasonable surface can be found or created. Locally, clubs are grouped into leagues and districts, which form 15 regions that cover the country. The regions, plus the elected officers, form the National Council, which is the controlling body of the British Pétanque Association (B.P.A)

Petanque Competitions UK The B.P.A. was founded in 1974 by a small group of enthusiasts and has developed into a fully-fledged sport served by a permanent staff based at Coventry. There are now 320 affiliated clubs and over 4,000 members. The sport continues to grow in popularity as is evidenced by a steady growth in membership, the number of clubs, and areas gaining regional status. It is particularly pleasing to note the number of junior players entering the sport as a result of the B.P.A.'s youth policy.

The B.P.A. communicates with its members through its regional structure, newsletter and journal, Pétanque News. Issued to all pétanque households, the newsletter and journal ensures all members are kept up to date with views, news, developments, competitions, opinions, results, etc.
The basic aim of the B.P.A. is the promotion of the game of pétanque, which is achieved in a number of ways. Public awareness is promoted by national and local officers of the B.P.A. working with local authorities, groups of enthusiasts, companies, schools, youth and disabled organisations, etc. Guidance and assistance are readily available to develop the sport at all levels. Demonstrations and 'come and try' sessions are held at national exhibitions as well as at local events.

Affiliation to the Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal ensures that the B.P.A. remains a major force in the sport internationally. This ensures participation in changes made in the rules and organisation worldwide. Is also ensures that Great Britain is qualified to send teams to compete in the annual World Championship, the top honour for players to strive for, both junior and senior.

The B.P.A. is responsible for organising its own national championships and annual inter-regional competitions. The BPA regions organise their own regional championships and there are many open events arranged by clubs. The provision of instruction in the sport of pétanque is also a major aim of the B.P.A. A comprehensive coaching policy has been developed, thanks to the previous support of the Sports Council, and most of the comprehensive structure is already in place. The B.P.A. is the governing body for Great Britain and is a member of the Central Council for Physical Recreation as well as the Sports Council. Through these associations, the B.P.A.'s resources and qualified coaches are available to assist the disabled as well as its own members.

Petanque, Boules, in the UK The concept of the game of pétanque is simple and similar to bowls, i.e. resting your boule closer to the jack than your opponent. However, instead of rolling wooden bowls over an immaculately maintained lawn, pétanque is played on an easily maintained area of fairly level 'rough' ground, with metal boule rolled or tossed to the jack. For local hostelries, leisure centres or sports clubs to create an interest in pétanque is quite simple. The first stage is to contact the BPA for regional and club contacts in your area. Jointly identify a suitable piece of ground as a temporary playing area, and arrange for a few evenings of 'come and try' for the members of your centre. The cost of this will be minimal. Your local club or region will be able to provide boules to play with and experienced players to demonstrate the game and run the evening for you. Your responsibility will be to drum up the initial support.

With the success of the experiment you will need to establish a regular playing area, or terrain. The minimum area required to be involved in a local league is approximately 15 metres by 12 metres of fairly level compacted surface with a thin top dressing of fine chippings. The boundary needs to be defined by a low barrier and if pétanque is to be played in the evening, lighting will be required. But this is all in the future!

Visit our British Petanque website.

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