Bocce is a game of antiquity which was played by an array of different peoples during ancient times. It is believed that as early as 5000 B.C the ancient Egyptians played a form of bocce with polished rocks. The game then emerged in Greece around the 6th century B.C. The game made its way to Rome during the Punic Wars in 264 B.C., where it served as entertainment for soldiers between battles. Beginning with Emperor Augustus, bocce became the sport for statesman. When Rome fell, the game became widespread in Europe, where it was played by the nobility and peasantry alike. The game thrived in Great Britain especially; it is said that Sir Francis Drake refused to defend Great Britain against the Spanish Armada until he finished his game of bocce.

Bocce is played with eight large balls-and one smaller target or object ball called the pallino or jack. There are 4 balls to a side, or team, and they are made in two colors to distinguish the balls of one team from the 4 balls of the opposing team. A coin toss will determine which team has the pallino and which color balls that team selects.

The pallino is thrown out by a member of the team having won the coin toss to start the game. The same player throwing the pallino must deliver the first bocce ball. The opposing team will then deliver their bocce balls until the point is taken or they have exhausted their 4 balls. This "nearest ball" rule governs the sequence of thrown balls. The side whose bocce is the closest to the pallino is called the "in" ball and the opposing side the "out" ball. Whenever a team gets "in" it steps aside and allows the "out" team to bowl.

A team has the option of rolling, throwing, bouncing, banking, etc. its ball down the court provided it does not go out-of-bounds or the player does not violate the foul markers. A player also has the option of "spocking" or hitting out any ball in play in trying to obtain a point, or decreasing the opposing team's points.

At the end of each frame, a designated official under the scrutiny of the captain will determine the points scored. Scoring points are all those balls of one team closer to the pallino than the closest ball of the opposing team, which can be determined by viewing or by measurement.

All men, women, boys, and girls of any age are welcome to participate. Teams consist of 4 people plus 1 alternate and are organized into Municipal, Senior, Youth, or Other divisions. The winning team is awarded an engraved trophy plaque by Comcast, which they can proudly display in their office for one year.

If you're interested in forming a new team, registering is easier than ever in 2008 with online signups. You've never played before? Don't worry - novices are welcome. As a matter of fact, every team who has ever won the tournament played for the first time at International Day.

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2007 Winners Northampton Township Board of Supervisors accept the Comcast Award Plaque: (l to r) Vincent Deon, Jim Kinney, George Komelasky, John Long, Pete Palestina (also the tournament co-chair), and Brian Jeter (representing Comcast)