The mandatory check-list — what the referee checks
These items can be checked at any time during an FFPJP-approved tournament. The referee is sovereign in their checks.
✅ MANDATORY — Before the first game 7 points ✓ Valid FFPJP licence Licence valid for the current sporting season. Digital format accepted since 2024 — QR code on smartphone valid. Check the year of validity before you leave. See: Dematerialised FFPJP licence Unchanged ✓ FIPJP-approved boules — complete triplette Each boule must bear the FIPJP approval number engraved on it, with the weight and manufacturer. 3 boules mandatorily identical in weight for a single player in a triplette. No replacement boule during a game without the referee's agreement. Unchanged ✓ Compliant sports kit Strengthened 2026 new feature: sports kit mandatory in all FFPJP-approved tournaments. Jeans, swim shorts, beach dresses and flip-flops are formally prohibited. See the dedicated section below. See: Prohibition of jeans in 2026 New 2026 ✓ Rigid throwing circle (35 to 50 cm in diameter) Rigid circle mandatory since 2025-2026 in approved tournaments. Free material (plastic, rubber, metal). Internal diameter: 35 to 50 cm. A circle traced with the foot in the dirt or a simple line are no longer accepted in official tournaments. See: Rigid circle mandatory 2026 New 2026 ✓ Approved jack (30 to 35 mm) The jack must measure between 30 and 35 mm in diameter. In practice, jacks sold in specialist shops are almost always within these standards. Cork stoppers, marbles or repurposed objects are prohibited. The team that throws the jack is responsible for its compliance. Unchanged ✓ Tape measure or measuring instrument At least one measuring instrument per team is required in official tournaments — either a classic tape measure or a laser rangefinder. The laser rangefinder is now accepted comme instrument de mesure officiel dans la plupart des concours. Une seule unité suffit pour une triplette. Recommandé laser ✓ Chaussures fermées — pieds couverts Les pieds doivent être chaussés de chaussures fermées. Les tongs, sandales ouvertes et chaussures sans talon sont interdites en concours officiel — pour des raisons de sécurité (impact de boule) et de règlement vestimentaire. Une chaussure de sport basse est suffisante. InchangéBoules: the exact 2026 standards
Boule checks are the most frequent inspection point and the one that generates the most exclusions. Here are the exact standards applicable in 2026.
⚙️ FIPJP STANDARDS — PÉTANQUE BOULE 2026 Minimum weight 650g Below = boule refused immediately Maximum weight 800g Above = boule refused immediately Minimum diameter 70.5mm Measured across several axes Maximum diameter 80mm Sphericity tolerance controlled Mandatory marking FIPJP no. + weight + manufacturer engraved on the boule Surface Smooth No cavity or artificial roughness altering the behaviour 🔍 How to check your boules before the tournamentLook for the FIPJP approval number engraved on each boule (not printed, not glued — engraved). If you can't find a legible number, your boules are not approved. Also check that the engraved weight matches your scale — over the years, some boules wear slightly. Finally, the three boules of a triplette must all bear the same engraved weight to be played together. See our full article: How to check the approval of your boules
⚠ Modified boules — immediate sanctionAny boule whose surface has been intentionally modified after manufacture (added grooves, filling, altered bore) is considered non-compliant and results in the player's immediate exclusion from the tournament. No prior warning — the sanction is direct and with no appeal possible at the time.
Clothing: allowed vs prohibited in 2026
Sports kit has been mandatory in all FFPJP-approved tournaments since 2026. The rule was strengthened this season with reduced tolerance from referees on borderline cases.
✓ ALLOWED ✓ Tracksuit, sports tracksuit ✓ Sports shorts (football, running type) ✓ T-shirt, polo, sports jersey ✓ Sports jacket, windbreaker, sports raincoat ✓ Closed sports shoes ✓ Cap, bucket hat, beanie (no straw hat) ✓ Sports leggings, cropped sports trousers ✓ Club-coloured kit allowed ✗ PROHIBITED ✗ Jeans (whatever the cut) ✗ Swim shorts, beach shorts ✗ Dress, skirt (non-sport) ✗ Dress shirt, formal shirt ✗ Flip-flops, open sandals ✗ Bare feet ✗ Straw hat, formal hat ✗ Non-sport kit in general 👕In the event of non-compliant kit, the referee must give the player time to change before sanctioning — provided a replacement kit is available in the bag or the vehicle. If the player cannot comply within the allotted time, the game may be declared a forfeit. Tip: always keep a tracksuit in the car. See: full article on the mandatory sports kit 2026
The throwing circle — rigid mandatory in 2026
⭕ RIGID CIRCLE — EXACT STANDARDS New 2026 ✓ Internal diameter: 35 to 50 cm The FIPJP standard allows a diameter between 35 and 50 cm internal diameter. 50 cm circles (the common diameter of circles sold in shops) are within the standard. A circle that is too large or too small may be refused by the referee. Rigid mandatory ✓ Rigid material — plastic, rubber or metal The circle must be physically rigid — not a traced circle, not tape on the ground, not a drawing in the dirt. Flexible plastic circles from shops are accepted provided they hold their shape during the throw. A circle that flattens under the foot must be replaced. Unchanged ✓ Circle placed on the ground — not fixed The circle cannot be fixed or nailed to the ground. It must be placed freely. However, nothing forbids stabilising it slightly if the terrain is on a slope. A minimum of one circle per team — en pratique, chaque joueur a intérêt à avoir le sien pour jouer simultanément. Inchangé 🎙️ Paquita sur le cercle rigide "Le cercle rigide c'est 3 € dans n'importe quel magasin de sport. Depuis que c'est obligatoire, j'ai vu des joueurs se faire exclure d'une mène pour avoir tracé un cercle dans la terre 'comme d'habitude'. L'habitude, ça ne sert à rien face à un arbitre qui applique le règlement. Le cercle rigide dans la sacoche — comme les boules et le mètre. C'est une case à cocher, pas un débat." — PaquitaThe recommended check-list — what makes the difference
💡 RECOMMENDED — Not mandatory, but strongly advised 9 points ★ Laser rangefinder Advantageously replaces the tape measure. Accuracy ±1mm, measurement in 1 second, removes measuring disputes. Cost: 25–60 €. The most profitable investment in your tournament bag. Many clubs already equip their referees with them. Recommended ★ Spare boules in the bag A lost, damaged or referee-removed boule may require replacement during a tournament. Having an approved boule of the same weight in the bag avoids a forfeit. The replacement must be validated by the referee. Precaution ★ Cloth and boule maintenance oil A clean cloth to dry the boules between games and a light oil for maintenance. Wet or dirty boules can slightly alter the grip. It's not mandatory but players who use it keep their equipment in better condition over time. Maintenance ★ Spare kit (tracksuit in the car) If the referee flags non-compliant kit, you need to be able to change quickly to avoid a forfeit. A sports tracksuit in the bag or car solves the problem in 5 minutes. See the clothing section above. Caution ★ Boule storage bag Boules carried loose in a sports bag risk knocking against each other and getting damaged. A specific bag with compartments protects the boules and identifies you as a seriously equipped player. No regulatory obligation, but a plus for the equipment's lifespan. Maintenance ★ Distinctive markings on the boules (grooves, dotted lines) In tournaments with several teams from the same club, identical boules can get mixed up. A distinctive marking (custom grooves, indelible marker on the number) helps quickly identify your boules and avoids confusion during an end. Practical ★ Spare jacks (x3 minimum) A jack can be lost, broken or swallowed up in the vegetation. Having 3 approved jacks on you guarantees the continuity of play without delay. The lost jack must be replaced at the same distance according to the rules. Practical ★ Sun protection and hydration A 12-hour tournament in summer without sun protection or water is a recipe for heatstroke. It's not a pétanque rule — it's common sense. See our article: Surviving a 12-hour tournament in 35°C heat. Santé ★ Règlement FFPJP imprimé ou application En cas de litige sur une règle de jeu, avoir le règlement disponible — sur smartphone ou imprimé — permet de trancher rapidement. L'arbitre est souverain mais peut se référer au texte en cas de situation exceptionnelle. Utile surtout pour les situations rares. RéférenceWhat is formally prohibited
⛔ PROHIBITED — Risk of immediate sanction 6 points ✗ Non-approved or modified boules Supermarket boules, boules without a FIPJP number, boules whose surface has been modified after manufacture (carved grooves, filling). Sanction: immediate exclusion from the tournament. See our article: Checking the approval of your boules Exclusion ✗ Playing without having your feet in the circle At the moment of the throw, both feet must remain in the circle, in contact with the ground, until the thrown boule touches the ground. A foot that overhangs or lifts before the boule lands is a fault. In official tournaments, it's a yellow card on the first offence. Yellow card ✗ Sweeping the terrain before throwing Sweeping, blowing, moving stones or obstacles in the playing area before throwing has been an infringement since 2025-2026. Yellow card for the offending player. In the event of a repeat offence, red card and exclusion from the end. See: Sweeping rules 2026 Carton jaune ✗ Cacher ou masquer le cochonnet Mettre sa main, son pied, ou tout objet devant le cochonnet pour le masquer à l'adversaire est formellement interdit. Le cochonnet doit être visible de tous les joueurs à tout moment de la mène. Carton jaune ✗ Langage irrespectueux ou comportement antisportif Les insultes, provocations, comportements intimidants envers adversaires, arbitres ou spectateurs sont sanctionnés directement selon la gravité. Le règlement 2026 prévoit des sanctions renforcées pour le comportement antisportif après plusieurs incidents signalés en concours. Carton jaune/rouge ✗ Jouer avec des boules d'un autre joueur sans autorisation Chaque joueur doit jouer avec sa propre triplette assignée. Jouer avec les boules d'un coéquipier sans que l'arbitre ait validé un échange (en cas de boule perdue ou défectueuse) constitue une irrégularité. La mène peut être invalidée. Mène annuléeSpecifics by player category
🌱 Minimes (under 12 years old)Lightened boules allowed from 600g minimum. Adapted diameter possible depending on the category. Sports kit identical to adults. Rigid circle mandatory as for everyone.
🎒 Cadets / Juniors (12–18 years old)Standard boules from 650g. Same rules as adults for equipment. The FFPJP youth licence is mandatory — distinct from the adult licence.
👩 WomenNo exemption on equipment compared to the general rules. Same FIPJP approval, same weight and diameter standard. Women's sports kit (leggings, tracksuit, sports polo) is fully compliant.
🧓 Veterans (60+)Same general rules. No specific exemption on equipment. Lighter boules (within the 650–800g range) may be chosen for comfort — this is within the rules.
♿ Disability sportSpecific adaptations exist for FFPH disability sport competitions. The circle may be replaced by a seat or an adapted position validated by the referee. Enquire with the disability pétanque federation.
🌍 International competitionsFIPJP rules apply strictly. No national exemption is accepted. Boule checks are systematic before major competitions. International approval required.
Sanctions — what awaits you if you're not in order
AVERTISSEMENT Premier manquement à la tenue ou au cercle Un avertissement verbal est donné par l'arbitre. Le joueur dispose d'un délai (généralement 15 minutes) pour se mettre en conformité — se changer, apporter un cercle rigide. Si la conformité est rétablie dans le délai, aucune autre sanction n'est appliquée. CARTON JAUNE Faute de jeu (pied hors cercle, balayage, masquage cochonnet) Carton jaune au joueur fautif. La boule jouée en infraction peut être annulée et remise en jeu par l'arbitre. En cas de deux cartons jaunes sur la même partie, le joueur reçoit un carton rouge. CARTON ROUGE Récidive ou comportement antisportif grave Exclusion de la mène en cours. L'équipe continue la partie à effectif réduit pour cette mène. En cas de comportement très grave (violence verbale sérieuse, agression), l'arbitre peut prononcer l'exclusion du concours. FORFAIT / EXCLUSION Boules non homologuées ou non-conformité non corrigée La partie est déclarée forfait (0-13) pour l'équipe en infraction. En cas de boules modifiées ou de fraude caractérisée, l'exclusion de tous les concours pour la saison peut être prononcée par la commission disciplinaire de la ligue. 📖 LE LIVRE DE PAQUITA La méthode pour bien s'équiper ET bien jouerCompliant equipment is the foundation — but it's your game that makes the difference. Paquita's book covers the complete biomechanics, the 100 exercises and the mental management to become a formidable shooter.
📦 Order on AmazonFAQ — Your frequent questions
Decathlon sells both FIPJP-approved boules (Geologic Compétition range) and non-approved leisure boules (Initiation or Plage range). The distinction is simple: check whether the box mentions "homologuée FIPJP" (FIPJP-approved) and whether each boule bears an engraved approval number. Without these two elements, the boules are leisure boules and will be refused in official tournaments. To find out more: article on checking the approval. A flexible plastic circle is accepted provided it holds its circular shape when placed on the ground and a player stands in it. If the circle flattens or deforms under the feet to the point of no longer being circular, it may be refused by the referee. Rigid plastic or thick rubber circles sold in specialist sports shops are generally fine. In case of doubt, invest in a quality rigid circle — they cost between 3 and 15 € and last several seasons. Yes, since the generalisation of the dematerialised FFPJP licence, the QR code displayed on your smartphone is accepted as proof of a valid licence. Make sure your phone is charged and that you have access to the app or the email of your licence. In the rare cases where a referee demands the paper version, it's an outdated practice but legally challengeable — dematerialisation was officially adopted by the FFPJP. See: article on the digital FFPJP licence. Yes, completely. The rules don't distinguish between "shooter boules" and "pointer boules" — these designations are commercial, not regulatory. What matters is that the boules are FIPJP-approved and within the weight and diameter standards. A pointer can perfectly well play with the hard, deep-grooved boules typical of shooters, and vice versa. The choice of hardness, grooving and weight within the legal range belongs entirely to the player. Si l'arbitre constate une non-conformité en cours de concours (boule légèrement en dessous du poids après usure, marquage illisible), la procédure dépend de la gravité. Une boule légèrement usée mais dans les tolérances peut continuer à être jouée. Si la non-conformité est avérée, vous pouvez la remplacer par une boule de réserve homologuée — c'est pour ça qu'il est conseillé d'en avoir une dans sa sacoche. Si vous n'en avez pas, la partie continue à deux boules pour votre équipe. Dans les cas graves de modification intentionnelle, l'exclusion est immédiate. En cas de doute, prévenez l'arbitre vous-même avant qu'il ne le découvre — ça joue toujours en votre faveur. 📎 Articles liés Equipment How to check the FFPJP approval of your boules 2026 Rules The mandatory rigid circle — everything you need to know 2026 Rules Prohibition of jeans — mandatory sports kit 2026 2026 Rules Sweeping and cards — the new 2026 rules Equipment Choosing your pétanque boules — 2026 guide Rules Complete FFPJP rulebook 2026© Pétanque by Paquita — petanqueland.fr ·
📖 Paquita's book on Amazon
Check-list based on the FIPJP and FFPJP rules in force for the 2026 season. Some points may vary depending on the specific rules of the tournaments — always check the organiser's rules.