Introduction

It's the end of an era on the pétanque terrains. In 2026, the cliché of the umpire kneeling with his old yellowed tape measure belongs to the past. To guarantee total fairness and avoid tension during disputed points, the FFPJP is rolling out the use of high-precision laser and video assistance. Paquita explains why this technology is going to become your best friend (or your worst enemy).

Why is the laser replacing the traditional tape measure?

The official rules, updated by the FIPJP (International Federation), stress that human error on a 2-millimetre measurement is the cause of 80% of altercations at the end of an end. The laser offers precision to the tenth of a millimetre, impossible to dispute.

This digital transition accompanies the profound changes already seen in the 2026 rules and the return to wild pétanque, where the contours of the ground make manual measurements almost impossible to carry out correctly.

Players' rights: Can you use your phone?

It's the big question among licence holders. While many mobile apps offer "laser measure" features, the FFPJP is categorical: in official competition, only the umpire's approved device counts.

However, for your training sessions or friendly games, you can check the list of measuring tools certified by the FFPJP to equip yourself. For those who want to practise judging the point by eye before the umpire arrives, use our free tools for petanque players.

Towards "VAR" video officiating in pétanque?

For the Nationals and the 2026 French Championships, video assistance (often called "pétanque VAR") is making its entrance. An overhead camera settles situations where several boules are at an equal distance from the jack.

Before you register for your next major tournament, make sure you've properly validated your 2026 licence step by step, as your digital profile will now be linked to the history of your measurements in competition!

Conclusion

Some will miss the charm of the folding rule, but pétanque in 2026 gains credibility and serenity. With the laser, there's no more room for doubt: the point goes to whoever truly deserves it. So pack away your strings and get ready for the high-tech era!