New digital licence:
modern progress or a looming headache?
In 2026, pétanque officially switches to mandatory QR Code. For the Federation, it's a gain in efficiency. On the pitch, it raises a real question: simplification… or digital divide ? (see link 1) (see link 2) (see link 3)
Fast scan Clubs on the front line Risk of exclusionContext A cultural turning point
The digital licence isn't just a technical change. It's a new way of registering, being checked, and organizing competitions. And as soon as you touch club habits, it becomes concrete: who scans? who helps? who prints? (see link 3)
👉 Jack Tribunal: the real question isn't "for or against digital". It is: will everyone be able to keep playing without feeling left behind?1 Saving time for volunteers
First stated goal: going faster. A QR Code scans in a few seconds, where paper lists and manual entry can take several minutes when it gets busy. (see link 1)
- Before : paper sheets, long checks, queues.
- After : scan → validation → fast entry.
- Result : smoother welcome and relieved volunteers. (see link 1)
When it works, it's simple: one scan, and it's sorted.
(see link 1)2 The digital divide is real
Second reality: not everyone is equipped the same. Some licence-holders dread the disappearance of the physical medium and the difficulty for the oldest or the least connected. (see link 2)
The worried"Not everyone has a smartphone."
"It creates a barrier."
"We risk losing players."
(see link 2) The optimists
"We're simplifying."
"The club can help."
"Fewer errors, less waiting."
(see link 1) ⚠️ Key point : pétanque is popular. If the licence becomes an obstacle, even unintentionally, we miss the target. (see link 2)
3 The solution: mutual aid and clubs
Success comes through support. In practice, secretaries and officials become the pillars to help those who are less comfortable with digital. (see link 3)
- Provide a help point on competition days.
- Designate 1–2 lead volunteers.
- Keep a simple goal: smoothness, not complication.
If the reform works, it will be thanks to the field… and to the clubs.
(see link 3)To remember Human above all
The digital licence is a cultural change. The balance will be played out every weekend: support rather than exclude.
🔻 Sources — Links
- Link 1: https://www.boulistenaute.com/actualite-petanque-la-licence-2026-se-devoile
- Link 2: https://www.sportmag.fr/petanque-la-transformation-digitale-en-marche/
- Link 3: https://home.ffpjp.org/images/pdf/FFPJP%20-%20Licence%20-%20Club.pdf