Official pétanque attire: what do the FFPJP competition rules say?

Are you starting out in official competitions or is your club about to compete in championships? Congratulations! However, pétanque is a rigorous sport, and that also extends to attire. To avoid a warning or disqualification before even throwing your first boule, it's best to know the rules inside out.

Discover exactly what the FFPJP (French Federation of Pétanque and Provençal Game) regulations state and how to remain elegant and compliant on the courts.

1. The Obligation of Uniformity: Identical Tops for the Team

This is the golden rule of the FFPJP in championships. From the first rounds of the competition, players from the same team (doubles or triples) must wear identical tops.

• What is mandatory: The same color and the same cut (all in polo shirts, or all in t-shirts).
• What is tolerated: Sleeves may vary (short or long) if the model and color remain the same.
• The trap to avoid: One player in a white t-shirt and their partner in a white polo shirt, even from the same brand, may be refused by the referee.

2. What Clothing is Prohibited by the FFPJP?

The federation aims to modernize the image of pétanque and make it a sport in its own right. Certain casual wear or clothing from other disciplines are therefore strictly prohibited:

• The case of shorts and tracksuits: Football or beach shorts (swimshorts) are prohibited. Shorts must be "sport" type or cleanly cut bermudas. Tracksuits with large logos of other football clubs are also to be avoided.
• Ripped jeans: Even if it's fashionable, ripped or torn jeans are prohibited on the courts.
• Footwear: This is a matter of safety. Open shoes (sandals, flip-flops, slides) are completely prohibited. You must wear closed-toe shoes (sneakers or sports shoes).

3. Combining FFPJP Regulations and Style with "Pétanque Sportif"

Finding clothes that comply with club regulations without looking like our grandfathers is not always easy. This is why the French brand Pétanque Sportif was created.

We offer ranges of technical polo shirts and t-shirts specifically designed for competitors:

• Thermal comfort: Breathable fabrics to wick away sweat during long games under the summer sun.
• Freedom of movement: A fitted cut that leaves the arm perfectly free, whether you are a pointer or a shooter.
• Club compatibility: Clean and modern designs that can easily accommodate your club's logo or your sponsors.

💡 Extra tip: Remember to always have an identical windbreaker or jacket in your pétanque bag. If the weather turns bad during the final stages, the uniformity rule also applies to rain gear! Discover our Pétanque Sportif jackets and sweatshirts here.

4. Essential Accessories for Competitors

Beyond attire, your equipment must be compliant. In competition, you must have:

• A tape measure or an approved compass to measure disputed points.
• A wooden or FFPJP-approved resin jack (cochonnet) (jacks that can be picked up with a magnet are prohibited in competition).
• Your engraved and approved competition boules, such as the famous ranges from Obut or MS Pétanque, available on our online store.