2026 NAFBA
US Open
One day. Four championships. The best players in North America. For the first time, Flat Bocce players will compete for official US Open titles in Singles, Doubles, Precision and Distance.
Four championships
Singles Championship
Individual head-to-head play. Every registered competitor plays multiple qualifying matches before the field advances to the US Open Championship Bracket — it is not single elimination. The winner is crowned 2026 NAFBA US Open Singles Champion.
Doubles Championship
Two-player teams throw 8 flabs per frame, 4 per player. Both teammates play every frame and choose their own throwing order — building real roles for positioning, blocking, knockouts and covers. Winners become 2026 NAFBA US Open Doubles Champions.
Precision Championship
Four fixed targets at different distances and angles. Your best attempt at each target counts, measured center-to-center (a perfect shot is 0″). Lowest combined total wins the title of 2026 NAFBA US Open Precision Champion.
Distance Championship
Four attempts to throw a flab as far as possible down a marked lane. A throw counts if it finishes within 64″ of the centerline. The longest qualifying throw wins — and sets the inaugural NAFBA US Open Distance Record.
Number of Precision and Distance attempts is subject to final tournament testing. Awards are presented at the closing ceremony.
Event schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00–8:45 AM | Player check-in & open practice · Precision and Distance stations open |
| 8:45–9:00 AM | Mandatory players meeting |
| 9:00–11:30 AM | Singles qualifying |
| 11:30–12:15 PM | Singles Round of 16 |
| 12:15–1:00 PM | Lunch & open skills competition |
| 1:00–3:00 PM | Doubles qualifying |
| 3:00–3:45 PM | Doubles quarterfinals · skills competitions close |
| 3:45–4:30 PM | Singles quarterfinals |
| 4:30–5:00 PM | Singles semifinals |
| 5:00–5:30 PM | US Open Singles Final · Feature Court |
| 5:30–6:00 PM | Doubles semifinals |
| 6:00–6:30 PM | US Open Doubles Final · Feature Court |
| 6:30–7:00 PM | Awards ceremony |
Preliminary schedule. Final timing may be adjusted based on registration numbers.
Tournament format
Fixed-frame matches
Early rounds use a fixed number of frames to keep matches to roughly 15–20 minutes and the day on schedule.
| Stage | Frames |
|---|---|
| Qualifying | 4 |
| Round of 16 | 4 |
| Quarterfinals | 4 |
| Semifinals | 6 |
| Finals | 6 |
Qualifying & seeding
You’ll face multiple opponents before knockout rounds begin. Seeding is set by match wins, then point differential, total points scored, opponent strength and official tiebreakers.
Standardized Jack positions
Instead of open Jack placement, each court has 8 official Jack positions at different distances and angles. One is drawn at random each frame, so both sides play to the identical target. Same court. Same targets. Same opportunity.
Feature Court
One court is designated the NAFBA Feature Court. In the evening championship session all other courts close, and the Singles and Doubles finals are played there with live scoring and commentary — one court, one match, everyone watching.
All matches follow the NAFBA Official Rules, including the 2026 US Open tournament addendum.
Register
Choose Singles, Doubles, or both. Registration is limited to 64 total competitors.
Singles
- Singles championship
- Precision & Distance entry
- Player packet
Doubles
- Doubles championship
- Player packets (2)
All-Access
- Singles & Doubles championships
- Precision & Distance entry
- Player packet
Registration opens October 1
Online registration goes live October 1, 2026. Want a heads-up the moment it opens? Email us and we’ll add you to the early list.
Registered competitors will receive official tournament rules, match procedures, the competition schedule and check-in details before event day.
FAQ
Do I need tournament experience?
No. The US Open is open to everyone, whether you’ve played for years or just picked up the game. You just need to be ready to throw.
Are there age or gender divisions?
No. Every competitor plays in the same open field under the same rules.
Can I play both Singles and Doubles?
Yes — choose the All-Access entry. Singles runs in the morning and Doubles in the afternoon.
Do I need to bring my own flabs?
Official equipment will be provided on tournament courts. Any personal equipment must meet NAFBA equipment standards and be approved by tournament officials before play.
Is the players meeting required?
Yes. All competitors must attend the players meeting at 8:45 AM, where officials review format, scoring, Jack placement, foot faults and sportsmanship.
Can friends and family watch?
Yes — spectators are welcome, especially for the evening finals on the Feature Court.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email us at NAFBATeam@gmail.com.
Who will be the first?
Nov 14, 2026 · Anchor Point Athletics · Traverse City, MI