News · 29 January 2026
2026 rules: The return to "wild" pétanque?
News📱 2026 SEASON • DIGITAL LICENSE Revolution or fracture? The digital license: essential progress or barrier for pétanque? The arrival of the mandatory QR Code marks a historic turning point. For the Federation, the transition is necessary. On the ground, it triggers a very concrete debate: time saving or digital divide? (see link 1) (see link 2) (see link 3) QR Code = express check Clubs = key support Risk: digital exclusion Context A cultural shift, notThe digital licence: an essential step forward or a barrier for pétanque?
The arrival of mandatory QR Code marks a historic turning point. For the Federation, the transition is necessary. On the ground, it triggers a very concrete debate: time saving or digital divide ? (see link 1) (see link 2) (see link 3)
QR Code = express check Clubs = key support Risk: digital exclusionContext A cultural shift, not just a technical one
The digital licence isn't “just a QR Code”. It's a new way of proving your status, managing registrations, and streamlining checks. But as soon as you touch club habits, it becomes day-to-day : who helps? who prints? who scans? who struggles? (see link 3)
👉 Jack’s court : the question isn't “for or against digital”. The real question is: will everyone be able to play without feeling left behind?1 Efficiency serving the volunteers
First promise: saving time for clubs. Scanning a QR Code is instant. Where manual entry, checks and lists can take several minutes when it's busy. (see link 1)
- Before : paper lists, manual checks, slow entry when it gets congested.
- After : scan → quick validation → less waiting at the desk.
- Direct impact : the volunteers can breathe. And the tournament welcome is smoother. (see link 1)
When it works, it's simple: one scan, and it's sorted.
(see link 1)2 The “digital divide”: a reality on the ground
Second reality: not everyone has the same relationship with digital. Some licence-holders fear the disappearance of the “physical” link (card, paper, habits), and above all the difficulty for the oldest or the least equipped. (see link 2)
The “Against” :“We're going to lose people.”
“Not everyone has a smartphone / app / internet.”
“It creates a technological barrier.”
(see link 2) The “For” :
“We're modernising and simplifying.”
“The club can help.”
“It avoids errors and queues.”
(see link 1) ⚠️ Sensitive point : pétanque is a popular sport. If the licence becomes an obstacle, even unintentionally, the system turns against its own goal. (see link 2)
3 A supportive transition: the key is the club
The success of the reform rests on a simple idea: mutual aid. In practice, club secretaries and officials become the pillars for supporting those who aren't comfortable with computers. (see link 3)
- Provide a help point on tournament days (scan, check, printing if needed). (see link 3)
- Train 1–2 “lead” volunteers able to help in 30 seconds, without judgement.
- Remember that the goal is smoothness, not complication.
If the reform works, it will be thanks to the field… and to the clubs.
(see link 3)To remember Modernisation + human proximity
The digital licence isn't just a technical evolution. It's a cultural change. Between modernisation and human proximity, the balance will be played out day to day: supporting rather than excluding, and keeping pétanque accessible to all. (see link 2) (see link 3)
