Our gathering will feature a number of athletic events from amongst those described below; most are part of traditional Scottish Highland competitions:
To perform the caber toss, it is raised to a vertical position, thin end to the ground and released to the athlete, who then must lift the end to waist height, balancing the weight, advancing forward to a point where it is flipped so that the thick end hits the ground and the caber turns over and away from the thrower. A throw is judged based on the execution of the turning of the caber and how close to a 12:00 o'clock position the thin end assumes relative to the direction of the throw. See
demo1 and
demo2 and
demo3 and
demo4 and
MJMdemo1A 16 lb stone is thrown from behind a line marked by a wooden beam, the trig, set in the ground. The throw technique requires the stone to remain in contact with the athlete's neck up to the point of release. No part of the thrower may touch any part but the inner face of the trig. Distance thrown is measured from the inner face of the trig. See
demo1 and
demo2 and
demo3 Sheaf Toss
A 17 lb sheaf consisting of a burlap sack stuffed with straw and mulch is tossed over a high bar with a four-tined pitch fork. The throw is done with the athlete beginning the motion with back facing the high bar. See
demo1 and
demo2 and
MJM demo1
Stone For Height (you'll only find this at our games)
Typical weight for height throws involve a weight attached by chain to a handle so that the weight may be thrown over a bar for height. Our event does not use any attachment to the weight, a 42 lb stone. Instead, the athlete will raise the stone to chest height and then launch it while facing the high bar. See
MJM demo1
Weight for Height
The weight for height event has the athlete throw a weight attached by chain to a handle. The weight is thrown over a high bar. The throw is done single-handedly, facing away from the high bar, so the competitior must release the weight throwing overhead and backwards. See
demo1 and
demo2 and
demo3 and
demo4 Our weight will be 35 lb.
Weight for Distance
A weight attached to a handle by chain is thrown with one arm. The athlete spins to impart a rotational acceleration to the weight; this is done within the area aportioned for the athlete's approach, usually a rectangle of 4.5 x 7.5 feet. The weight varies and may be between 28 and 56 pounds. See
demo1 and
demo2
The Hammer Throw
The light hammer is a 16 lb weight secured to the end of a 50" handle. The throwing area borrows from the open stone put in that the athlete must throw from behind a trig. With back facing the trig, the hammer is rotated overhead for several rotations before release. See
demo1 and
demo2 and
demo3 and
demo4 and
MJMdemo1
Training
The heavy events demand strength and test its limits. This means that your preparation will consist of regular weight training over a long time, building muscle. Weight training should occur on an everyother day basis or at a minimum, three times a week, for about an hour each session. Including an aerobic aspect to your workout will help cardiovascular efficiency and raise your metabolism to burn fat. Some of your training time should include practicing the specific events.
Equipment Source
Highland Sports Attire
Sportkilt offers a wide selection of highland dress for men and women. Not many of us can afford a wool kilt and this company fills the price gap with well-made lower cost options.
Competitors are encouraged to wear the traditional men's kilt, however, exception will be made if, for other reasons, standard athletic gear is desired. Men's T or light weight top and supportive athletic shoes are necessary. No metal cleats are allowed as footwear.
Pledge of the Highland Athlete
We lay down our swords
as a sign of fidelilty
to our sacred bond of brotherhood
as we, today, enter this field of competition