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Welcome To Northeast Florida Scottish Games Athletics Page |
| This ancient event is similar to the modern-day shotput, but using a stone weighing approximately 16 to 28 pounds instead of a steel ball. The stone must be 'put' from the front of the shoulder using one hand only. Each competitor is allowed a seven-foot four-inch run up to the toe board or 'trig'. The contestants are judged on the longest of three tosses. If the athlete touches the top of the 'trig', or the ground in front of it, during his attempt, the toss is not counted. |
| The Scottish Hammer, a rounded metal hammer weighing 16 to 22 lbs. with a cane shaft, is thrown for distance. The athlete throws the hammer with his back to the 'trig' and the throwing area. The competitor's feet may not move until after he releases the hammer. Some athletes use spikes on the end of their shoes to anchor them to the ground. Each athlete gets three throws with the hammer and is judged by his best distance. Touching the top of the 'trig' or the ground in front of it renders the throw foul. |
The 28 LB. Weight Throw & The 56 LB. Weight Throw |
| In the 28 lb. weight throw, the athletes are throwing for distance, using metal weights with a chain and handle attached. The weight is thrown one-handed from behind the 'trig' or toeboard with a nine foot run up allowed. Any style may be used, but the most popular and efficient is to spin like a discus thrower. The contestants are judged on the longest of three tosses. The athlete must remain standing after throwing the weight. |
| Using a three-tined pitchfork, the athletes hurl a 16 lb. burlap bag stuffed with hay over a horizontal bar between two standards. Each competitor is given three opportunities to clear the bar. After all attempts, the bar is raised in one to two foot increments. The continually rising bar reduces the field as the competition continues until all but one athlete is eliminated. |
| The centerpiece of the modern highland games, the caber requires strength, balance and timing. The caber is a long section of tree trunk with a natural taper so that it is noticeably smaller at one end than the other. The pole is 18 to 20 feet long and weighs between 100 and 140 lbs. The competitor must balance the pole against his shoulder with the small end cradled in his hands and the large end in the air so that the pole is vertical. Then he must run and allow the pole to begin to fall forward. At the right time, he must stop his sprint and flip the small end up. |
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