Scottish Athletics

CABER
This event is what many people associate with the Highland Games. A long tapered wooden pole is balanced vertically on one end. He then runs forward and attempts to toss the pole end over end and land facing directly away. Cabers vary greatly in length, weight, taper and balance, all of which affect the degree of difficulty in making a successful toss.​

SHEAF
A bundle of straw (the sheaf) weighing 20 pounds (9 kg) for the men or 10 pounds (4.5 kg) for the women and wrapped in a burlap bag is tossed vertically with a pitchfork over a raised bar (like that used in pole vaulting).

HAMMER
This event is similar to the hammer throw as seen in modern-day track and field competitions. In the Scottish event, a round metal ball (weighing 16 or 22 pounds for the men or 12 or 16 pounds for women) is attached to the end of wooden or other solid material shaft, about 4 feet in length.

WEIGHT OVER BAR
This event is also known as weight for height. The athletes attempt to toss a weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Men toss 56 pounds (4 stone) and women toss 28 pounds (2 stone).

WEIGHT FOR DISTANCE
Weights are made of metal and have a handle either directly attached to the weight or attached to the weight by a chain. The weight is thrown using any technique but only one hand. Men use 35 pound weight and women use 20.