|
Williamsburg Scottish Athletic Events
The WSF Scottish Athletic events are Class A Competition for novice and amateur Highland athletes. Celtic athletic competitions comprise the following categories: the Scottish Highland Athletic Competitions (or Heavy Events), team sports and traditional Celtic sporting events.
The Heavy Events test the athletes’ strength, skill and endurance. Event names containing the word Toss refer to competitions judged on loft, whereas, event names containing the word Throw are judged on distance.
 Caber Toss
The caber is a 90 to 120 pound log, 16' to 20' in length that is tossed end-over-end. Once the narrow end of the caber is vertically balanced in the arms of the athlete, the athlete runs forward, stops and heaves the caber upward. A perfectly thrown caber will spin in such a way that the large end hits the ground first, then the narrow end falls forward, landing in the 12 o’clock position, pointing directly away from the athlete.
Sheaf Toss
In the Sheaf Toss, athletes use a three-tined pitchfork to hurl a bag of hay up into the air and over an adjustable crossbar. The bag of hay weighs 16 to 20 pounds for men, and 10 to 12 pounds for women. The winner is the athlete who tosses the sheaf the highest.
 Stone Throw
A rounded stone called a clachneart, weighing between 16 and 32 pounds for men and 8 to 12 pounds for women, is thrown for distance in this event. Some athletes spin to gain momentum before releasing the stone, in much the same way a shot put is thrown, while others impart momentum using a forward surge. The winner is the athlete who throws the stone the farthest. As the weight of stones used is variable, distances achieved will vary from festival to festival.
 Weight Throw
In the Weight Throw, men throw 28 and 56 pound weights for distance in this event. For women, the weights are 14 and 28 pounds. The athlete grasps the weight in one hand and begins swinging the weight from side to side. Once the desired momentum is achieved, the athlete spins the weight around, usually twice, to impart additional momentum, then releases the weight. The winner is the athlete who throws the weight the farthest.
 Weight Toss
In the Weight Toss, men use a 56 pound weight, which is tossed for height. Women use a 28 pound weight. The athlete stands beneath an adjustable height crossbar, grasps the weight with one hand, and swings the weight back and forth between the legs. On the final swing, the athlete brings the weight up in a smooth arc and releases the weight so that it will pass over the crossbar. The winner is the athlete who tosses the weight the highest.
Hammer Throw
In the Hammer Throw event, athletes use a hammer comprised of metal ball attached to a wooden handle, usually rattan. The total length of the hammer must not exceed 4' 2" (50"). For men, the lighter hammer weighs 16 pounds and the heavy hammer weighs 22 pounds. For women, the lighter hammer weighs 12 pounds and the heavy hammer weighs 16 pounds. The athlete spins the hammer in a circular motion building up momentum. When ready, the hammer is released. The winner is the athlete who throws the hammer the farthest.
Registration Information
- All athletes must have competed in at least one Scottish heavy event competition in the last 12 months.
- All athletes must wear a kilt in competition; kilts are not supplied by the Festival.
- The field judge, David McKenzie, is authorized to refuse a request to compete.
- Athletes should register to compete at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival and Celtic Celebration on the Mid-Atlantic Scottish
- For more information on Scottish Highland Games, please see the Mid-Atlantic Scottish Athletics website.
- For More Information, please use our Highland Athletic Competition forum for Athletic questions or contact athletics[at]wsfonline[dot]org
* Photos for this page provided by photographer Adam Guasch-Melendez
|
