Scottish Athletics Explained

The Caber Toss

Probably the most famous of all the heavy events, remarkably, distance has no bearing on the outcome of the caber toss. The objective is to toss the caber end-over-end so the small end falls directly away from the contestant.

Each competitor is given three opportunities to toss the caber and all tosses are scored. Since the caber and terrain at each game are slightly different, there can be no uniform records. Cabers average nineteen feet long and about one hundred and twenty pounds.

To toss the caber, the competitor lifts it up, balances it in a vertical position with his hands underneath, the caber resting against his shoulder. Keeping it balanced, he runs as far as he wants to build speed and momentum. Using strength, balance, timing, speed and the force of the caber, the tosser tries to throw it end-over-end so that the tapered end held in the hands will land straight ahead for a perfect score. If the caber falls to the right or left, points are deducted.

The Hammer Throw

What probably began as a contest between two young men has grown into an internationally recognized Olympic event. Today’s hammer is 22 pounds and the competitor is judged ont he best of three throws.

The hammer head is round, made of metal, and the handle (or shaft) is made of cane. The overall length is 50 inches, and it is eith 16 pounds (light hammer) or 22 pounds (heavy hammer). The hammer is thrown standing the the thrower facing away from the throwing area. Under Scottish rules, his feet must not move until after he releases the hammer. Number of throws, measurements and foul rules are the same as the Weights for Distance.

The Sheaf Toss

The origins of this event obviously lie in the agricultural regions of Scotland. A 16-pound sheaf of hay, enclosed in a burlap bag, is tossed with a three-tined pitch fork over a bar. The sheaf must clear the bar without touching. Each competitor is given three opportunities at each height. After all have had their three chances, the bar is raised six inches and the competition goes on until all competitors but one are eliminated.

Weights for Height

The weight for height is a block or ball to which a ring handle is attached with a total weight of 56 pounds. The objective is to throw it up and over a bar similar to that used in a pole vault using only one hand.

The starting height of the competition is the lowest height requested by the competitors. A competitor may pass until the bar reaches the height at which he wants to enter the competition. Once he starts to throw, he must compete each time the bar is raised. Each competitor is allowed three attempts to clear the bar at each height. If the weight touches the bar on its way over, but does not dislodge the bar, the throw is considered successful.

All measurements are made from the ground to the top of the bar at a point midway between the uprights. Before a record attempt is made, the judges will verify the height of the bar.

Distance Events

The Braemar Stone Put & Weights for Distance
The Braemar Stone

This is similar to the Olympic Shot Put, except that no run up is allowed. Instead, this is a standing style. The stone must be put from in front of the shoulder using one hand only. Each competitor is allowed three attempts, the best one of which counts. Measurement is made from the point on the trip where the throw is made to the nearest break in the ground where the stone lands. Touching the top of the toeboad or the ground beyond is a foul.

Weights for Distance

This event uses a metal weight with a handle attached, which together make up the total weight, generally either 28 pounds (equal to “two stone” of weight) or 56 pounds (which would be equal to “four stone”).

Each competitor gets three opportunities to throw from behind a piece of wood (called a “trig”), which the athlete can not cross over. The distance is measured from behind the trig.