Athletics Competitions
Ryan Seckman
Chair
athletics@arizonascots.com

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Download 2008 Athletics' forms here

Download the 2008 Athletics' schedule

You are cordially invited to participate in the 44th annual Arizona Scottish
Gathering and Highland games, representing the Athletics area of this event. We would love to have you come here and enjoy the great weather, and great fun we have every year. This year looks to be our most fun year ever with a New Men's Pro class on Saturday to go along with the usual classes and fun. As well we are hosting the largest and most competitive Women's World Championships in Games History with up to 12 of the best throwers in the World as ranked by www.nasgaweb.com under database and rankings Women. We are planning on having you all here and are maiking the site very colorful and safe for you and our fans. We will have the best and greatest number of fans in the crowd to cheer you on to victory. Please see the application attached and return it as soon as possible to save your spot in the games Feb 23rd and 24th..

History of the Athletic Events

The tradition of the athletic competition goes back to the days when rival clans or kings would meet. Some believe competitions were organized to keep down the brawling and “street fighting”, to impress one’s rivals with displays of strength and skill and to gain honor and prestige.

The games came to America with the immigrants, but today the competition is between individuals and not clans. Others believe that they are the tests that were required of squires and other recruits before they were tested in battle.

Many of the various athletic strength and skill requirements are the same as those that were required to successfully win a battle against a fortified position, whether it was a Roman night camp or a walled city.

The event is broken down into five categories:

1. Weight Toss (for Height) – The objective is to toss the weight up and over a pole-vault bar. The weight has a ring handle attached so that, using only one hand, the weight may be swung between the knees and tossed over the bar.
2. Weight Throw (for Distance) – A ring handle is attached to the weight by a chain for an overall length of 18”. The weight is thrown one-handed from behind a trig with a 9’ run-up allowed. Any style may be used, with the most efficient being to spin like a discus thrower.
3. Hammer Throw – The original hammer used in Scotland was that used by the men in quarries mining granite. In America, initially it was the heavy, long-handled blacksmith’s hammer. Today the
   hammerhead is round and made of metal. The handle is made of cane (or PVC pipe) with an overall length of 50”.
4. Braemar (Standing) Stone Put – The Braemar Stone Put has an ancient and easy to identify history. It was common practice for early Highland Chieftains to have a large stone outside their gatepost and challenges of strength and endurance were easily made to a visiting clan and its “heavy” warriors.
5. Caber – The tossing of the caber (meaning “pole”, “rafter”, or “tree”) is probably the most famous of the Scottish athletic events. It is one of the most traditional (dating from the 16th century, when it may have begun as a military discipline developed to breach fortifications and barriers.) It is definitely one of the most spectacular events, as it measures strength, balance, timing and accuracy.