Glossary of Heavyweight Events Terms

All divisions (Master, Open Pro., Women, and Amateur) compete in heavyweight events that are judged by the same rules and regulations. However, the number of events competed in, as well as the size of some of the implements used in these various divisions will differ.

The Caber

This is the most well known and popular of the heavyweight Scottish events. The competitor must "pick" (pick up) the caber, run, and toss it so it lands straight out from him/her at a 12 o'clock position. The caber is tossed for accuracy, not distance. The judge must "call it" just as the caber hits the ground. A side judge will sometimes be used to determine if the caber rotated through 90 degrees - if not - it's a "Fifer" and not counted. The Caber can be any size, and can range between 18'-26', and weigh from (approximately) 100 lbs. - 150 lbs. Size is important, but so is the athlete's style.The athlete gets three attempts in this and all the heavyweight events. An added feature at some games-Maxville included (and time permitting,) - is an "unofficial event" - The Challenge Caber. This "stick" is bigger than the "official" caber used, and the athlete must qualify to throw it by turning the regulation caber at least once.

(In photo - Josée Morneau, Winnipeg, Man., Canada, Womens Division)

The Stone

This event is much like the more familiar shot put, except a field stone weighing between 16 and 26 lb. is used. It is "put" from behind a "trig"- which is a marker log on the ground - and the athlete may not cross the trig at any time or his/her throw isn't counted. The stone may be "put" either Braemar (standing) or standard style as in regular shot-put fashion. (The stone, weights for distance and hammers are measured to where they hit the ground - and not to where they end up through rolling or bouncing.)

(In Photo - Warren Trask, Alma, Ont., Canada, Open Pros. Division)

The Hammers

These weights come in various sizes, and are tossed similarly to the Olympic style.The difference is mostly in the hammer itself - the Scottish hammer is heavier (weighing either 12, 16, or 22 lbs) with the hammer head made of lead, and the handle made of wicker/rattan, which is strong and can flex on impact. The competitor vigorously rotates the hammer to gain momentum, and releases it into the air. The throw is measured for distance to where the hammer hits the ground. Most athletes wear special "hammer boots" - a heavy boot with a long spike (bayonet) at each of the toe-ends - which they dig into the earth to help maintain ground contact during rotation. Again, the athlete must stay behind the trig for this event.There are normally two hammer events - a heavier weight is thrown in the first of the hammer competitions, and then a lighter weight is thrown in the second. Often Masters and Women will throw only one hammer.

(In photo - Will Barron, Syracuse, N.Y., U.S.A., Open Pros. Division)

The Sheaf

This, like many of the events, derives from the farming traditions of Scotland, and grew out of a competition to see who could toss a sheaf of wheat the highest. Today the sheaf is a 16 or 20 lb. bag of twine and burlap, (Women competitors throw a 10lb. sheaf ) and a standard pitch fork is used to toss it over a horizontal bar. Competitors get 3 attempts at each height,and getting the sheaf over the bar even once, lets the athlete move on to the next height. Three misses at a height and you are eliminated. The highest tosser wins. and in the event of a tie, the one with the fewest misses throughout this competition wins.

(In photo - Lyndon MacNaughton, Dalkeith, Ont., Canada, Amateurs Division)

Weight For Distance

There are two events in the weights for distance. A heavier weight is thrown in the first copmpetition, and a lighter weight is thrown in the second. Open Pros. and Amateurs throw a 56 lb. then a 28 lb. weight; Masters throw a 42 lb. then a 28 lb. weight, and the Women throw a 28 lb. then a 14 lb. weight.The athlete spins to gain momentum on the weight, and hurls it as far as possible while maintaining control behind the trig. Measurement, again, is to where the weight hits the ground, and the rules are the same for all.

(In photo - Harvey Barkauskas, London, Ont., Canada, Masters Division)

Weight For Height

In this event, the athlete, using only one hand, attempts to heave the weight up and over a horizontal bar. The open Pros. and Amateurs throw a 56 lb. weight; Masters usually throw a 42 lb. weight, and Women in most cases throw a 28 lb. weight. The throw is good (even if the bar is struck by the weight) as long as the weight goes over. As in the sheaf, success in even one attempt means you move on to the next height - failing in all three attempts at a height and the competitor is eliminated. Highest tosser wins, and in a tie - the one with fewest misses is the victor.

(In photo - Jamie Barr, Fife, Scotland, Open Pros. Division)

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