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  • The throwing rules used will be the United Scottish Athletic Directors (USAD) rules. 
    Click here to read the USAD rules in PDF format  See below summary of the main differences between other rules.
  • Spinning will be allowed - I have the field size for spinning in the height events but I still have concerns for the safety of the other athletes as well as the audience. Most of us have seen a weight get away whether it be for a height or distance event.  Thus, if you are between your turns in the height events, please be aware of your surroundings.
  • Forks - For safety reasons, only Commercially manufactured forks will be allowed.  No homemade forks or forks with welded braces or tines are allowed.  The middle tine can be removed. 
  • Sheafs - A 10# bag will be used for women. A 16# bag will be used for Masters and 190s.  A 20# bag will be used for all others. The 16# and 20# bags are made by Troy Fowler.
  • The wearing of Kilt is required for all but first time throwers.
  • Kilt Hose and Flashes are required since throwing in a Highland Games is a celebration of Scottish/Celtic Heritage as well as an athletic event. This improves the athletic area within the Games committee; I apprecate the help and understanding of the throwers.   
  • USAD rules are similar to NASGA, RMSA, and Carlos Borges rules with the below differences.  I have included why USAD rules are different; these reasons are my own opinion and may not reflect the opinions of the others in USAD.   

    Measurements     will be taken from the center of the trig and not from the point on the trig closets to the plant foot. 

    The reason for this change is to remove some of the subjectivity in measuring.  When a throw lands off to one side, a slight miss-placement of the tape can add or take away inches to the throw.  Since it is not uncommon for events to be won by an inch or less, this rule seems logical, objective, and fairer well allowing the judge to concentrate on other aspects of the throw.

    However, this rule can be abused:  In Braemar stone, if a thrower lines up to the right of the box and throws in a direction that is almost parellel to the trig, he could gain over 2 feet on his throw. Besides being hated by his fellow competitior for doing this, a thrower doing this will be considered acting in a unsportsman like manner and his throw will be fouled.   Additionally, a change in the Braemar rules that require both feet to remain in the box to discourage throwers from doing this has been made.

    Throwing boxes     are painted so that the outside edge of the painted line is 4'6". Stepping on the line is considered in, but stepping partially over the line is considered out.  Two consecutive steps outside of the box is considered a foot foul.  Additionally, stepping over the back line is also considered a foot foul.  

    This is not really a rule change but a matter of agreement on how the boxes would be painted on the ground.

    Cabers - Keeping a good Caber inventory is always tough.  There is the comprimise of letting local throwers practice with them while worrying about brekage for the games.  I strive to have enough variety so that two cabers can be used for each throwing division. 

    Caber Tournament (for a lack of a better word) maybe used at QC games time permitting and judges discretion.  If used, the first caber is like a qualifier in that if you can turn it, you qualify to try the bigger second caber.  Unlike a qualifier, each of three attempts on the first caber is scored and the first caber should be bigger than the usually qualifier. 

    If you cannot turn the first caber, then your position is determined by the best score earned on the first caber (after the positions of those who qualify for the second caber are  determined). 

    Those that qualify for the second caber will be scored on the second caber if that caber is turned by at least one person in that flight.  If it is not, all throwers in the flight will be scored on the first caber.     

    This is done to:
    avoid a 12 o'clock shout out to determine the best caber turner of the day.
    determine the best caber turner based on a turn rather than a partial turn.
    give those who only get a shot at cabers during games, a chance to turn a caber that is closer to their abilities.
  • If you have positive or negative input on these rules. Please provide them to a USAD Atheltic Director.  The rule book is a living document and is reviewed each year.