Athletes Classifications for Highland Heavy Events

Athletes must have a medical exam and valid classification with in the last year, to ensure fair competition among those with similar degrees of disability when competing from the chair.

Quadriplegics are classified into three classes (IA, IB, and IC)

Paraplegics are classified into four classes (II, III, IV, and V). 

Amputees are classified based on the level of amputation. 

Disabilities such as stroke and multiple sclerosis are classified based on the level of impairment.

All throwing equipment and implements will be provided. No personal throwing implements will be permitted. Competitors may use their personal regulation throwing chair(s) and sheaf forks if desired; all equipment that is used on the field can be used by all competitors.

Field Event Classes as used by the National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Class IB men and women use the two kilo shot (4 lb, 6 oz). 

Class IC men and IC-V women use the three kilo (6 lb, 10 oz), and

Class II-V men use the four kilo shot (8 lb, 13 oz).

The Weight of the Metric Shot put, as used by the National Veterans Wheelchair Games above, was rounded up to the nearest corresponding Cannon Shot Weight, as used in Highland Heavy Athletics. This Cannon Shot Weight was than used as a reference and starting point for ability classes for the Highland Heavy Athletic events. All impalement weights were assigned using this reference in relation to existing implement weights and competition class.

Metric Shot Put               Cannon Shot               UK Market Weights      Sheaf Weights     Hammer Weights       

2.00 kg = 4.4 lbs.                6 lb Ball                    ½ Stone = 7 lbs.             8 lbs (Irish)               6 lbs.

3.00 kg = 6.6 lbs.                8 lb Ball                     1 Stone = 14 lbs.         12 lbs                         8 lbs

4.00 kg = 8.8 lbs.              10 lb Ball                     2 Stone = 28 lbs.         16 lbs                       10 lbs.    

5.00 kg = 11 lbs.               12 lb Ball                     3 Stone = 42 lbs.         20 lbs.                      12 lbs.

6.25 kg = 13.8 lbs.            14 lb Ball                     4 Stone = 56 lbs.                                          14 lbs.

7.26 kg = 16 lbs                16 lb Ball                                                                                          16 lbs.

                                          20 lb Ball                                                                                          22 lbs

                                          24 lb Ball

Para-Heavy Highland Athletes Classes and Implement Weights from the Chair

                                                                   Shot or Stone           Weights           Sheaf             Hammer

Class IB Men & Women use:                         8 lb Light               7 lb Light                8 lb              8 lb Light        

                                                                 12 lb Heavy           14 lb Heavy                                12 lb Heavy

Class IC Men & IC-V Women use:                8 lb Light                7 lb Light                  8 lb             8 lb Light

                                                                     12 lb Heavy            14 lb Heavy                               12 lb Heavy

Class II –V Men use:                                    12 lb Light              14 lb Light                12 lb          12 lb Light

                                                                     16 lb Heavy            28 lb Heavy                               16 lb Heavy

Highland Athletes Classes and Implement Weights for all Standing Athletes

                                                                   Shot or Stone           Weights           Sheaf             Hammer

Women use:                                              12 lb Light               14 lb Light                12 lb         12 lb Light

                                                                     16 lb Heavy            28 lb Heavy                               16 lb Heavy

Men 190 lbs & under:                                  16 lb Light               28 lb Light                 16 lb          16 lb Light

                                                                    24 lb Heavy             42 lb Heavy                                22 lb Heavy

Men Over 190 lbs:                                      16 lb Light               28 lb Light                  20 lb         16 lb Light

                                                                   24 lb Heavy             56 lb Heavy                16 lb         22 lb Heavy

Masters Men over 40 yrs:                           16 lb Light               28 lb Light                  20 lb         16 lb Light

                                                                   24 lb Heavy             42 lb Heavy                16 lb         22 lb Heavy

Standing Para-Heavy Highland Event competitors will be mainstreamed in to the appropriate able body competition class and provided any needed accommodations. 

Highland Heavy Events Rules

RULES FOR ACOMADATIONS AND CONTESTING EVENTS FROM THE CHAIR: It would seam that little must change to include the Chalanged Athlete in Heavy Highland Athletics.  It would appear after a review of the all of the rules NASGA, SAAA and SGA that the rules have not changed from the per 1888 version of the throws.  As no SPINNING is required in any event, and the length of the hammer is to be NO LONGER than 50 inches and Weights SHALL NOT MEASURER MORE than 18 inches. This would indicate that implements can be shortened if needed and still be legal. I would ask that the following adjustments in the weights of the implements be maid for the following athlete classes (see chart), as was applied to the Masters and Under 190 lbs Men and Women classes in the past, adding these new weights to the competition implements, will allow us to crate classes for the changed, lighter weight, or age appropriate athletes, purposed changes as follows:

 General Rules for the Stone Puts, Weight Throws for Distance, and Hammer Throws

A backline will be drawn the appropriate distance from and parallel to the trig.

Sidelines are defined by either drawn or imaginary lines from the edges of the trig to the backline.

Both the backline and sidelines are considered to be in the 'fair' part of the throwing area.

The competitor will complete the throw under control as decided by the judge or the throw will be ruled a foul.

Each competitor will be allowed three throws in the competition, the farthest of which will count for that event.

The competitor may stop during the throw and re-start the throw as long as no foul has occurred.

The competitor may even leave the throwing area before re-starting if allowed by the judge.

Each throw will be measured from a point on the inside-upper edge of the trig closest to where the competitor's plant foot (left foot for a right-handed competitor) landed to the nearest break in the ground made by the implement (not including the handle).

Ties will be broken by comparing the next farthest throw for each competitor involved in the tie.

The competitor with the farthest of these throws will place highest. If other ties occur, then this process will repeat for all attempts taken.

A throw will be a foul if the competitor touches the ground as defined in Figure 1 or any surface of the trig other than the edge facing the throwing area.

One of the competitor's feet must always remain in the throwing area either on the ground or in space directly above the throwing area.

Figure 1

No part of the competitor will touch One of the competitor's feet may touch Any part of competitor may touch as long as he is under control

PECIFIC RULES FOR HIGHLAND HEAVY THROWING EVENTS

                              USE OF IMPLEMENTS

                              It shall be the responsibility of the Organizers to provide sufficient implements for the conduct of all events.

                              THROWING IMPLEMENT SPECIFICATIONS AND EVENT RULES

                              OPEN STONE (OS)

                                   Construction

                              There is no standard size or weight of the stone.

Standard Weight:     Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women   Men Women   Men Women

16 lbs. to 22 lbs. 8 lbs. to 12 lbs.   See Chart See Chart   See Chart See Chart

The stone must be put with one hand and with the stone remaining against the neck throughout the throw until the release. Any throwing style may be used as long as the rules are followed and the style is deemed safe by the judge.

The backline will be drawn 7'-6" from the trig.

The Open Stone is contested much like the Modern Shot put, most athletes use a glide or spin. Most Games use a 16 lb. stone for Men and a 12 lb stone for Woman when contenting this event 

.                           BRAEMAR STONE (BS)

                                   Construction

                              There is no standard size or weight of the stone.

Standard Weight:     Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women   Men Women   Men Women

20 lbs. to 26 lbs. 13 lbs. to 18 lbs.   See Chart See Chart   See Chart See Chart

The same rules apply in the Braemar Stone Put as in the Open Stone Put except there is no approach allowed. The stone must be put from a standing position. Reversing the feet after the release is allowed.

The Braemar Stone is contested at the stand, with out the ad of the Glide or Spin. Most Game use a 22 lb. or 24 lb. stone for Men and a 16 lb. stone for Women when contenting this event 

SHOT PUT (Shot)

                                   Construction

                              The shot shall be of solid iron, brass, or any metal not softer than brass, or a shell of such metal filled with lead or other material.  It must be spherical in shape and the surface must be smooth.

Standard Weight:     Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women Men Women   Men Women

16 lbs. 20 lbs. and 24 lbs. 8 lbs. 12 lbs. and 16 lbs.   See Chart See Chart   See Chart See Chart

The shot must be put with one hand and with the shot remaining against the neck throughout the throw until the release. Any throwing style may be used as long as the rules are followed and the style is deemed safe by the judge. The backline will be drawn 7'-6" from the trig.

                            SCOTTISH ONE HAND WEIGHTS FOR DISTANCE (HWFD & LWFD)

                                   Construction

The weight shall be made of metal but can be of various shapes and sizes including spherical, conical (bullet) or box shaped. The handle can either be attached directly to the weight or attached with a length of chain. The handle may also be of various shapes and thickness such as a ring, triangle or a "D" shape. The total weight of each implement will be *7 lb., 14 lb., 28 lb., 42 lbs. and 56 lbs. The implement shall not measure more than 18" in overall length. * indicates implement not yet commercially available.

Standard Weight:       Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women Master   Men Women   Men Women

28 lbs. and 56 lbs. 14 lbs. and 28 lbs. 28 lbs. and 42 lbs. or 56 lbs.   See Chart See Chart   See Chart See Chart

The weight will be thrown with one hand only. Any throwing style may be used as long as the rules are followed and the style is deemed safe by the judge. The backline will be drawn 9'-0" from the trig.

The Scottish one hand weight for distance is contested by most athletes by holding the weight in the throwing hand, swing the weight back and fourth to gain some momentum and making two rotations using a technique that resembles the discus spin.  Men under 40 years of age throw the 28 lb light WFD and 56 lb heavy WFD, Men over 40 years throw the 28 lb light WFD and the 42 lb or the 56 lb as the heavy WFD this is up to the each Highland Game. Women throw the 14 lb. light WFD and the 28 lb. heavy WFD.  Some Highland Games allow Men 190 lbs and under and Men under 18 years of age (Juniors) to throw the 14 lb. light WFD and the 28 lb.  heavy WFD or the 28 lb. light WFD and the 42 lb. heavy WFD.

One hand WOD from the Stand using the technique of “Throwing from the Side” consists of standing with the right or left side at a mark and holding the weight with the hand nearest the mark. Then swing the weight gently, putting no force into it until ready to deliver it, which consists of bending the knees, when the weight has been swung well past the body, toward the side opposite to where it is to be sent. A quick lift with the arm and legs will put considerable impetus into the weight, and then the athlete continues with that momentum as far as he can reach. This style is a little awkward at first, for most athletes will prefer to throw the weight with the arm opposite to the direction of the throwing. A vigorous lift with the legs is necessary in this side-throw, and care must be taken in full swing, not to hit the knee nearest the line with the weight as it passes.

SCOTTISH HAMMERS (HH & LH)

    Construction

The hammer head shall be spherical in shape and made of metal, and the shaft shall be of wood, bamboo, rattan or plastic (PVC pipe is used for increased durability). Rattan or plastic is recommended over bamboo or wood. The total weight of each hammer will be *8lbs., *10lbs., 12 lbs., 14 lbs., 16 lbs., and 22 lbs. The total length of the hammer will be no longer than 50" overall. * indicates implement not yet commercially available.

Standard Weight:     Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women   Men Women   Men Women

16 lbs. and 22 lbs. 12 lbs. and 16 lbs. See Chart See Chart   See Chart TBA

The Scottish hammer may be thrown with one or both hands, with the feet in a fixed position. There is no approach allowed in the Scottish hammer throw. The competitor may move the feet after the hammer is released. No back line is drawn for the Scottish hammer throw and sidelined are normally not drawn either. All fouls besides the backline foul still apply.

The Scottish Hammer is contested by most athletes by the thrower standing with the back to the trig (the throwing mark); the athlete winds or swings the hammer around the head and body to gather momentum and then releases it over the shoulder.

                             SHEAF TOSSING (ST)

                                Construction

The sheaf will be a woven burlap or plastic bag filled with a suitable material such as straw, mulch, or rope. The total weight of the bag shall be *8 lbs., 12 lbs., 16 lbs., and 20 lbs. * indicates implement not yet commercially available (Adding an 8 lb. sheaf as a competition implement for the changed, lighter weight, or age appropriate athletes classes, this is the same weight sheaf that is used for the Irish form of sheaf tossing.)

Standard Weight:       Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women Master   Men Women   Men Women

20 lbs. (16 lbs. or 20 lbs. for Amateurs) 12 lbs. 16 lbs. or 20 lbs.   See Chart See Chart   See Chart See Chart

The sheaf will be thrown over a crossbar for height with a pitchfork. The toss shall be made in any manner desired using a pitchfork with at least two tines.

                             TOSSING THE WEIGHT OVER THE BAR (WOB)

                                Construction

The weight shall be made of metal but can be of various shapes and sizes including spherical, conical (bullet) or box shaped. The handle can either be attached directly to the weight or attached with a length of chain. The handle may also be of various shapes and thickness such as a ring, triangle or a "D" shape. The total weight of each implement will be 14 lb., 28 lb., 42 lbs. and 56 lbs. The implement shall not measure more than 18" in overall length.

Standard Weight:       Chalanged Standing:     Chalanged Chair:

Men Women Master   Men Women   Men Women

56 lbs. 28 lbs. 42 lbs. or 56 lbs.   See Chart See Chart   See Chart See Chart

The weight will be thrown with one hand only. Any throwing style may be used as long as the rules are followed and the style is deemed safe by the judge.

The Heavy weight over the bar is contested by most athletes by standing back to the bar, holding the weight in the throwing hand, swinging the weight back and fourth between the legs or to the side to gain some momentum, with the non-throwing hand on the upper thigh to support the back. Just before making the delivery the athlete bends the knees, lowers the back, the weight at the same time is swinging far in underneath,  behind or to the side of the athlete, and then lift simultaneously with the knees, back and arm and swing or pulling  the weight  up and releasing the weight over the head.  Men under 40 years of age toss the 56 lb heavy WOB, Men over 40 years toss the 42 lb or the 56 lb as the heavy WOB this is up to the each Highland Game. Women toss the 28 lb. heavy WOB.  Some Highland Games allow Men under 190 lbs and Men under 18 years of age (Juniors) to toss the  28 lb or  the 42 lb. heavy WOB.

RULES GOVERNING CHAIRS FOR THROWING EVENTS

                              Any part of the chair or frame including the cushion, used as the seat must not exceed 75cms in height.

                              If footrest(s) protrude outside the throwing area, they must not be rotated in or out to permit abnormal placing of one or both feet unless so stated on the Competitions Classification Card.

                            NOTE:       This does not prevent the uneven placement of the footrests in the vertical (sagittal) plane.

                              It will be the responsibility of the competitor that the chair conforms to all the above rules and no event shall be delayed while a competitor makes adjustments to the chair.

                            Chairs and frames will be measured when the competitor enters the throwing area.  Chairs and frames which have been examined may be liable to re-examination before or after the event by the official in charge of the event.

                              It shall be the responsibility in the first instance, of the official conducting the event to rule on the safety of the chair.

                              It should be noted that the "chair" need not be a wheelchair.

                            POSITIONING THE CHAIR

                              Only the footrest(s) or any part of the wheel or push rim not touching the side lines may be outside of the fair part of the Throwing area.  Any part of the chair used for propulsion must remain inside the throwing area.

For all classes a reasonable time will be permitted for an athlete to place the frame or throwing chair in the throwing area before the commencement of their first trial.  This time shall not normally exceed 2 minutes. 

                            REQUIREMENTS FOR A VALID THROW FROM THE CHAIR

In competition, the top of the trig, the backline and sidelines are considered to be in the 'fair' part of the throwing area.  It shall be a foul throw and not allowed to count if the competitor, after entering the throwing area or beginning to make a throw, touches with any part of his body to the ground outside or any part of the holding device outside the vertical plane of the front of the trig, sideline or back line or improperly releases the implement in making any attempt. The competitor will complete the throw under control as decided by the judge or the throw will be ruled a foul.  If the implement lands behind the vertical face of the trig it will be ruled a foul. The athlete's feet may touch the ground and the front vertical face of the trig provided that one foot remains inside the throwing area and the athlete does not touch the top of, or over step the trig. Leaving the throwing area before the implement strikes the ground will constitute a foul and count as a try.

                            NOTE:       A trig (stop board) is required for all classes.

These events are performed from the chair in a stationary, stabilized position. Rising off the chair or throwing frame is a disqualifying position.