The Game

The sport of Shinty is fairly straightforward. Teams of 12 (including 1 keeper) collectively work towards putting the small white ball into the opposing team’s goal, by whatever means. The pitch is a bit longer than a rugby pitch and just as narrow, and each half is 45 minutes long. Each player is armed with a “caman” or “shinty stick” and uses it to hit the ball, block a shot, shy (throw-in) the ball into play, and challenge others for the ball.

Caman lofts according to position. Forward, Midfield, Defender, Keeper (Left to Right)

Players may only handle the ball with their caman and unlike field hockey are allowed to use both sides of the blade. In fact it is encouraged as a skill to hit forehand and backhand. Other forms of contact with the ball, like kicking, are prohibited although the keepers are able to use a flat hand to bat away a shot on goal. Full swings at the ball are allowed, and although it is considered an offense to swing at the head, it is not uncommon for swings to go amiss towards key body parts, like legs and ankles.

In this way Shinty is very exciting, as well as dangerous, when 24 players are running around the pitch with golf-club-like clubs swinging at a little white ball. Therefore helmets, mouth guards, junk protectors, and shin guards are frequently worn, depending on each players level of risk.

Now, if you’ve read all that garbage; wonderful! If you haven’t; wonderful!

Anyways, this video provides a pretty good introduction to Shinty .. in Gaelic and English.. just in case you speak both..