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Shinty also known as Camanachd or Iomain, is a fast moving Gaelic field game of Scottish origin, played by two teams of twelve. A caman (club) is used to hit a ball , the object being to score goals in a game of two halves of forty five minutes each.
Popularity
Originally introduced along with Christianity over 2,000 years ago by the Irish, shinty is one of the worlds oldest ball and stick games surviving, Now mainly played in the more rural Gaelic parts of Scotland.
Location
Shinty is still a truly amateur game that like lacrosse is thrilling to watch. The game of hurling is played in Ireland with wide sticks, there are regular organised challenge matches between the two sports.
Age
In the popular areas of playing shinty, there are primary school leagues as well as leagues for the under fourteen and under seventeen years, adults for both men and woman's teams.
Ability
Shinty is a fast moving game where physical fitness is tested to the limits, a skillful eye and a sense of survival are paramount.
Description
shinty is played on a field measuring 160yds by 80yds with goals 10ft high by 12ft wide. The main difference between hockey and shinty is that in the fast moving aerial game of shinty there is no restriction on the swing of the camam and players can use both faces of the stick, feet may be used to stop the ball but not the hands (unless the goalkeeper). Players may run carrying the ball on the caman, which may be swung above shoulder height.
Dedication
The stick (caman) was traditionally made of ash or hickory with a natral bend in it, nowadays strips of wood glued together are used. The stick curved in shape and should not stand higher than hip level, the bas (hitting part of the stick) is triangular in shape and must pass through a 2.5inch diameter ring. The ball is similar in size to a tennis ball but hard being made from cork covered in worsted with an outer layer of leather.
Potential
The potential in shinty is to win the Glenmorangie Camanachd Cup knock out championship, normally played on the first Saturday of June. The cup final attracts crowds of between three and five thousand people.
Closely
Related Activities
Closely related to Bandy & Hurling, shinty has strong similarities with lacrosse, hockey and ice hockey.
Cost
The only specific costs involved with shinty are the cost of a caman (around forty pounds) and pitch fees which differ widely.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
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Sight
|
Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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