Shinty
Shinty is a traditional Scottish stick-and-ball sport played on a large grass field. Two twelve-player teams use curved sticks called camans to propel a small leather ball into the opposing goal.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Traditional
- ORIGIN
- Scotland
- PLAYERS
- 24 (12 per side)
- EQUIPMENT
- Caman, leather ball
- PLAYING AREA
- 150 × 75 m approx
- DURATION
- 90 min (2 × 45 min)
- GOVERNING BODY
- Camanachd Association
- OLYMPIC
- No
Scoring system
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Ball passes into goal | 1 goal |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1589 | First recorded mention of shinty in Scottish civic records. |
| 1893 | Camanachd Association founded to standardise national rules. |
| 1896 | Inaugural Camanachd Cup final played. |
How a game works
Matches are played on a large outdoor pitch between two teams of 12 players, including a goalkeeper. Players use a curved wooden stick called a caman to strike a small leather ball. Unlike field hockey, players may use both sides of the stick and strike the ball in mid-air.
Scoring in one line
A team scores one point (a goal) each time the ball completely crosses the goal line beneath the crossbar.
Where it came from
Shinty shares ancient Gaelic roots with Irish hurling, descending from common stick-and-ball games played across Britain and Ireland for centuries. The modern rules were formalized in Scotland in 1893 by the Camanachd Association.
Shinty today
The sport remains vibrant throughout the Scottish Highlands and major Scottish cities. High-profile national competitions include the Camanachd Cup, alongside international shinty-hurling compromise games against Ireland.
Run a Shinty tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — 2 × 45 min.
FAQ
What is the difference between shinty and hurling?
Shinty sticks have a smaller triangular head compared to hurling's bas, and shinty rules do not allow players to catch or carry the ball by hand.
Is shinty an Olympic sport?
No, shinty has never been played at the Olympic Games.
Are high sticks allowed in shinty?
Yes, players are permitted to raise their sticks above shoulder height to play or block the ball, provided it is done safely.