WHAT’S PLANNED FOR 2012

Scottish Style Tug of War: Tug of war, also known as rope-pulling, is a sport that directly puts two opposing teams against each other in a test of strength. This activity may also be used as a metaphor to demonstrate a rivalry between two opposing groups, such as a little friendly competition between two companies, two departments in a company, two social groups, etc. At the Spokane Highland Games, rivaling parties become sponsors of the Games, with each team donating $100 to the Spokane Highland Games Association (SHGA) (non-profit 501c3). Contact your employer to see if they will sponsor your team. Not only is the donation tax-deductible, but the company name will also be posted on our website.

Download the Tug of War Rules and Registration Form for more information.

Tug of War Rules:

1. •Team to consist of eight (8) members, two (2) reserves, and one (1) coach.
   

2. •Raised heels up to a maximum of ¼ inch (7mm) allowed on footwear, and footwear to be inspected prior to start of competition.
   

3. •Overall pull to be 12 ft., and winner of each tie to be decided by best of three (3) pulls.
   

4. •No hand over hand pulling allowed. Team members must go back with rope when pulling.
   

5. •Anchorman to loop rope round one (1) shoulder to secure rope as per style used at present. No knot is permitted on the rope end.
   

6. •All team members to remain on their feet at all times, no hands are persistently allowed on the ground apart from the anchorman who is permitted to use one (1) hand on the ground.
   

7. •Draw for ties to take place prior to start of competition. Succeeding rounds to be redrawn at judge’s discretion.
   

8. •Teams through coaches will be reminded of the rules prior to commencement of competition. Only coaches can consult with the judge and judge’s decision is final.
   

9. •A team member is permitted to pull for only one (1) team during a competition.
   

10. •Judge to toss coin to determine direction of pull.
    

11. •Prior to commencement of pull, judge will ask coaches whether they are ready, then give the command, “take the strain.” At this point, team members may heel in. When teams are balanced, order to “pull” is given and the tie has commenced.
    

12. •In weight-restricted competitions, competitors must be weighed with boots on.
    

13. •Teams will leave area of competition during ties in which they are not involved.
    

14. •Two (2) warnings for infringements, including foul language, will be given. A further warning will result in disqualification and forfeit of points awarded for attending competition.
    

While our event is not exacting and fussy as the official Scottish Tug of War Association, it’s fun just to visit their website at www.scottishtugofwar.com or take a look on YouTube.com (enter World 640 final 08 in the search field).

WHAT’S COMING BACK FROM LAST YEAR

Haggis Tasting: The Scottish dish, haggis, has received a bad rap over the years; except for some aficionados who love the stuff. What do they know that you don’t? Come and join in our haggis tasting. Discover the history of haggis and how it is made nowadays.

Ruth Schudel Memorial Shortbread Contest: Download the Shortbread Contest Rules & Entry Form to find out how to win Prize Money!

Photos of Scotland Contest: View the SHGA Photo Contest Rules and download the Photo Contest Rules & Entry Form to find out how to win Prize Money! This contest has been expanded to accept photos depicting Scottish heritage as well as photos taken in Scotland.

Also back this year are:

1. •Vendors of all things Scottish
   

2. •Clan tents & clan parade
   

3. •Our competitions including Pipe Band, Individual Piping & Drumming, Highland Dance, & Heavy Athletics including the caber toss
   

4. •Scottish county dance & live Celtic entertainment
   

5. •Friends of Spokane House exhibit
   

6. •Black Watch regiment exhibit
   

7. •Sheepdog demonstration
   

8. •“Hielan’ coos” exhibit
   

9. •Beer tent refreshments
   

10. •Harpists entertainment
    

11. •Blacksmith exhibit
    

12. •Children’s games including shoot the English knight competition
    

13. •Céilidh (dance) after the closing ceremonies
    

14. •British Car exhibit

SCHEDULE

The Highland Games Schedule for the 2012 Spokane Highland Games day will be updated and posted periodically.