10 Etiquette Tips for the Highland Games

10 Etiquette Tips for the Highland Games

Going to your first Highland Games can be an overwhelming experience. Proper attire, acceptable gear, travel, and let’s not forget you’ve got eight or nine events to compete in! In the whirlwind of the day, it’s good to have a basis of etiquette so you can enjoy the experience and mind your manners! Yet, I see too many seasoned veterans forgetting the very basics of etiquette in this sport; so, let me break down a few things you should know about “Games Day.”

  1. “Shag” or pick up your own implements – At most competitions, you’ll need to retrieve your own implements to throw. Now, if you’ve got a willing group, you’ll “shag” for two throwers in front of you, giving you time to rest and prepare for your throw while the person in front of you throws. In very few competitions will volunteers be scheduled to retrieve implements for you; even in those instances, help them by meeting them halfway and making sure you thank them for their help each time.
  2. Replace your weight – This next common courtesy goes hand-in-hand with the first one. In the weight over bar event, pick up your weight after you throw it and place it back under the bar. If it lands handle first or is covered in sloppy mud chunks, clean it up for your competitor. Now, when you put it back under the bar, set it down, don’t drop or throw it down. One of the worst things you can do is drop it and put a huge crater in the ground right where you and your competitors will be throwing from.
  3. Walk up the caber – After you throw the caber, you’ll need to retrieve it and walk it back for the next competitor. Keep in mind, you'll need two of you to do this (always carry the caber with two people and not alone, as a self-carry diminishes the caber in the eye of the crowd). So, each round, you’ll have to serve two turns carrying the caber back and standing it up for your competitors. If you are the last person with your hands on the caber, do not let go of it until the competitor is ready. Many people will say, “Your Caber,” or something else to signify they are letting go. Again, don’t let go until your have confirmation from the thrower that they have it balanced and are in control of it.
  4. No tacky on the handle – in the weights for distance, there’s a good divide of throwers who like to use tacky and those who don’t (if you’re like me, you like to use chalk on your hands). With that said, if you use tacky, don’t apply it to the handle directly. When it’s your time to throw, clean the handle with your towel and apply the tacky or spray to your hand or glove. Remember, these are “community” weights that we all must throw, so keep the tacky-crusted handle reserved for your practices at home.
  5. Bring it, don’t borrow it – There will be times when you forget your tape, run out of tacky or get your sunscreen spray confiscated by TSA. That’s understandable. What’s not understandable is when you show up to every competition without any gear.
  6. Sheaf Forks –Once you decide you want to throw consistently in this great sport, buy a sheaf fork. Don’t be the guy/gal who borrows a fork and breaks it; I’ve seen this happen a few times and it’s not pretty. And when it comes to fork borrowing, return it to the owner after your throw, and certainly don’t put the tines in the ground or throw it in anger after a bad throw. Show respect for that fork, and for the lender, because you may get denied use of it again (I’ve also seen this happen, and it’s not pretty).
  7. Hammer Handles – Again, you’re throwing a community implement with the light and heavy hammer. When you retrieve a hammer for yourself or another competitor, don’t drop the handle in the grass or drag it in the dirt. I’d even go to the extreme of not wiping it down with your towel, as that can leave little fuzzies all over the handle. Remember that you don’t need a ton of tacky during the competition, because every one of your competitors is putting tacky on the handle. 
  8. Crowd – Now, the “crowd” watching you may be as big as a few thousand down to just your wife and a random homeless guy who lives at the park. Regardless of the number, show them appreciation and answer their questions. When you waddle out in your hammer boots and blades, they will ask you about them. Remember, they paid to come watch you and are a big reason you have an avenue to do this sport. At many competitions, I’ll pick some time to just sit in the crowd in between throws; people seem to love this, and many times I've just absorbed a whole fan base for the rest of that event! Wave, clap for them and be sure to thank them for coming to watch. You may also be asked to take pictures with families and especially children; soak it up! What a joy that is!
  9. Clean up – One of my greatest pet peeves is the litter we competitors leave on the field, especially tape. I get it, we use a ton of tape in a weekend of competition, but we shouldn’t be taking it off our fingers or our wrists and throwing it on the ground in small bits. Make sure you police your area and clean up all your Gatorade bottles, tape, Little Debbie wrappers or whatever else you have. Again, these volunteers and directors have sacrificed a lot of time to let you compete – have some decency and clean up after yourself.
  10. Say Thanks – Highland Games don’t just happen; it takes months of planning and organizing by people and committees of throwers and … wait for it … even bagpipers! Be sure you thank the athletic director for his/her work on the event, and don’t forget all the volunteers that make it happen. From “shaggers” to score keepers, runners, and even security, it takes a whole bunch of people to pull this thing off! And, of course, don’t forget the sponsors. If you get the pleasure of meeting a sponsor, drop what you’re doing, shake their hand and thank them for making the event possible. If you’re a pro, realize they are the ones giving money so you can win some; for any thrower at any level, a simple “Thanks” can go a long way.

20 comments

  • jerryroy roy

    Exotic pet Animals for Sale at https://wildpetworld.com .Start Your Exotic Pet Journey Today! BEST ONLINE EXOTIC PET STORE IN THE USA https://wildpetworld.com/

    Visit our website https://wildpetworld.com to explore our available pets, read about their care and requirements, and find your perfect companion!
    Enter a World of Wonder!

    BEST ONLINE EXOTIC PET STORE https://wildpetworld.com/ Bring the Jungle Home: Exotic Pets for Sale Online https://wildpetworld.com/shop/

    WELL TRAINED EXOTIC PETS FOR SALE. Visit our shop at https://wildpetworld.com/

    Are you ready to add a unique and fascinating companion to your life? Look no further! Our online store offers a diverse selection of exotic pets, each with its own captivating characteristics.

    Meet Our Amazing Pets:

    - Fennec Foxes: Playful, curious, and adorable, with oversized ears and a loving personality.
    - Ball Pythons: Gentle, docile, and stunning, with vibrant patterns and a calm demeanor.
    - Gargoyle Geckos: Small, spiky, and endearing, with prehensile tails and big round eyes.
    - Hedgehogs: Prickly, cute, and low-maintenance, with curious snouts and a sweet disposition.
    - Chinchillas: Soft, fluffy, and social, with big ears and a gentle nature.
    - African Grey Parrots: Intelligent, playful, and charismatic, with vibrant feathers and a knack for mimicry.
    - Bearded Dragons: Friendly, curious, and gentle, with spiky scales and a loving personality.
    - Capuchin Monkeys: Intelligent, social, and mischievous, with agile movements and a curious nature.
    - Cockatiels: Playful, affectionate, and chatty, with vibrant feathers and a sweet song.
    - Ferrets: Playful, curious, and entertaining, with a slender body and a mischievous grin.
    - Bunnies: Adorable, gentle, and social, with soft fur and a loving personality.
    - Cane Corso Puppies: Loyal, intelligent, and energetic, with a muscular build and a loving heart.
    - Finger Monkeys: Tiny, social, and adorable, with big eyes and a curious nature.
    - Macaws: Colorful, playful, and charismatic, with vibrant feathers and a loud squawk.
    - Maine Coon Kittens: Large, fluffy, and gentle, with a playful personality and a loving heart.
    - Otters: Playful, curious, and aquatic, with a sleek body and a mischievous grin.
    - Raccoons: Intelligent, curious, and dexterous, with a masked face and a playful nature.
    - Skunks: Unique, curious, and social, with a distinctive scent and a loving personality.
    - Sphynx Kittens: Curious, playful, and affectionate, with a sleek body and a loving heart.
    - Sugar Gliders: Small, social, and nocturnal, with big eyes and a playful nature.

    Why Buy from Us?

    - Experienced breeders with a passion for exotic pets
    - Healthy, well-socialized, and handled regularly
    - Ongoing support and guidance for new owners
    - Safe and secure online transactions
    - Fast and reliable shipping

    Discover the ultimate exotic pet experience at wild pet world!

    Explore our vast collection of rare and unusual creatures from around the globe, from scaly reptiles to colorful birds and fascinating small mammals.

    Our expert staff will guide you in finding the perfect companion for your adventurous lifestyle.

    Visit us today and get ready to be amazed!

    https://wildpetworld.com – Where the Wild Things Are!

    Fennec Fox For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/fennec-fox-for-sale/
    African Grey Parrot For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/african-grey-parrot-for-sale/
    Ball Pythons For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/ball-pythons-for-sale/
    Bearded Dragon For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/bearded-dragon-for-sale/
    Bunnies For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/bunnies-for-sale/
    Cane Corso Puppies For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/cane-corso-puppies-for-sale/
    Capuchin Monkey For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/capuchin-monkey-for-sale/
    Chinchillas For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/chinchillas-for-sale/
    Cockatiel For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/cockatiel-for-sale/
    Ferrets For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/ferrets-for-sale/
    Finger Monkey For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/finger-monkey-for-sale/
    Gargoyle Gecko For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/gargoyle-gecko-for-sale/
    Hedgehogs For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/hedgehogs-for-sale/
    Macaw For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/macaw-for-sale/
    Maine Coon Kittens For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/maine-coon-kittens-for-sale/
    Otters For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/otters-for-sale/
    Raccoon For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/raccoon-for-sale/
    Skunks For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/skunks-for-sale/
    Sphynx Kittens For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/sphynx-kittens-for-sale/
    Sugar Gliders For Sale https://wildpetworld.com/product-category/sugar-gliders-for-sale/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/
    https://wildpetworld.com/shop/

    Exotic pets for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Rare animals for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Unusual pets for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Wildlife for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Exotic animal sales https://wildpetworld.com/
    Unique pets for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Non-traditional pets for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Exotic pet store https://wildpetworld.com/
    Buy exotic pets online https://wildpetworld.com/
    Exotic pet marketplace https://wildpetworld.com/
    wild pet shop online https://wildpetworld.com/
    exotic pet shop https://wildpetworld.com/
    Reptiles for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Amphibians for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Birds for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Small mammals for sale https://wildpetworld.com/
    Invertebrates for sale https://wildpetworld.com/

    petstore: https://wildpetworld.com/
    email: info@wildpetworld.com

    BUY CLONED CREDIT CARDS ONLINE WITH PIN, DUMPS, WESTERN UNION TRANSFERS, BANK ACCOUNT LOGIN whatsapp contact: +1(646)655-8021

    CLONED CARDS FOR SALE
    To being with, are you looking for Cloned Cards For Sale? Then you are in the right place. We have cards that; don’t link with a bank account or person. Moreover, is therefore the safest cards to use. These cards can cost; a little more expensive than Cloned Credit Cards because, we’ve already clearing a clone card and transferring money to a prepaid card. Again, With this card you can enjoy all the possibilities of use shopping in stores and withdrawals along with peace of mind. Therefore, Buy Cloned Credit Cards Online for cheaper prices. Buy Cloned Credit Cards Online.
    CLONED CREDIT CARDS FOR SALE

    whatsapp contact: +1(646)655-8021
    email: credibledocumentsonline@gmail.com

    Buy real and authentic driver’s licenses and passports online. whatsapp: +16466558021, APPLY FOR USA, EU AND CANADIAN VISAS, GREEN CARD, DIPLOMAS, Undetectable Counterfeit Money, buy cloned credit cards, (whatsapp us: +16466558021 / email: credibledocumentsonline@gmail.com)

    BUY COUNTERFEIT EURO BILLS ONLINE / BUY COUNTERFEIT AMERICAN DOLLAR BILLS ONLINE
    buy undetectable counterfeit aud bills
    buy undetectable counterfeit canadian
    buy counterfeit pound sterling
    Buy Drivers License Online

    Buy Registered Drivers License Online
    Buy Real Drivers License Online
    Buy Fake Drivers License Online
    Buy Passport Online
    Buy Registered Passport Online
    Buy Real And Fake Registered Passport Online
    Buy Registered IELTS | TOEFL Certificate Online
    Buy United States Passports online
    Buy Finland Passport online
    Buy UK Passports online
    Buy a German passport online | German passport application
    German passport online
    BUY REAL PASSPORT ONLINE
    Buy the United States Driver’s License Online
    Buy Counterfeit Money Online That Is Undetectable At
    BUY COUNTERFEIT EURO BILLS ONLINE
    BUY COUNTERFEIT AMERICAN DOLLAR BILLS ONLINE
    buy undetectable counterfeit aud bills
    buy undetectable counterfeit canadian dollars
    buy counterfeit pound sterling
    where to buy fake dollar bills
    where to buy counterfeit bills
    where to buy fake bills
    buy counterfeit bank notes
    where to buy fake bank notes
    where can i buy fake dollar bills
    where to buy counterfeit bank notes
    Buy counterfeit euro bills
    Purchase euro fake bills online
    Where to buy fake British pounds
    fake banknotes for sale uk
    fake bank notes for sale
    counterfeit euro banknotes for sale
    counterfeit bank notes for sale
    Where to buy fake euro bills
    Where to british pounds
    Fake bank notes for sale Germany
    Counterfeit bank notes for sale China
    Buy currency bills Japan
    Where to buy euro bills online
    fake money for sale
    prop money for sale
    counterfeit money for sale
    money for sale
    money tree for sale
    undetectable fake money for sale
    real money for sale
    confederate money for sale
    legit counterfeit money for sale
    confederate currency for sale
    high quality counterfeit money for sale
    quality counterfeit money for sale
    high quality undetectable counterfeit banknotes for sale
    currency for sale
    banknotes for sale
    best counterfeit money for sale
    counterfeit money printer for sale
    fake money that look real for sale
    currency dealers near me
    undetectable counterfeit money for sale
    high quality undetectable counterfeit money for sale
    foreign currency for sale
    real counterfeit money for sale
    world banknotes for sale

    whatsapp contact: +1(646)655-8021
    email: credibledocumentsonline@gmail.com

  • Manuel Franco

    I promised Great Dr. Odunga to post this testimony and I really want to say “Thank You” to everyone who supported me through the years. My name is Manuel Franco, New Berlin, Wisconsin. My story of how I won the Powerball lottery of $768.4M is a bit of a tale. I was feeling very lucky that day because I had contacted Great Odunga to help me with the winning Powerball numbers. I really had that great great feeling that I looked at the camera wanting to wink at it. I only did a tiny part of it when he told me he would give me the numbers and trusted him. He gave me the numbers after I played a couple other tickets along with it for $10. I checked my ticket after the winnings came online and saw the numbers were correct including the Power play. I screamed for about 10 minutes because it felt like a dream coming into reality. I had won $768.4M. Thank you Great Odunga. Well, his emails are odungaspelltemple@gmail.com and odungaspelltemple@outlook.com You can also call or Whats-app him at +2348167159012 so you guys can contact him
  • violet

    Be careful of people asking for your money or investment platforms promising huge returns. They lure victims into fake programs. I was scammed of 398,450 U S D. While researching on how to recover my funds, I came across several recommendations on Bitcoin Abuse Forum about coinsrecovery organization. I contacted him via (COINSRECOVERYWORLDWIDE AT GMAIL DOT C OM)and he helped me recover my stolen funds. If you’ve also been a victim, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him. The United States Department of Justice estimates that only 15% of victims of financial fraud report the crime because they are embarrassed, feel guilty or think nothing can be done. There are millions of victims of financial fraud every year.
    CONTACT INFORMATION]📞 +1(737)368-8915(whatsapp),EMAIL[coinsrecoveryworldwide at gmail dot com]
    ©️2025 COINSRECOVERYWORLDWIDE
    101 N BRAND BLVD.
    11TH FLOOR GLENDALE CA 91203.
    #investing #financialfreedom #crypto #bitcointrading #investmentstrategy #altcoins #bitcoinnews #investor #bitcoinprice #bitcoinmining #bitcoinexchange #bitcoinwallet #bitcoincommunity #bitcoinmarket #bitcointrader #bitcoinbusiness #bitcoinexpert#BITCOINSRECOVERY #STOLENBITCOINS #FOREX #USDT

  • HeitsMele

    buy cheap generic cialis online

  • agiseargy

    buy cialis canada pharmacy

Leave a comment