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Tossing the Sheaf is an olden day rural sport. The object being to toss a 16 or 20 lb sack of straw over a bar with a pitch fork. The bag must not touch the bar. The best of three attempts is recorded.

Popularity
The sheaf toss or similar, is a traditional sport competed in many rural areas of the world. Originating from the loading of wagons with sheaves of straw in the harvest fields. Not so popular nowadays, as olden trades have become more sophisticated.

Location
Sheaf tossing contests are only seen in the summer at local rural village fates and country fairs. It is also incorporated as an event at many of the Scottish highland games.

Ability
Although strength and phisical stature play their part, a closely guarded (by competitors) knack and technique is the secret to success.

Description
A pitchfork is used to hurl (pitch) a bag stuffed with straw over a horizontal bar above the competitor's head. Typical weight for the bag is 16 pounds (about 7 kg). Three chances are given to each competitor to cleanly go over the bar, without touching it. After all challengers have made their attempts, the bar is raised and all successful competitors move on to the new height. This continues until all but one athlete is eliminated.

Dedication
Bags of straw, rather than the traditional loosely bundled sheaves from the fields are used, for consistency and fairness of competition.

Potential
Sheaf tossing competitions are held at local level, there is no progression within the activity. Competitors compete for a prize on the day, as well as local pride and reputation.

Closely Related Activities
Highland Games 317, Ploughing 503, Sheep Dog Trialing 505,

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

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.