We're a band of folks who love the Scottish team sport of Shinty (Gaelic: Camanachd). Some of us are experienced players and some are brand new, many players have no Scottish connection other than the love of this sport. We recently returned from playing matches in Scotland and plan to go back in 2007. Our San Francisco Bay Area -based club is open to everyone of any age/skill level. If you can get along, we'll find a spot for you! If you are under 18, you?ll need to have your parent/guardian sign a release form for you to participate. Otherwise, we have loaner equipment, and e-mail us and we can tell you what else is helpful to have with you! Go to our web site www.norcalshinty.com to get the e-mail address.

Shinty is a game unique to Scotland and one of the oldest games in the world. Fast moving and skillful - there is no other team sport like it! It is played by two teams of twelve each player using a stick called a caman (the gaelic for shinty stick) and is similar to hockey. You can carry the ball on the caman which can be swung above shoulder level.

Similar to field hockey as both are played with ball and stick, however in Shinty the stick or caman has right of way. The head of the stick is triangular, enabling players to strike the ball on both sides and enables the ball to be ?lifted?. Holding the ball is not allowed although the use of both feet to stop the ball is.

Shinty is closely associated with Iona, Columba left Ireland in 563AD for Scotland and landed on the isle of Iona, it is said due to a quarrel over a game of camanach (shinty). A 15th century stone on Iona depicts not only the owner?s broadsword but also a caman stick with a ball beside it. The first written records of the game date from 14th and 15th centuries although even older legends of heros and warriors are to be found playing the game.

Be sure to drop by our web site www.norcalshinty.com for more information/schedule, as well as some helpful URLs to learn more about this truly amazing sport.

http://tribes.tribe.net/northern_california_camanachd_club