It is very likely that sports involving hitting a ball with a curved stick were played in a number of different places around the world. Hutchinson shows us that such a game was being played in Athens in the fifth century BC. And that a sport called camanachd was being played in sixth, seventh and eighth centuries. Shinty and hurling, as played in Ireland today, certainly have the same historical roots.
Somewhere along the line of its development into the sport it is today, shinty was linked to training warriors. It was seen to be the perfect way to develop the skills that would be needed in battle. More relevant for 21st century society is the fact that shinty was also seen as the ideal activity through which to learn skills in team-working and to develop positive attitudes and behaviours that would serve people well in their lives. The present-day sport still holds these attributes as important. In Scotland shinty developed as a sport played by people within one community, sometimes competing against people from another community. These competitive matches used to take place on particular festival days, such as New Year’s Day. At that time, there were no restrictions on how many people could be in each team and no written rules. The move to shinty becoming a more organised sport coincided with the emergence of the industrialised society and increased mobility amongst the people of Scotland. Emigrants to Canada took their sport with them and in the harsh winters played on ice – from which the sport of Ice Hockey was born.
The eminent shinty historian Dr Hugh Dan MacLennan has also shown that Scots emigrating to the industrial cities of England set up shinty clubs that also incorporated football (soccer). Some of these clubs, such as Chelsea and Manchester United went on to become some of the biggest football teams in the world. The development of any sport is an evolutionary process. And shinty is no different. As shinty started to get organised as a national sport in the late 19th century, one of the rules was that there could be 16 players in a team and that the field of play could be up to 300 yards (275m) long. The current rules of play show how that has changed. Shinty will continue to evolve as a sport. That’s the way to make sure it remains relevant and attractive to young people.
Coaching
Coaching Certificates It is essential for the benefit of any shinty player that they have quality coaching. Coaches come from all backgrounds and can get involved at a number of levels and with different ages of player. Once involved in coaching there are opportunities to develop further. By getting on the coaching ladder, individuals have the opportunity to progress up through the various Camanachd Association coaching qualifications while constantly enhancing their skills and knowledge. This will not only improve the ability of the individual but also the performance and enjoyment of the team.
Being involved in player development through coaching can bring great benefit to the person who is coaching as well as to the players whom he or she is coaching. So much can be learned whilst coaching, whether it be through working with other coaches and learning from them, or coaching different groups of players with mixed abilities. A successful coach should always be open to new ideas and want to continually improve their individual skills and knowledge of the game. The Camanachd Association courses will offer the perfect solution to all coaches who aim to improve their skills, knowledge, experience and enjoyment of the game. For further information please contact Natasha Andean at womens.shinty@gmail.com.
Refereeing
Foundation Refereeing Certificate in Shinty The Camanachd Association are committed to developing the skills and knowledge of referees and supporting them in developing as individuals. Women’s Shinty is always on the look out for Referees, for further information on this course or on any aspect of refereeing in shinty, please contact Natasha Andean at womens.shinty@gmail.com.
How is it Played
Shinty is a fast, physical contact sport played outdoors. The object of the game is to score goals. The full Rules of Play for shinty are contained in the Women’s Camanachd Association’s byelaws . In women’s shinty National Division 1 there are 10 players in each team – one of whom is always the goalkeeper. In Division 2, there are 8 players in each team – one of whom is always the goalkeeper. In women’s shinty and in some competitions for children and young people, the pitch dimensions are smaller compared with senior men’s shinty. Each player has a caman, or curved stick, and it is with the caman that the small leather ball is struck.
A well-struck shinty ball can travel over 100 metres at very high speed. Competitive shinty is organised into league and knock-out cup competitions at various levels and grades. In women’s shinty the ultimate competition is the Valerie Fraser Cup, the final of which is held every September. Internationally shinty is only just developing, but an annual match between Shinty and the Irish game of Camogie – takes place every October. A composite set of rules has been agreed between the Women’s Camanachd Association and its Irish counterpart, the Gaelic Athletic Association.
When shinty is played
The Women’s Camanachd Association is supportive of shinty matches being played on any day of the week in circumstances where a team involved in any individual fixture/ game indicates acceptance of the chosen day, if it is other than a Sunday. If an open competition/ league is known to require play on a day other than a Sunday then those entering a competition will be made aware of any variation in expected day of play at the time of entry.
Leagues & Structures
There are 3 Leagues within Women’s Shinty:
National Division 1 – 10-a-side league with teams from the North and South of Scotland competing against each other for the Valerie Fraser Cup.
North Division 2 – 8-a-side leagues primarily for clubs in the North of Scotland and competing with all clubs in division 2 for the Challenge Cup.
South Division 2 – 8-a-side leagues primarily for clubs in the South of Scotland and competing with all clubs in division 2 for the Challenge Cup.
Development League – 6-a-side tournaments primarily for newly established clubs or second teams with limited numbers.
Competition Overview
Women’s teams compete for several cups throughout the course of the season. The Valarie Fraser Womens Camanachd Cup – sponsored by MOWI, is open to all registered women’s teams. Prior to the 2012 season, it was been predominately National Division 1 teams who have competed for this cup. However, there has been a drive for Second Division teams to enter, resulting in a higher level of competition, with more teams and more fixtures.
The Challenge Cup – sponsored by MOWI, is open to all teams in the Second Divisions and Development leagues. Fixtures will run throughout the season and the final played on the same day as the Valarie Fraser Cup Final.
The North vs South – supported by the Macaulay Association (strips funded by Superdrug & Boost PT), is held every September in Oban. It is a hard fought representative match featuring the best players from the women’s game.
Become a Player
There are opportunities for everyone to play shinty, whatever their age, gender, ability, race, culture or background. There are different forms of shinty from the small-sided game, such as First Shinty for young children taking their first steps in the game to the hugely popular six-a-side tournaments, to the more traditional 10-a-side Women’s game. Young players start out playing First Shinty being introduced to the key skills of the game using rubber headed, flexible camans. As the players progress they are introduced to using the wooden caman and taught the basic skills of blocking to protect themselves and cleeking, or hooking, to prevent their opponent playing the ball.
However you choose to enjoy playing shinty, there are teams across Scotland providing opportunities in an ever increasing number of communities. For the most talented players, there is a player pathway in place which provides a pyramid of participation identifying the key elements needed in foundation, through participation and performance to drive excellence at the top of the pathway. A player development pathway ensures that players are given the very best opportunities and support to reach their full potential, which at the elite end may mean playing top level shinty and even representing Scotland at many levels from Under 16 to adult for both men and women.
Rules
The Byelaws provide the rules and regulations of the game of shinty.
Pitch Dimensions
The objective of the game is to play a small ball into a goal, or “hail”, erected at the ends of a 140 to 170-yard-long pitch. The game is traditionally played on grass, although as of 2009 the sport may be played on artificial turf.
Equipment
In common with many other sports, shinty requires that team members have playing kit and that goals have goal nets. However, the unique equipment requirements for shinty are the caman (shinty stick) and shinty ball. The design and construction methods of a caman have evolved over many years. From a single piece of wood, often shaped from the branch of a tree, the caman developed through single piece hickory, spliced two-piece construction, up to the laminated hickory product in use today. Many young people starting out believe that a heavy head on the caman is essential to impart power into the moment of impact with the ball. However, the excellent caman is one that combines appropriate weight with balance, that elusive quality that is apparent as soon as one holds a well-made caman. Achieving that correct balance is a craft and the producers of camans are highly skilled artisans. The ball is made with a cork core wound with waxed thread and finished with a leather cover.
SUPPLIERS
Camanachd Association
First Shinty Sets and Goals. For more information call 01463 715931
Other Suppliers
Clothing Shinty Shop
Helmets Mycro Gear, Shinty Shop
Camans Shinty Shop, Tanera Camans, Argyll Shinty Shop, M&J Sloggie 01809 501248, Les Kerr 01369 860755, N Blair 01700 811569, A&B Camans 01540 661012
Balls Shinty Shop, Some clubs also provide balls
Equity The Association operates an Equal Opportunities Policy where no one is denied the right to equal access on the grounds of age, race, creed, colour, gender, disability, occupation, religion, sexual orientation or political persuasion or marital status or having or not having dependants. The policy means that there is equality of opportunity in terms of the playing rights and the rights of members to attend general meetings, vote and hold office.

Women’s Camanachd Association’s Constitution
The objectives of the Association shall be: 2.1. To be the Governing Body of Women’s Shinty. 2.2 To encourage and support the promotion and practice of the sport Shinty to women of all ages, in and around Scotland 2.2 To undertake other such activities incidental or conductive to the furtherance of that objective. Click here to view the full Constitution
All our photos below come straight from our Official Flickr account, so if you are on Flickr – add us and join in the sharing!
Click on a collection title/thumbnail to view all photos in the set.
International
The Shinty/Camogie International began in October 2004 as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Irish Camogie Association. Since then, the nations have met each year in alternate countries with each year being a highly competitive fixture.
Previous Winners
- 2019 – Ireland
- 2018 – Scotland
- 2017 – Scotland
- 2016 – Ireland
- 2015 – Scotland
- 2014 – Scotland
- 2013 – Scotland
- 2012 – Scotland
- 2011 – Scotland
- 2010 – Scotland
- 2009 – Ireland
- 2008 – Scotland
- 2007 – Scotland
- 2006 – Scotland
- 2005 – Ireland
- 2004 – Ireland
Scotland U18s Vs Scotland Development
2021: Not played
2020: Not Played
2019: Scot Dev
2018: Scot U18
Inter-district Games
North (Blue) Vs South (Red)
Traditionally one of the highlights of the Shinty Calendar with the top select players at various ages from the North and South of Scotland. Currently held at Mossfield Park, Oban and sponsored by Artemis Macaulay Association.
2021: Not Played
2020: Not Played
2019: U14 – Blue Senior – Blue
2018: U14 – North Senior – North
2017: U21 – North Senior – North
2016: U17 – North Senior – North
2015: U18 – North Senior – North
2014: U18 – North Senior – South
2013: U18 – South Senior – North
2012: U18 – North Senior – North
2011: Senior – North
2010: Senior – North
2009: Senior – North
2008: Senior – South
2007: Senior – South
2006: Senior – North
2005: Senior – South
2004: Senior – South
2003: Senior – South
2002: Senior – South
2001: Senior – North
2000: Senior – South
Women’s shinty is a sport, played almost entirely in Scotland, similar to the men’s game – smaller sized pitches and same equipment. However, its history is significantly different. Social pressures – along with the broader game’s self-image – resulted in a largely hidden history until comparatively recently.
The Women’s Camanachd Association run by volunteers was established in 2001 to develop and promote the Womens game. Prior to this womens teams such as Dunadd, Glengarry and Oban were regularly playing each other. The formation of the Womens Association enabled the game to grow with organised league competition and the promotion of womens game a priority.
Past Presidents of the Association have included Ali Rothe of Strathglass, Lisa Norman of GMA, Peter Gow of Inverness, Karen Cameron of Glengarry, Fiona Mathie of Tir Connal Harps.
In 2004 the first Shinty/Camogie International took place as part of the Camogie Associations 100 year’s celebration. A ‘High School’ Girls League was initiated in the North by Badenoch stalwart Jane Nicol in 2009, which has now expanded to cover the whole of Scotland. To date there is a National Division 1, North and South Division 2, the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup and Challenge Cup, along with Area representative games at different age levels, the Shinty/Camogie mixed rules game has continued since 2004.
Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup – Previous Winners
- 2023 – Skye (Runners Up – GMA)
- 2022 – Badenoch (Runners Up – Skye)
- 2021 – No competition due to COVID-19
- 2020 – No competition due to COVID-19
- 2019 – Skye (Runners Up – Badenoch)
- 2018 – Badenoch (Runners Up – Skye)
- 2017 – Skye (Runners Up – Lochaber)
- 2016 – Lochaber (Runners Up – Skye)
- 2015 – Glasgow Mid Argyll (Runners Up – Badenoch & Strathspey)
- 2014 – Glasgow Mid Argyll (Runners Up – Skye)
- 2013 – Badenoch & Strathspey (Runners Up – Glasgow Mid Argyll)
- 2012 – Aberdour (Runners Up – Glengarry)
- 2011 – Glengarry (Runners Up – Aberdour)
- 2010 – Glengarry (Runners Up – Tir Conaill Harps)
- 2009 – Glengarry (Runners Up – Tir Conaill Harps)
- 2008 – Tir Conaill Harps (Runners up – Glengarry)
- 2007 – Forth Camanachd (Runners up – Glasgow Mid Argyll)
- 2006 – Glasgow Mid Argyll (Runners up – Glengarry)
- 2005 – Glengarry (Runners up – Edinburgh)
- 2004 – Glengarry (Runners up – Kingussie)
- 2003 – Glasgow Mid Argyll (Runners up – Glengarry B)
- 2002 – Glengarry (Runners up – Kingussie)
Player of the Match – Previous Winners
- 2022 – Sarah Jayne Ferguson (Skye)
- 2021 – No competition due to COVID-19
- 2020 – No competition due to COVID-19
- 2019 – Lorna MacRae (Skye)
- 2018 – Kirsty Deans (Badenoch
- 2017 – Lorna MacRae (Skye)
- 2016 – Aeleen Campbell (Lochaber)
- 2015 – Kirsty Deans (Badenoch & Strathspey)
- 2014 – Sarah Corrighall (Skye)
- 2013 – Rachel McCafferty (Glasgow Mid Argyll)
- 2012 – Katy Smith (Aberdour)
- 2011 – Laura Gallacher (Glengarry)
- 2010 – Elaine Wink (Glengarry)
- 2009 – Beth MacDonald (Glengarry)
- 2008 – Sarah Corrigal (Glengarry)
- 2007 – Katy Smith (Forth)
- 2006 – Kirsten Munro (Glasgow Mid Argyll)
- 2005 – Jane Nicol (Glengarry)
- 2004 – Sarah Corrigal (Glengarry)
- 2003 – Katie Drain (Glasgow Mid Argyll)
- 2002 – Cara Dallas (Kingussie)
WCA Committee Contacts
PRESIDENT
Lisa McColl
E-mail: womens.shinty@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Karen Williamson
E-mail: womens.shinty@gmail.com
SECRETARY
Marion Gillies
E-mail: womens.shinty@gmail.com
TREASURER
Natasha Andean
E-mail: womens.shinty@gmail.com
PUBLICITY OFFICER
Jeanette McGregor
E-mail: womens.shinty@gmail.com
FIXTURES
Elizabeth McGregor
womens.shinty.fixtures@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL COACH
Stuart Reid
E-mail: shintystu@hotmail.com
OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Lyndsay Bradley
Tina Marshall
Claire Delaney
Gillian Brown
Taryn Nielson
Niamh Donnelly
For all enquiries contact: womens.shinty@gmail.com
CLUB CONTACTS
Aberdour faberdour@gmail.com
Ardnamurchan Lynzbrad@aol.com
Badenoch badenochshinty@outlook.com
Bute 19heatherferguson97@gmail.com
Cowal & Bute cowalandbuteshinty@yahoo.co.uk
Dunaad graced69@hotmail.com
Fortwilliam tbc
Glengarry curlycam2@aol.com
Glenurquhart 1 Hunter1995@hotmail.com
Glenurquhart 2 ishbelbarr@gmail.com
GMA Development david.docherty4@sky.com
Inverness julie_mutch@yahoo.co.uk
Kinlochshiel klsladies@gmail.com
Lochaber 1 hannadougan97@hotmail.com
Lochaber 2 delaney_888@hotmail.co.uk
Lovat secretary@lovatshintyclub.co.uk
Oban Lorne macnabpamela@gmail.com
Skye skyecamanachdfixtures@gmail.com
Strathglass conchie_7@hotmail.com
Strathspey lucy_grant52@hotmail.com
Tayforth tayforthladies@outlook.com
Uddingston gw14thompsonlee@glow.sch.uk
The WCA has plenty of opportunities for people to get involved, whether it be volunteering, coaching, being part of Development or International Committees, everyone’s help is valued.
Development Committee
The WCA are looking for enthusiatic volunteers to be part of the WCA commitee, working towards improving women’s shinty from the grassroots right through to international level. A key focus for 2021 is to grow womens shinty and increase the number of clubs and teams.
International Committee
In order to take the international experience for players to the next level, we are looking for volunteers to help on the International Committee. Volunteers will assist with fundraising, coaching and liaison with the Camanachd Association and GAA – focusing on the organisation of the entire event. If you are interested please contact womens.shinty@gmail.com for more information.
Interested in supporting and helping out The Women’s Camanachd Association? Then we need to hear from you! Some of our current sponsors include:
- MOWI
- JIG Groundworks
- Lochness Gifts
- Gilmour Sports
- Peter Gow
- Superdrug Oban
- Boost PT
- Artemis Macaulay Association
SPONSOR ON WOMENS-SHINTY.COM
Sponsor us and your name will be placed on this page and alongside our sponsors list.
- Your business or company will be advertised on this page and on the home page.
- For more information please email womens.shinty@gmail.com
Want to support Women’s Shinty further then become a patron.
Player pools will be available here in due course.