Basically, the hammer (weighing 7 kgs for men and about 4 kgs for women in today’s competitions) has to be thrown as far as possible. 10 Facts about Rocket Raccoon Proving He is the Most Interesting Guardian of the Galaxy, 10 Fun Facts About the Films of Christopher Nolan, Crazy Facts About Antarctica Everyone Should Know, Strange Urban Legends From Around the World, Even More Mysterious Ruins From Around the World, Top 10 Famous & Deadly Swords & Their History, Josip Broz ‘Tito’ Biography: Too Tough for Stalin, Adrian Carton de Wiart Biography: The Unbreakable Soldier. Backs and necks were broken and sometimes swords and battle axes were used with drastic consequences for the contestants. The feudal system of middle ages offered proper chances for everyone to gain reputation and higher social rank.

Ice hockey is now a pale reflection of what really went on in a medieval shinty match, whether played on grass or ice. The origin of bull baiting was actually to make its meat tenderer to eat. The lower classes were only allowed to take part in more mediocre events such as running, wrestling and jumping. The game of shinty came originally from Ireland where it is known as hurling. Lords of manors were expected to provide trained soldiers for kings that could be used at the time of need against the invaders, barbarians, and other enemies. There were also accidents caused by reckless horse riding. They could participate freely in footraces and ball games of medieval period. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I also participated at some of these bloodthirsty events. In medieval times, Irish stick fighting had become a standard method to settle tenants’ rights. The lack of rules, protective gear and first aid were the price to be paid for this entertainment. Apart from these sports which were designed to increase fighting skills of knights, soldiers and peasants, the medieval society of Europe also enjoyed certain entertaining games including card games, dice games, board games, and children’s games. God would side with the innocent party, it was widely believed. However, almost all sports of the medieval ages were designed with a motive of increasing the fighting capacities of the people as soldiers.

Colf was specifically played by the members of nobility. It has been called the world’s most violent hobby. The project was repeated in 2008. As a result, these sporting events and contests gained huge popularity among the masses and people enthusiastically took part in them. Different types of Games and Medieval entertainment fell into a number of different categories including Card Games, Board Games, Dice Games, Sporting Games and Children's games. Players were allowed to tackle and block each other using the caman (shinty stick). Apart from archery, other middle ages sports included Bowls, Colf, Gameball, Hammer-throwing, Shinty, Horseshoes, Jousting at tournaments, Skittles, Stoolball and Wrestling. The thrill of showing off one’s prowess and fitness in sports appealed to competitors and spectators alike. In addition, medieval people also scheduled specific time for sports. Serious injury, maiming and death were a natural aftermath. Perhaps the worst punishment of all was when a peasant thief was sewn into a deerskin, and was then chased by ferocious hounds. The serfs and peasants were often invited to watch the games of aristocracy during the tournaments; however, they were not allowed to take part in these tournaments. A cruel death was inevitable. The Little Ice Age (circa 1350 to 1870) meant that colder winters were much more frequent than now. It was necessary for the participant of such tournaments and jousts to attain Quintain and Pell Training. Animal baiting was so popular in the medieval era that every town in England had a bear or bull ring where this bloodthirsty event was held. We might be surprised to learn that there were lots of holidays in medieval times which left plenty of time for sports and games.

As they were allowed to drink as well, things got rough and dangerous. In 2010, the fixture was played at Croke Park before the international rules football game and then a return leg was played at the Bught Park two weeks later. There was always the risk that someone might take advantage of a grudge to dole out justice. This was a full contact sport and with no protective headgear so you can imagine the injuries. Sometimes dogs were thrown to the ground by the bull and they suffered broken backs and other traumatic injuries. I wrote a book about such games Past Times: Sports and Games of Medieval Europe, Hello – can we use image 3 – hammer throwing in our Highland Games Brochure – Dufftown Scotland. These were golden opportunities to show off their skills at horsemanship and marksmanship.

A Knight who could prove his fighting abilities during a war or during the sporting tournaments was often awarded with a great wealth.

This was a high impact and high speed sport with little protective gear.