We're a band of folks who love the sport of Shinty (Gaelic: Camanachd). Some of us have played before and some are brand new. 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 your parent or guardian to sign a waiver form. We have loaner equipment, and e-mail us and we can tell you what else is helpful to have with you! Shinty is a game unique to Scotland and one of the oldest games in the world, fast moving and skillful - there is no other spectator sport like it! It is played by two teams of six to twelve each player armed with 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 hockey as both are played with ball and stick. The most obvious difference is there is no restriction to the swing of the stick, the head of which is triangular, enabling players to strike the ball on both sides. Holding the ball is not allowed although the use of feet to stop the ball is. Shinty is closely associated with Iona, Columba left Ireland in 563AD for Scotland and landed on the wee isle of Iona, it is said due to a quarrel over a game of Camanachd (shinty). A 15th century stone on Iona depicts not only the owner���¯���¿�������¯���¾���¢���¯���¿�������¯���¾�������¯���¿�������¯���¾����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 heroes and warriors are to be found playing the game. Be sure to drop us a line, and we can forward you our information/schedule, as well as some helpful URLs to learn more about this truly amazing sport. Check out our web site www.norcalshinty.com for more information and how to contact us.