How do youth shinty formats differ from the adult game?
Rule- Scotland
- Camanachd Association
- Shinty
- Camanachd Association Byelaws
- All ages (U12 to adult)
- 2025
- Players
Byelaw 4 sets the rules for youth shinty, and it overrides the other byelaws where they conflict.
Who is a youth: anyone under 17 on 1 January of the year the season starts. Under 14 and Under 17 grades are also based on age on 1 January of the competition year.
Formats (2025 youth competition programme):
| Grade | Formats |
|---|---|
| Under 12 | 6-a-side |
| Under 14 | 6-a-side championships (6 players plus up to 2 subs); 9-a-side National Development Trophy; 12-a-side Kenneth MacMaster Cup and North and South area leagues (12 plus up to 3 subs) |
| Under 17 | 6-a-side championships (6 plus up to 2 subs); 12-a-side MacQuiston Cup, MacTavish Juvenile Cup and London Shield; 9-a-side W J Cameron Development Competition |
Other differences:
- Smaller pitches for younger grades. For example, Under 12 6-a-side is 55 to 73 m long and 37 to 46 m wide, against 128 to 155 m long for the adult game.
- Rolling substitutions are allowed in all youth competitions (players taken off can go back on), entering at the halfway line during a stoppage with the referee's signal.
- Helmets with faceguards are compulsory up to Under 17, and shin guards must be worn in all youth training and games.
- First Shinty, the beginners' game, uses plastic and rubber camans and balls, so helmets are encouraged but not mandatory.
- The adult game has 12 players a side, and players must be 16 (or 13 with parental consent).
Added 21 Oct 2026