Objective of the Game

Of the games requiring accuracy and sureness of aim, the Ring Toss in its many variations was probably the most 'portable.' The few pieces of equipment required could be made up at a moment's notice. A number of sticks were put into the ground. The competitors attempted to throw a certain number of small hoops, or rings, over the sticks. The player with the highest score won the contest.

This game was often accompanied by betting. At Nahanni Butte, for example, the players wagered arrows on the outcome. The game would then last a very long time, because the players played many rounds.

Equipment

1. Target sticks made from willow, about 30 cm long. The number of sticks used varies from five to as many as thirty-two.
2. Deg Hit'an players used only one target stick. It was about 7 to 10 cm long.
3. Small hoops made from willow sticks which are about 0.5 cm thick. To make a hoop, the willow is bend into a circle of about 5 cm diameter. The ends are connected by wrapping a short string of thin babiche around them. Each competitor usually played with five rings, but a greater number of rings were used occasionally.
4. Deg Hit'an players use only one ring. It is about 15 cm in diam­eter.

Playing Area

• The Ring Toss can be played on any reasonably level stretch of ground.
• The game is usually played during the summer season.
• The Deg Hit'an also played the game in the men's communal house.

Teams and Players

• In most communities, Ring Toss is played by the men and older boys only, but some stories from other places indicate that men and women played together.
• This game was sometimes accompanied by gambling. In that case only the men would probably have played.
• This is a contest between individual players. No team event has been described.

How to Play

Preparation

• The sticks are put into the ground in two rows such that they extend about 10-12 cm above ground.
• The Deg Hit'an place the target stick upright in the middle of the fire hole cover in the centre of the room.
• A throwing line is marked on the ground at a distance of about 6 m from the row of sticks.

Starting Position and Movement

• The first player steps up to the throwing line. When throwing the rings, he may lean or reach, but not step, across the throwing line. When a competitor steps across the throwing line, the attempt will be ruled invalid.
• Deg Hit'an competitors throw from the corners of the house.

End of Round and Competition

• For each of the rings landing on one of the sticks, the players receives one point. No score is given, if the ring only hits the target stick.
• The player with the highest score wins the round.
• Participants agree before the start of the contest on the number of rounds to be played.
• Deg Hit'an competitors have ten attempts to throw the ring over the target stick.

Safety Considerations

Any stick or rod-shaped implement may be used, but should have blunt head.