Objective of the Game

In its close connection to the traditional hunting way of life, the Spear Throw stood out from the great variety of traditional games requiring accuracy. Tradi­tionally, the game was not played as a distance competition.

The spear was an important weapon of war and of the hunt. During the fall hunt, the hunters would often wait at rivers that the caribou herds had to cross during their annual migrations. The animals were speared from canoes and pulled to shore.

Equipment

Short spears of about 30 - 50 cm in length are made from the bottom section of a small spruce tree. The big end is pointed so that it will stick in the ground when thrown into the playing field. The stick is cut so that a set of limbs remain about 10 - I5 cm up from the heavy end. These are cut off 7 - l0 cm from the shaft.

Broom handles should be used as substitutes for tree cuttings.

Playing Area

Any flat area without obstructions is suitable for the Spear Throw.

Teams & Players

The Spear Throw is most often played by two people, as a one-on-one contest.

How to Play

Preparation

A target spear is first thrown anywhere into the playing area, to a distance of perhaps 15-25m.

Starting Position, Movement and End of Competition

The two players stand behind a throwing line marked on the ground. They take turns throwing their spears towards the target. The closest throw wins.

Safety Considerations

This game can be played at all times of the year. Because short spears are used for this game, the danger of injury to the participants is relatively low.

• At no time should spectators or participants enter the throwing area.
• It is the instructor's responsibility to make sure that all non-throwing participants are positioned well back of the target sticks.
• A spear must only be thrown upon a clear signal given by the instructor or official. Before giving the sig­nal, the official makes sure that non-throwing particip­ants do not block the target area.
• At no time may anybody other than the instructor or official enter the playing area.