Gender Equality Tables

In line with the aim of the Scottish Highland Games Association (S.H.G.A.), to encourage more female athletes to take part in Highland Games, the Highland Area Highland Games Association (H.A.H.G.A.), in the 2019 season, will be trialling innovative ‘Gender Equality Tables’, at four Games in the North of Scotland. These tables have been created, to try and ‘level the playing field’, between the perceived physical abilities of the genders. They are designed to allow both genders to fairly compete together, in the same event, without gender disadvantages. 

Numerous results from each gender, across various Track and Field events, were averaged and then compared. From the data, the differences between the genders, at each event, were calculated as a percentage and then used to make the ’Gender Equality Tables’.

In mixed gender foot races, all women will start together, at a pre-determined distance, in front of male athletes.

In mixed gender jump competitions, women will be given a pre-determined, sliding scale increase, to each distance they successfully jump.

The Games which will be trialling the ‘Gender Equality Tables’, are:

1. The Glenmorangie Tain Highland Gathering, on Saturday 13^th July
2. The Dornoch Highland Gathering, on Friday 2^nd August
3. The Strathpeffer Highland Gathering, on Saturday 10^th August
4. The Helmsdale Highland Games, on Saturday 17^th August

Any questions regarding the ‘Gender Equality Tables’ trial, should preferably be put to the respective Games Secretary, or via the H.A.H.G.A. Contact tab.