The Rules of Shin Kicking
Competitors will be assigned bouts at random, with winners of all rounds gaining entry to a final bout. Usually, there will be a maximum of 12 contestants.
1. Equipment. Competitors must wear long trousers or tracksuits and may cushion their shins by using straw (provided). They will be provided with white coats, representing the traditional shepherd’s smock. Footwear may be trainers, shoes, or soft-toed (i.e. un-reinforced) boots. Any form of metal-reinforced toe on footwear is expressly forbidden. This will now be checked both before and after bouts! Failure to comply will result in instant exclusion, and barring from future events!
2. Stance. A competitor begins by holding his or her opponent by the shoulders (or lapels) with arms straight.
3. The contest will be started, finished (if necessary) and judged, by an arbiter, known as a Stickler. The Stickler decides the fairness of a contest.
4. A contest is decided on the best of three throws: i.e. two successful throws results in a win. Note that this may be reduced to one throw in the event of poor weather, or the maximum number of competitors reached.