What is cow chip throwing and how does one play?

Answer 1

The Triple T Regional Sanctioned Cow Chip Throw is a competition to see who can throw a cow chip the farthest. And yes they are real cow chips. They are hand-collected every year fron area pastures. The winners qualify for the World Championship in Beaver, Oklahoma.

Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 there will be a class on different ways to throw a cow chip. Past winner will be there to show you their style of throwing. It will be held at the Richie Ashburn Field.

The Cow Chip Throw Committee has released the following guidelines. But as always the Chip Judge has the final say.

1. Two chips to each contestant. Chip thrown the farthest shall be the only one counted. If the chip breaks up in the throw, the piece going the farthest will be counted.

2. Contestants must be at least 16 years old to play.

3. Chips must be at least 6 inches in diameter.

4. Contestants must select their chips from the wagon-load provided by the official Cow Chip Committee. To alter, or shape in any way, chips selected from the wagon (except in rare cases where a loose fragment may be removed, provided that the removal does not render the chip less than 6 inches in diameter) subjects the contestant to a 25-foot penalty. Decision of the Chip Judge will be final.

5. Contestants will be registered and numbered at the registration table and must be ready when their number is called.

6. When throwing, gloves will not be allowed.

7. To get a better hold on your chip, you may lick your fingers before you throw. (This is optional.)

The History of Cow Chip Throwing

Life was difficult for the first settlers in the Plains. Facing Indians, unfriendly lands, extreme weather conditions made life hard and lonely. Because of the bitter winters in the area, settlers became desperate for fuel. Buffalo chips were found to be an excellent source of fuel. When dry the "cow chips" were odorless, burned with a clean, bright flame, intense heat, and no soot. The chips became a life-sustaining utility and were often used to trade for food and anything else the pioneers needed.

In 1970 tossing cow chips became a sport in the Cimmarron Territory Celebration held each year in Beaver, Oklahoma. In 2004 the Tilden Cow Chip Throw, nicknamed the Tilden Turd Toss, was designated as a Sanctioned Regional Contest.