Maryland State Sport - Jousting

Jousting became the official sport of Maryland in 1962 (Chapter 134, Acts of 1962; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-308).
Horseback rider spearing the ring at jousting event. Photo by R.A.R.E., courtesy
of Peggy and Bruce Hoffman, Maryland Jousting Tournament Association.

Maryland was the first state in the country to adopt an official sport. Jousting became its official sport in 1962 (Chapter 134, Acts of 1962; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-308). The law's preamble refers to the obverse side of the Great Seal of Maryland. There, seated upon a charging horse, is a figure adorned in medieval armor. In support of the jousting tradition in the State, the preamble identifies this figure as Lord Baltimore.

In Maryland, jousting is the sport of charging a horse at full-gallop toward a suspended ring. The rider carries a long, fine-tipped lance and attempts to "spear" the ring, scoring points accordingly. The ring can range in diameter from one-quarter inch to nearly two inches depending upon the skill-level of the contestant. This form of jousting is called the "ring tournament" by jousting associations in the state, thereby distinguishing it from earlier incarnations of the sport that pit two riders against one another in either real or simulated combat. Today, annual jousting competitions are held throughout Maryland.

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