How long is a silambam stick?
Officials' detail · Events and equipment · 1 of 2The staff is cane or bamboo, about forehead height for displays. The sword is 22 to 26 in plus a 4 in handle; the steel whip is 3.5 to 4.5 ft. Stick fighters wear head gear, a body pad, abdomen and arm guards and knee caps. School dress is a white T-shirt, black trousers and white shoes.
How it works
- Staff: cane or bamboo.
- Display staff: forehead height.
- Sword: 22 to 26 in, 4 in handle.
- Steel whip: 3.5 to 4.5 ft.
- Fight protection: head, body, abdomen, arm, knee.
- Shirt: white, with logo.
- Trousers: black.
- Shoes: white, flat soles.
The glossary has the silambam staff, the sedi kuchi, the staff preparation, the combat protective equipment, the uniform (silambam) and the staff grips.
Tricky cases
Can jewellery be worn?
No. Long hair must be tied.
How long is a WSA tournament staff?
At most 117 cm for juniors and 120 cm for seniors.
Does the WSA use the same guards?
No. Only a groin guard and shin or instep protector.
What colour is the WSA uniform?
Orange saffron, with the player's own belt.
Why the rule exists
Full protection makes a stick fight safe enough for school sport.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| School games | Full guards | L S 4 |
| WSA | Groin and shin only | L W 21.1 |
| WSA staff | 117 or 120 cm | L W 17.5 |
From the rule book
SGFI Silambam Rules and WSA Silambam Sports Rules: SGFI chapters 1 and 4 and the equipment pages; WSA articles 17.5 and 21.1. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: SGFI Silambam Rules; WSA Silambam Sports Rules (web page).