Tug O' War Competition
A Traditional Scottish Tug O' War
The Tug o' War is a team contest consisting of eight members per team plus a coach. Depending on the opposing team's actions, the coach will encourage the team to pull as and when required. The coach must remain alert to keep the team fully aware of the moves intended or to hold while waiting for the correct time to make a move.
The competition begins with the judge's command, "Pick up the rope." The two teams move back until the rope is taut. The judge then inserts the marker flag opposite the central marker on the rope and commands, "Take the strain." At this time, the teams lean back on the rope and heel in, until the judge gives the command, "Pull." Then, both teams pull with all their strength. The object is to pull with nearly straight arms and legs from as low a position as possible and with all team members pulling in unison.
The official length of the pull is 12 feet, measured by two marks on the rope, each six feet from the center. When either mark passes the marker flag at the original center of the rope, the other team has won the pull. The teams change ends. The best of three pulls is the winner.
Tug o' War Rules
The competition begins with the judge's command, "Pick up the rope." The two teams move back until the rope is taut. The judge then inserts the marker flag opposite the central marker on the rope and commands, "Take the strain." At this time, the teams lean back on the rope and heel in, until the judge gives the command, "Pull." Then, both teams pull with all their strength. The object is to pull with nearly straight arms and legs from as low a position as possible and with all team members pulling in unison.
The official length of the pull is 12 feet, measured by two marks on the rope, each six feet from the center. When either mark passes the marker flag at the original center of the rope, the other team has won the pull. The teams change ends. The best of three pulls is the winner.
Tug o' War Rules
- Team to consist of eight members pulling and a coach. Up to two reserves are allowed for each team.
- Raised heels to a maximum of ¼ inch are allowed on footwear. The judge will inspect footwear before each pull.
- The overall pull is 12 feet, and the winner of each tie is to be decided by the best of three pulls.
- No hand-over-hand pulling is allowed; team members must move backward with the rope when pulling.
- The anchorman may loop the rope around one shoulder to secure the rope. No knots are permitted on the rope.
- All team members must remain on their feet, with no hands allowed persistently on the ground, except the anchorman, who is permitted one hand on the ground.
- Draw for ties will take place before the start of the competition.
- The teams, through their coaches, will be reminded of the rules before the start of the competition. Only coaches may consult with the judge(s). Judges' decisions are final
- A person may pull for only one team during a competition.
- Judge will toss a coin to determine the direction of the first pull.
- Before the start of the pull, the judge will ask coaches whether they are ready, then give the command, "Take the strain." At this point, team members may heel in. When teams are balanced, the command to pull is given.
- Teams will leave the area of competition during pulls in which they are not involved.
- Two warnings for infringements, including foul language, will be given. A further infringement will result in disqualification.
