Tug O' War Competition
A Traditional Scottish Tug O' War
This is a team contest consisting of eight members per team plus a coach. The coach will encourage the team to pull as and when required depending on the opposing team’s actions. The coach must remain alert to keep the team fully aware of the moves intended or to just hold while waiting 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 gives the command, “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 members of the team 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. Best of three pulls is the winner.
Tug o’ War Rules
1. Team to consist of eight members pulling and a coach. Up to two reserves are allowed for each team.
2. Raised heels to a maximum of ¼ inch are allowed on footwear. Footwear will be inspected before each pull.
3. The overall pull is 12 feet and the winner of each tie to be decided by best of three pulls.
4. No hand over hand pulling is allowed; team members must go back with the rope when pulling.
5. The anchorman may loop rope round one shoulder to secure rope. No knots are permitted on the rope.
6. 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.
7. Draw for ties will take place prior to start of competition.
8. 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
9. A person may pull for only one team during a competition.
10. Judge will toss a coin to determine direction of the first pull.
11. Prior to 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.
12. Teams will leave area of competition during pulls in which they are not involved.
13. Two warnings for infringements, including use of foul language, will be given. A further infringement will result in disqualification.
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 gives the command, “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 members of the team 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. Best of three pulls is the winner.
Tug o’ War Rules
1. Team to consist of eight members pulling and a coach. Up to two reserves are allowed for each team.
2. Raised heels to a maximum of ¼ inch are allowed on footwear. Footwear will be inspected before each pull.
3. The overall pull is 12 feet and the winner of each tie to be decided by best of three pulls.
4. No hand over hand pulling is allowed; team members must go back with the rope when pulling.
5. The anchorman may loop rope round one shoulder to secure rope. No knots are permitted on the rope.
6. 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.
7. Draw for ties will take place prior to start of competition.
8. 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
9. A person may pull for only one team during a competition.
10. Judge will toss a coin to determine direction of the first pull.
11. Prior to 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.
12. Teams will leave area of competition during pulls in which they are not involved.
13. Two warnings for infringements, including use of foul language, will be given. A further infringement will result in disqualification.
