Irish Tug of War Association
Cumann Tarraingt Téide na hÉireann
Rules
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RULES FOR COMPETITION
1. TUG OF WAR SPORT:
Tug of War is a sport practised by teams who are bona-fide member’s of the Irish Tug of War Association. The participants must be amateurs, as approved by I.T.O.W.A. and they will adhere to the Rules and Constitution as laid down by the Irish Tug of War Association.
2. CATEGORIES:
In Tug of War competitions, the following categories will be used:
Outdoor and Indoor
Men, Ladies, Youth.
3. WEIGHT CLASSES:
In all National competitions the following team weights will apply:
Ultra Featherweight: not exceeding 480 kilos
Featherweight: not exceeding 520 kilos
Lightweight: not exceeding 560 kilos
Light Middleweight: not exceeding 600 kilos
Middleweight: not exceeding 640 kilos
Cruiserweight: not exceeding 680 kilos
Heavyweight: not exceeding 720 kilos
Catchweight no weight limitations
4. WEIGHING AND STAMPING:
A team failing to weigh within the required weight limit shall be given one further attempt to Weigh IN. The weighing and stamping shall be completed at least one hour before the published time for the start of the competition.
5. AGE LIMITS:
No person under the age of 15 years is allowed to compete in an National Tug of War Match.
(i) Junior category:
A puller is eligible to participate in the Junior category when the puller has reached the age of 15 years until the end of the year in which the puller has reached the age of 18 years.
(ii) Senior category:
A puller is eligible to participate in the Senior category from the beginning of the year in which the puller will reach the age of 18 years. In the year in which a puller reaches the age of 18 years, the puller is eligible to participate in either the Junior or the Senior category however the puller is not allowed to pull in both categories. The age limit to be eligible to participate in the Women category is 16 years, until such time when the Women category is organised in Junior and Senior categories.
6. TEAMS AND SUBSTITUTIONS:
(i) Number of pullers in a team:
Teams shall consist of a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 9 pulling members at the start of the competition. The contest will have deemed to have commenced, for particular teams, when they are in a position to pull under the direct supervision of the judge.
(ii) Conditions for using a substitute:
The substitute may replace any one puller for the duration of the competition. After the substitution has taken place, no other such changes may occur. Substitution may be used for tactical reasons or due to injury. Substitution may only take place after the team has weighed-in and has finished the first end of the first match it pulls in. The replaced puller shall not participate in any subsequent matches of that weight-class. The substitute must be a registered puller of the specific Club for which he/she acts as a substitute.
(iii) Substitution procedures:
Both the puller to be replaced and the substitute must report in full pulling outfit (shirts, shorts, stockings and footwear) to the Chief Judge, who may designate an official to deal with the substitutes. A small (bathroom type) scale must be available at the pulling area (in a suitable place, on solid surface), to determine the weight difference between the two pullers. The substitute puller must be of equal weight or less than the puller he/she replaces. The total weight of the team cannot be increased by the weight of the substitute, even if the team originally weighed less than the maximum weight for that weightclass. Directly after the change, the Chief Judge or designated official shall cancel the stamp or marking of the replaced puller and indicate a similar marking on the substitute with an indelible marker. The Chief Judge or the designated official shall note the substitution on the appropriate weight certificate, by adding and deleting the accreditation numbers of the pullers involved with the changes.
(iv) Minimum number of pullers:
A second substitution will not be permitted. Should a second injury occur, the team is allowed to continue with seven pullers. A team is not allowed to continue a competition with less than seven pullers.
7. COACH / TRAINER:
Each team may have a team coach to direct their pulling. One trainer for each team is also allowed. The trainer’s function is to take care of his team before and after pulls. He is not allowed to speak to his team whilst they are pulling and must take up position as directed by the judge in charge of the match.
8. SPORT EQUIPMENT:
(i) Sport Dress:
Teams will wear normal sports clothing consisting of shorts, sports shirt or jerseys and knee-stockings.
Protective clothing – clothing to protect the skin may be worn under the sport clothing subject to judge’s approval. Protective belts are only permitted if worn over the sport clothing. The protective clothing worn by the anchor shall not exceed a maximum thickness of 5 centimetres, it must always be worn under the sport clothing and placed between the rope and the body. No hooks, grooves or other constructions intended to lock the rope are allowed on any of the protective clothing.
(ii) Resin:
Resin is allowed to facilitate the grip on the rope and the use is restricted to the hands only. In in-door competition, resin may only be used when authorisation is obtained to utilise resin in the sports hall; if permitted to use resin in the sports hall, it shall be applied under the directions of the judges only.
(iii) Dress at weigh-in:
Men-teams may weigh-in in proper sized non-transparent shorts only. Women-teams may weigh-in in proper sized non-transparent shorts and shirts only. Boots need not be carried or worn on the scale during weigh-in.
(iv) Shoes:
(a) Out-door shoes – Competitors boots shall not be built up in any way. The sole, heel and side of the heel must be perfectly flush. No metal toecaps or toe plates are permitted. A metal heel-plate of a maximum thickness of 6.5mm that is flush on the side and bottom of the heel of the boot is permitted. Spikes and protruding nails from the soles or heels of the boots are not permitted.
(b) In-door shoes – The shoes to be used for indoor tug of war should be as originally produced by an acknowledged sport shoe manufacturer and the sole shall not be modified in any way. The sole must be made of rubber or such material as to give optimum grip but not cause damage to the pulling surface or floor.
9. ROPE SPECIFICATIONS
Rope dimensions – The rope must not be less than 10 centimetres (100mm) or more than 12.5 centimetres (125mm) in circumference and must be free from knots or other holdings for the hands. The ends of the rope shall have a whipping finish. The minimum length of the rope must not be less than 33.5 metres
Rope Marking – The tapes or markings shall be affixed so that they are easily adjustable by the judge in the event of the rope stretching or shrinking.
(i) Rope marking out-door:
Five tapes or rope markings shall be affixed as follows:
(a) one (1) tape or marking at the centre of the rope
(b) two (2) tapes or markings each four (4) metres
on either side of the centre marking
(c) two (2) tapes or markings each five (5) metres
on either side of the centre marking
(d) markings listed in (a), (b) and (c) shall be in three different colours.
(ii) Rope marking in-door:
Five tapes or rope markings shall be affixed as follows:
(a) one (1) tape or marking at the centre of the rope
(b) two (2) tapes or markings each two (2) metres
on either side of the centre marking
(c) two (2) tapes or markings each two and a half (2.5) metres
on either side of the centre marking
Markings listed above shall be in three different colours.
10. PULLING AREA AND MARKINGS:
(i) Out-door pulling area and marking:
The pulling area shall be flat, level grass, or other suitable covered surface. One centre line shall be marked on the ground.
(ii) In-door pulling area and marking:
The pulling surface shall be made of a material that will give sufficient friction to normal indoor sports shoes and is approved by TWIF. The recommended length of the pulling surface will be 36 metre. One centre line and two side lines two (2) metres on either side of the centre line shall be marked on the pulling surface.
PULLING TECHNIQUES RULES
11. ROPE GRIP:
No competitor shall grip the rope within the length bounded by the outer tapes or markings. At the commencement of each pull the first pulling member shall grip the rope as close as possible to the outer tape or marking. No knots or loops shall be made in the rope, nor shall it be locked across any part of the body of any member of the team. Crossing the rope over itself constitutes a loop. At the start of a pull, the rope shall be taut with the centre rope marking over the centre line marking on the ground.
12. PULLING POSITION:
Every pulling member shall hold the rope with both bare hands by the ordinary grip i.e. the palms of both hands facing up and the rope shall pass between the body and the upper part of the arm. Any other hold which prevents the free movement of the rope is a Lock and is an infringement of the Rules. The feet must be extended forward of the knees and team members should be in a pulling position at all times.
13. ANCHOR’S POSITION:
The end puller shall be called the Anchor. The rope shall pass alongside the body, diagonally across the back and over the opposite shoulder from rear to front. The remaining rope shall pass under the armpit in a backward and outward direction and the slack shall run free. The Anchor shall then grip the standing part of the rope by the ordinary grip, i.e. the palms of both hands facing up, with both arms extended forward.
INFRINGEMENTS OF THE RULES
14. INFRINGEMENTS DURING COMPETITION:
(i) Infringements General:
Sitting - deliberately sitting on the ground, or failure to return immediately to the pulling position after slipping
Leaning - touching the ground with any part of the body other than the feet
Locking – any hold which prevents the free movement of the rope
Grip – any grip other than the ordinary grip as described in Rule 11, 12 and 13
Propping – holding the rope in a position where it does not pass between the body and the upper part of the arm
Position – sitting on a foot or a limb or the feet not extended forward of the knee
Climbing the rope – passing the rope through the hands
Rowing – repeatedly sitting on the ground whilst the feet are moved backwards
Anchor Position – any other than the position described in Rule 13
Trainer – trainer speaking to his team whilst they are pulling.
Inactivity – teams failing to actively engage in a competitive effort during a pull, leading to a prolonged stalemate, which could bring the sport into disrepute, constitutes a “No pull”, which can be called at any time. The pull will be restarted on either new or less broken ground in the immediate proximity of the original pulling lane. If a pull with periods of inactivity lasts longer than ten minutes, the Chief Judges will draw the attention of the Centre Judge to call a “No pull”.
(ii) Infringements during out-door competitions:
Footholds – making indents in the ground in any way before the command “Take the Strain” is given
(iii) Infringements during in-door competitions:
Side-stepping – stepping outside the pulling surface of an in-door competition.
15. DISQUALIFICATION:
Teams will receive two (2) cautions for infringements of the Rules in any one (1) pull, before being disqualified. For all infringements of the Rules, a team may be deemed guilty if only one person offends.
16. BREACH OF THE RULES:
Failure to comply with any of the Rules for National Competition may obviate teams from competing.
COMPETITION MATCHES AND SCORES
17. MATCHES, PULLS AND REST PERIOD:
A points competition consists of (n x (n-1)¸2) matches, in which n is the number of teams in the competition. Each match consists of the best of 3 pulls. A reasonable rest will be granted between pulls. A maximum of six (6) minutes may be claimed between matches, beginning when a team leaves the arena and ending when a team is in the marshalling area ready to re-enter the arena.
18. TOSS:
Before pulling commences, the choice of ends will be decided by the toss of a coin. After the first pull, the teams will change ends. If a third pull is necessary, the choice of ends will again be decided by the toss of a coin.
19. WINNING A PULL:
(i) Winning a pull general:
A pull is won by a team either by moving the rope the required distance as indicated by the markings or through the disqualification of the other team by the judge.
(ii) Winning pull out-door:
A pull is won when one of the side markers on the rope is pulled beyond the centre line marking on the ground.
(iii) Winning pull in-door:
A pull is won when one of the side markers on the rope is pulled beyond the opposite side marker on the ground.
20. SCORE:
Points Competition.
Matches will be won by two (2) pulls out of three (3). A team winning a match by two (2) pulls to nil (0) will score three (3) points, the loosing team scoring no (0) points. A team winning a match by two (2) pulls to one (1) will score two (2) points, the loosing team scoring one (1) point.
21. NO PULL:
A “No Pull” will be declared in the event of:
(a) both teams being guilty of infringements; after twice being cautioned
(b) both teams being guilty of inactivity
(c) both teams leaving go of the rope before the finish of a pull
(d) a pull being interrupted without infringement by either of the teams
When a “No pull” is declared in the case (a), (b) or (c), no rest period will be granted and the pull shall be retaken immediately and without any aid or service. When a “No pull” is declared in the case of (d), a reasonable rest period will be granted.
JUDGING
22. OFFICIALS AND JUDGES:
Officials shall be appointed by the I.T.O.W.A to have control of all National competitions.
23. POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JUDGE:
The appointed judge for a match shall have sole control. The judge shall be responsible for ensuring:
(i) that the Rules of the I.T.O.W.A. are adhered to.
(ii) that the rope is laid out ready for competition before the teams arrive in the pulling area
(iii) that, as far as possible, the pre-determined timetable is adhered to.
The judge has the power to:
(iv) grant rest periods as shown in Rule 17
(v) declare a “No pull”
(vi) disqualify a team or teams after caution
(vii) disqualify a team without caution which he deems to be guilty of ungentlemanly conduct, by word or act, which is likely to bring the sport into disrepute.
In the event of the judge in charge giving a caution, which the judge will indicate by the common signal code, naming the team and adding “first caution” or “last caution”. Any such instructions given by the judge in charge must be clear and brief using the appropriate signals. The judge’s decision shall be final at all times.
24. RESPONSIBILITIES OF SIDE JUDGES:
Side judges shall at all times act under the directions of the judge in charge. During the actual pulling the side judge shall take up a position alongside the competing teams and to the opposite side of the judge in charge. The side judge shall observe the competing teams and indicate the infringements of the teams to the judge in charge, using the common signal code. The side judge will inform the offenders of the cautions given by the judge in charge.
25. WEIGHMASTER:
In National competitions, stewards may be appointed by I.T.O.W.A. who shall be responsible to the Weighmaster (judge in charge of the weigh-in) for correctly weighing and stamping all competitors.
SIGNALS AND COMMANDS
26. THE START PROCEDURE
When the judge has received a signal from the two coaches that all is ready, he shall give the teams the following verbal and visual commands:
Pick up the rope – the rope shall then be gripped as defined in paragraphs 11, 12 and 13, the feet being flat on the ground.
Take the Strain – sufficient strain being put on the rope to ensure that it is taut. In out-door competitions each puller may establish one foothold with the heel or side of the boot with the extended foot.
Steady – the judge shall then signal the rope to the centre position. When the rope is steady with the centre mark over the centre line on the ground.
27. FINISH OF A PULL:
The finish of a pull shall be signalled by the judge blowing a whistle and pointing in the direction of the team winning the pull or in the case of a “No pull” crossing his/her arms and pointing to the centre mark.
28. LIST OF COMMANDS IN TUG OF WAR COMPETITION
Command Signal
Team are you ready Indicating the team with the arm
Pick up the rope Arms extended in front of the body
Take the strain Arms extended upwards with hands palms inward
Rope to centre Indicating the side which has to move to centre
Steady Arms extended upwards with palms outwards
Pull Flinging arms down to the sides
Indicate winner Blowing whistle and pointing to the winning team
Change ends Blowing whistle and crossing the arms over the head
No Pull Blowing whistle and crossing the arms in front of the body
Caution Raising the arm on the side of the infringing team and indicating by one or two fingers the first or final caution.
29. LIST OF COMMON INFRINGEMENTS IN COMPETITION
Infringements Signal
Sitting Moving flat hand horizontally
Leaning Open hand horizontal indicating to the ground
Locking Elbow touching the lifted upper leg
Grip To fists in front of each other
Propping Lifting movement with hands along the body
Position Kicking movement and stretching of the lower leg
Climbing the rope Climbing movements with the fists
Rowing Rowing motion with arm and upper body
Anchor’s grip With the hand touching the back
Trainer With the finger touching the lips
Footholds Kicking with heels in the ground
Side-stepping Side stepping with one foot
COMPETITION STRUCTURE
30. GENERAL
The I.T.O.W.A. National Championships competition consists of a qualifying round, semi-finals and finals.
(a) The qualifying round will be a points competition. For the points competition only one draw shall be made. The draw shall be made in the presence of the appointed delegates of each club
(b) The qualifying competition will result in four teams entering the semi-finals. The loser of the semi-final matches enters into the pull-off for the bronze medal and the winners of the semi-final matches enter into the final for the silver and the gold medal.
31. MINIMUM NUMBER OF TEAMS:
A minimum number of 4 teams per weight class is required for participation in National Championships. If there are not four teams taking part in a particular weight class, it will not be considered a National Championships.
32. COMPETITION WITH ONE GROUP:
When less than 10 teams have entered in a weightclass, all teams will compete in one qualifying points competition.
(a) The top four teams of the qualifying points competition will enter into the semi-finals.
(b) The opponent of teams number 3 and 4 from the qualifying round will be decided by a toss of a coin.
(c) The winner of the toss will compete against number 2 of the qualifying points competition. The loser of the toss will compete against the team placed as number 1 of the qualifying competition.
33. COMPETITION WITH MORE THAN ONE GROUP:
When 10 or more teams have entered in a weightclass, the qualifying points competition will be divided into two groups. The teams ranking first and second place of every group after the qualifying points competition will enter into the semi-finals. The teams ranking first in their group will compete against the teams ranking second from the other group. In case, after the qualifying competition, the first two teams in a particular group are equal on points, teams will be ranked in accordance with Rule 34.
34. DETERMINATION OF RANKING IN QUALIFYING COMPETITION:
In the event that, after the qualifying competition, teams are in contention to enter into the semi-finals, the following rules will apply to determine which team(s) will qualify for the semi-finals. These rules will also apply to rank teams with equal points in qualifying competition.
(i) Result of matches:
The team(s) with the best results in the matches between the teams concerned during the qualifying rounds, will be first to qualify for participation in the semi-finals.
(ii) Toss or draw:
In case all of the above criteria have not broken the tie, the qualification for participation in the semi-finals will be decided by a coin toss or a draw.
35. SUPERVISION PULL-OFF AND DRAW
All pull-offs and drawing of lots shall be done under direct supervision of the appointed officials of the competition, these officials shall arbitrate in matters of dispute.
Above rules were adopted at an EGM of the Irish Tug of War Association,
held on Sunday 15th June 2003 in the
Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore Co. Offaly.
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Please contact the association directly if you have any queries.