Tug of War Ireland is an amateur organisation that acts as the governing body for the sport of Tug of War in the Rep. of Ireland with the object of developing Tug of War in conformity with the principles of, and the Laws laid down by the T.O.W.I.. The Company receives funding from Sport Ireland of which we are very grateful. There are Twenty clubs affiliated to T.O.W.I. Tug of War teams usually consists of eight or five pullers whose total weight must not exceed the weight category of that particular competition. Contests between two teams as per rules for that competition. A contest is judged by the competition referee using a strict set of rules laid down by the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) and the T.O.W.I.
The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF)
The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) is the international governing body for the sport of Tug of War. There are approximately fifty countries affiliated to TWIF. TWIF organises World and European Championships every other year at outdoor level and World Championships every second year at indoor level. Ireland is considered as one of the top countries in international Tug of War having won many medals at both club and country down through the years. The sport of Tug of War in recognised by the International Olympic Council (IOC) and is on the waiting list to be re-instated to the Olympic Games.
Indoor Tug of War takes place in the winter while Outdoor Tug of War runs throughout the summer. Indoor Tug of War is contested on special rubber mats and competitors pull flat-footed wearing specially designed rubber-soled runners. Competitors in Outdoor Tug of War wear specially made boots with a steel-plated heel which is used to penetrate the surface of the ground. Army or skiing boots are commonly used as they offer good ankle support. Tug of War Ireland organise national championships at both indoor and outdoor levels. Competition weights for both national and international Tug of War range from 480kilos for women to 720kilos for men. The typical weight categories for men are 600kg, 640kg, 680kg and 720kg. The provincial boards organise provincial championships in Ulster, Connaught, Leinster and Munster, the provincial championships take place before the national championships. The provincial championships for indoor commence around October and the national championships usually begin in November. The World indoor championships take place every second year in February. The outdoor season usually begins in April with the provincial championships while the national championships commence in either June or July. The World or European championships take place every other year in September.
Tug of War Ireland
In March 2020, the Tug of War Ireland Membership at their A.G.M., unanimously agreed to incorporate as Tug of War Ireland a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Please see Company Memorandum & Constitution