What is Tug of War?
Tug of War is a sport that puts two teams against each other in a test of strength: teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal being to bring the rope a certain distance in one direction against the force of the opposing team’s pull.
Aside from the raw muscle power needed for tug of war, it is also a technical sport. The cooperation or “rhythm” of team members play an equally important role in victory, if not more than their physical strength.
Key Figures
8 = the number of pullers on a tug of war team
3 = the maximum number of ‘pulls’ per round
4 = the distance in metres a team must draw their opponent over the line to claim victory
1 = the number of minutes in between each end.
Equipment
ROPE
The most crucial piece of equipment for this sport. Rules state the rope should be at least 33.5m long and between 10-12.5 cm in circumference to meet official standards and regulations.
BOOTS
In the past, pullers would have worn traditional leather army boots, however nowadays you will see teams wearing a basic ski boot or roller boot, which are fitted with plastic soles. Both styles have the heels of the boots plated with steel. The main benefits with today’s modern boots seems to better protect the ankles.
BELTS
Many pullers opt to wear weightlifting belts as a way of protecting their backs. The anchor will also wear a specially made jacket in order to wrap the rope around them.
TACKY / TACK / GLUE
Essentially this is ‘hand glue’ derived from tree resin – although it is not needed, some pullers find it helps with grip.
A Brief History
Tug of War was part of the Olympic Games from 1900 until 1920, but has not been included since. The sport is part of the World Games. The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) organises World Championships for nation teams biannually, for both indoor and outdoor contests, and a similar competition for club teams.
Its governing body in England is the Tug Of War Association (ToWA). The other UK countries have their own associations.
The ToWA was founded in 1958. Prior to that the sport was organised within the Amateur Athletic Association (AAA). The ToWA and the other UK associations are members of The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF). The Tug of War Association is the delegated authority for Tug of War in England by Sport England (formerly The Sports Council).
The origins of Tug of War are uncertain, but it is beyond dispute that this once royal sport was practiced in ancient Egypt and China, where it was held in legend that the Sun and Moon played Tug of War over the light and darkness.
TUG OF WAR TODAY
Today, both men and women compete in the sport. Competitions are organised in weight classes – the combined weight of a team must not exceed that weight if they are to compete.
Weight classes start at 560 kilos for men and 500 kilos for women. There are also youth teams and pullers range from 18 years to their 50s.
About a decade ago, mixed sex weight classes was introduced. This is known as the 4+4, consisting of 4 men and 4 women.
Outdoor Tug of War (on grass) takes place from March to September, and Indoor Tug of War (on mats) takes place from October to February
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