TUG-OF-WAR RULES

Each participating team shall consist of a pool of TEN coed team members competing in a single elimination tournament format. Each team can consist of up to EIGHT team members with a maximum of FOUR men and FOUR women. One team shall line up at each end of the rope. On command, the teams will tug against each other until one team pulls their opponent a distance of 5 yards.

Prior to each tug, a team may choose from any of the TEN designated participants. For each subsequent tug, the team may again choose from these TEN participants.

Roster substitutions, including the use of alternates, may only take place prior to the first tug of a team.

A team representative must check in at the information desk prior to the event. This should be done only when all tug participants are present. The entire tug team must remain together and at the tug site until the team’s final tug is completed.

Gloves and long sleeve shirts are recommended to help prevent rope burns to the hands and arms. The rope may be wrapped around the last team member, and looped once, but may not be tied. The judges have full discretion.

Team members may NOT at any time turn around and face away from the center of the rope.

Metal cleats of any kind may not be worn at any time during this event. Any other type of shoe is permissible: rubber cleats, boots, etc. Please inquire with the event officials if you have any questions about your shoes. Back supports and weight belts are permitted.

There are no grievance forms in this event. Protests regarding illegal equipment or participants of an opposing team must be made prior to competing in any given tug. Protests cannot be lodged after a completed tug. Judges will handle all protests as they occur.

A flip of the coin will determine which side teams shall tug. The winner of the coin flip has its choice of sides. One pull constitutes a winner with the winning team advancing.

There shall be no re-tugs, for any reason.

First round tug losers will be placed in a random loser’s bracket and will tug one additional time. Additional points will be awarded to the winners of the tug in the loser’s bracket.

PENALTIES:

DQ: For the anchor tying the rope

DQ: For any outside assistance

DQ: For the use of metal cleats