Maybe you played tug of war at school and now you want to do it again? Or do you, as a teacher, want to play tug-of-war with your students? This sports game is also ideal for private use in order to resolve minor disputes. You can find out exactly how you play it from us – and get some exciting information right away.
What is “tug of war”?
Tug of war – also known as rope pulling – is a team sport, but can also be played by just two people. It doesn’t matter whether you play in a team or as a lone fighter, the structure always involves taking a rope and positioning it at the end and then pulling it in the opposite direction.
If you think that’s all, you’re thinking wrong, because there’s a lot more to the right competition. Today, this sport enjoys national and international respect, practiced by high-level athletes dedicated to strength, endurance and the ingenuity of techniques. Even European and World Championships are held in this way.
“Tug of War” as a competition
Lineup
In the strength test on the rope, two teams of 8 men or women, who correspond to a weight class, face each other. Between them is a rope that must be at least 35 meters long. There are two white markers on either side in the middle at a distance of 4 meters.
The anchorman threads the rope past his body over his back and opposite shoulder. The anchorman is the last man in the rope puller’s chain and stands at the very back at the end.
“Tug of War” rules
The referee gives the command to lift and tighten and to pull the rope.
Sitting down will result in a warning.
Flat-soled shoes are allowed, toe caps and toe plates are prohibited. A metal plate under the heel is allowed.
Tug pullers are not allowed to wear gloves and must pass the rope under their upper arm.
The rope
The rope has a circumference of 10 to 12.5 cm. It has a red mark in the middle. The center mark. There is a yellow marker 1 meter further on either side. Behind the yellow mark, the rope may be touched by the first man.
Weight classes
To ensure a fair competition in tug of war, the participants of the teams are divided into face classes:
– up to 520 kg
– up to 560 kg
– up to 600 kg
– up to 640 kg
– up to 720 kg
– over 720 kg
All participants will be weighed before the competition. Their weight must be visibly written on their body to prevent unauthorized substitutions.
Victory
In the end, the team that pulls the other 4 meters forward wins. It decides whether the team was dragged over the marker. Two out of three turns must be won to ensure victory.
When was tug of war invented?
It can be assumed that it was invented around 1000 AD, when fighting games were still taking place in Scandinavia and Germany.
What is the meaning of tug of war?
At that time it was seen as a symbol of the struggle between good and evil. Today it is played for fun or for the sake of competition, to find out who is the stronger one or the stronger team.
Who wins the tug of war?
The player or team that pulls the other over the marker wins.
What promotes tug of war?
Anyone who practices this sport regularly trains their strength, endurance and mental strength. Since a certain technique is also part of it, it also promotes team spirit and understanding to develop and apply techniques.
Is playing tug of war with your puppy pitbull bad?
Tug-of-war should be avoided with puppies because their teeth, mouths, and jaws, are still growing and changing. Tugging too much can cause jaw or bite problems. Your dog has arthritis or is prone to disc problems.
Does tug of war make dogs aggressive?
Tug of war won’t make your dog aggressive, but it might intensify unwanted behaviors or patterns that are already present. Before you play tug of war, you need to set a few ground rules.
Is tug of war good for dogs?
Benefits of Playing Tug. Tug can promote impulse control, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. It’s an activity that taps into natural drives, making it a motivational, reinforcing, and high-value training tool.
