1. Definition:

   Tug-of-war is a sport practised by teams who are bonafide members of the Scottish Tug-of-War Association. The participants must be amateurs, as approved by the International Amateur Athletics Federation, and they will adhere to the Rules and Directions as laid down by the Scottish Tug-of-War Association.
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2. Teams:

   Teams shall consist of eight pulling members at the start of a competition. Once a team has pulled, no substitutes are permitted. Teams should be allowed two pullers per team between the ages of 15 and 17 years to compete in a STOWA senior competition. The contest is deemed to have commenced for particular teams when they are in a position to pull under the direct supervision of the Judge. 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. Neither he, nor any other member of the club is allowed to speak to his team whilst they are pulling and must take up a position as directed by the judge in charge of the match. There must be only one coach. No teams of mixed sexes are allowed and ladies teams shall only compete in ladies competitions.
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3. Dress:

   Teams will wear shorts which reach halfway down the thigh, normal regulation vests or jerseys, stockings turned down below the knee. All competitors may weigh-in in proper non-transparent shorts only - boots may not be carried or worn. Competition boots must not be built up in any way. The sole, heel and side of heel must be perfectly flush. No metal toe-caps or toe plates are permitted. One metal heel-plate that is flush on the side and bottom of the heel of the boot is permitted so long as it is no more than 6.5mm thick. Spikes and protruding nails from the soles or heels of the boots are not permitted.

   All international kit may be offered to qualifying teams at cost price prior to competition.

   The types of heel permitted are:

   Full Tip	Half Tip	Quarter Tip	Full Plate

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4. Team Weights:

   The following team weights are recognised STOWA.

   Lightweight	Not exceeding 560 Kilos
   Light Middleweight	Not exceeding 600 Kilos
   	Not exceeding 620 Kilos
   Middleweight	Not exceeding 640 Kilos
   	Not exceeding 660 Kilos
   Cruiserweight	Not exceeding 680 Kilos
   Light Heavyweight	Not exceeding 720 Kilos
   Catchweight	over 720 kilos

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5. The Contest:

   Two types of competition shall be recognised by STOWA - Knockout and Points Competitions. A team winning a watch by two pulls to nil will score three points, the losing team scoring no points. A team winning a match by two pulls to one will score two points, the losing team scoring one point.

   Before pulling commences the choice ol 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. A reasonable rest period will be granted between pulls. A maximum rest period of six minutes may be claimed between matches. TWIF hand signals should be adopted and used at all events.
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6. Officials & Judges:
   1. Officials shall be appointed by STOWA to have control of all STOWA competitions. The Chief Judge shall have sole control, with power to appoint assistants. He/she shall be responsible for ensuring
      1. That the rules of STOWA are adhered to.
      2. That the rope is laid out ready for competition before the teams arrive in the pull area
      3. That as far as possible the pre-determined timetable is adhered to.
      4. That arrangements are made for time-keeping.
      5. Shall write a report on the performance of the other Judges within 7 days of the competition. The report may he viewed by the Organiser of the competition.
   2. Where an official complaint is made by or against a judge, this must be forwarded in writing to the Secretary of STOWA.
   3. Any judge not judging at a minimum of two competitions per year shall be subject to review by the General Committee.
   4. The uniform of judges shall be national dress or dark blue blazer, grey flannels (or skirt for ladies) white shirt, STOWA tie, red cap and suitable footwear.
   5. Line Judges will be at National competitions when possible
   6. A judge's decision may be altered by the Chief Judge on the day of the competition.
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7. Powers of the Judge:
   1. To grant rest periods as shown in Rule 5
   2. To declare a "No Pull" in the event both teams being guilty of infringement. When such a "No Pull" is declared, no rest period will he granted and the Pull shall be retaken immediately and without any aid or services. Should a Pull be interrupted by without infringement by either team, a "No Pull" shall be declared and reasonable rest period granted before the Pull is retaken. A "No Pull" shall be indicated by the Judge crossing his arms and pointing to the centre mark.
   3. To disqualify a team or teams after caution. Teams will receive two cautions for infringements of the rules, a team may be deemed guilty if only one man offends.
   4. To 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.
   5. The Judge's decision shall be final at all times.
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8. Weighing & Stamping:

   In all weight competitions, the Judge will test the scales at the stated time for the commencement of weighing, this test is to be carried out in the view of those coaches present. Teams should be allowed a maximum of 3 attempts to reach weight. Stewards may be appointed to assist, but must be under the direct supervision of a qualified Judge. The stamping or markings of competitors should be done on a limb, in a position easily seen by the Judge but not easily erased by the rope or competitors clothing. In the evenyt of a reserve team being allowed, then this team being allowed, then this team must be stamped so that it can be easily distinguished from the "A" team. In catchweight competitions the first round winners shall be marked as they leave the rope (knockout competitions only). In any catchweight competition where any club enters two teams, such teams must be declared and one marked in a conspicuous manner before the draw is made. This will prevent the team from looking at the draw and then putting the strongest team in the half that appears to be least difficult.
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9. Conduct of Competitions:
   1. For Knock-out Competitions the names of the teams shall be recorded on the draw sheet in the order in which they are drawn, commencing from the top. When a preliminary round is necessary, such round shall be made tip of the requisite number of teams who are drawn last. The preliminary round must be conducted first and the winners therefrom shall take their appropriate places at the bottom of the first round proper. From that point the competition shall be regulated as shown on the draw sheet, working from top to bottom. Where three teams only compete, the team drawing the bye shall, if defeated by the winner of the first round, pull off for second place.
   2. 1. For points Competitions the teams shall if necessary be drawn into an agreed number of groups. Each group will compete as a separate unit, the winners of each group competing in the final.
      2. With two or more groups, the teams drawn will be allocated to each group in turn, ie first team to group 1, then second team to group 2 and so on.
      3. At all times the matches must be conducted in the order as shown below, and in competitions where it is necessary to divide into groups, the competition will operate in such a manner as to ensure that teams are given a maximum rest period between pulls that circumstances will permit; for example the competition will be conducted with TWO matches alternating between the groups. The exception to this would be in the case of one group containing FOUR teams and the other FIVE teams, in which case start with ONE match from group of FOUR and alternate with TVVO matches from the group of FIVE.
      4. Where only three teams compete at the request of two of the coaches the event shall be run on a points basis. In the event of a tie, using the initial draw, the competing teams shall pull off in a knockout competition thereby determining the winners and runners-lip.
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10. The Draw

    The draw shall be made in the presence of a majority of the coaches. One draw onlv shall be made for each weight, provided that it includes all teams who are participating

11. The Rope & Rope Markings:

    The rope must not be less than 10cms,or more than 12.5cms 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.

    Five tapes or markings shall be affixed as follows

    1. A coloured tape or marking at the centre of the rope.
    2. Two white tapes or markings each 4 metres on either side of the centre marking.
    3. Two blue tapes or markings each 5 metres on either side of the centre marking.

    No competitor shall grip the rope within the length bounded by the blue tapes or markings referred to in c). At the commencement of each pull the first pulling member shall grip the rope as close as possible to the blue tape or marking. The markings should be affixed so that they are easily adjustable by the Judge in the event of the rope stretching or shrinking.
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12. Pulling Areas & Ground Markings:

    The pulling area shall be flat, level grass covered surface. One centre line shall be marked on the ground. At the start of a pull, the rope shall be taut with the centre rope marking over the centre line marking on the ground.
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13. Locking the Rope:

    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.

    From the start the rope shall be taut, 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 the pulling position at all times.
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14. Anchor Man's Grip:

    The end man shall be called the anchor man. The rope shall pass under one armpit, diagonally across the back and over the opposite shoulder from rear to front. The remaining rope shall pass in a backward and outward direction and the slack shall run free. He shall then grip the standing part of the rope with extended.
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15. The Start:

    When the Judge has received a signal from the two coaches that all is ready, he/she shall give the teams the following verbal and visual commands:

    "Pick up the rope" at the same time extending his/her arms forward and horizontally. The rope shall be as defined in paragraphs 12, Is and 14, the feet being flat on the ground.

    "Take the strain" at same time raising both hands above the head; sufficient strain being put on the rope to ensure that it is taut. Each man may establish one foothold with the heel or side of the boot with the extended foot. When the rope is steady with the centre mark over the centre line on the ground.

    "Steady" with a reasonable pause with the palms of the hands facing downwards.

    "Pull" at the same time flinging the arms downwards.
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16. Winning a Pull:

    A pull is won when one of the white side markers on the ground is pulled beyond the centre line marking on the ground.
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17. Finish of a Pull:

    The finish of a pull shall be signalled by the Judge blowing the whistle and pointing in the direction of the team winning the pull.
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18. Leaving Go of the Rope:

    In the event of both teams leaving go of the rope before a side marking has been pulled beyond the centre line marking on the ground, the Judge shall declare a "No Pull" and the pull shall not constitute one of the requisite number for the match.
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19. Pullers Injury or illness.

    If a team loses a puller through injury or illness, the decision to drop a puller by the opposing team is left entirely to the team coach. The dropped puller will return to his team for the subsequent pulls. The injured or sick puller will not be allowed to pull again that day.
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20. Infringements During Contests:
    1. Sitting: deliberately sitting on the ground, or failure to return immediately to the pulling position after slipping.

       The interpretation of return immediately is that the pullers shall make direct effort to regain the normal pulling position after slipping on the ground.

    2. Leaning: touching the ground with any part of the body other than the feet.

       The interpretation of this infringement shall be very clear, no part of the body (other than the feet) shall touch the ground. This means that a CAUTION will be given to teams when leaning on an arm or hand while walking on the rope (three legged pulling).

    3. Locking: any hold which prevents the free movement of the rope.

       A caution will be given when loops or knots are made in the rope or the rope is locked across any part of the body of any member of the team or the rope is gripped in any other than the prescribed ordinary grip.

    4. Grip: any grip other than the ordinary grip as described in rule 13.
    5. Propping holding the rope in a position where it does not pass between the body and the upper part of the arm.

       The upper part of the arm being from the elbow up to the armpit.

    6. Position: sitting on a foot or a limb not extended forward of the knee.

       The interpretation of this infringement is that the leg shall not be folded under the body so that a puller may sit on it, nor shall a puller sit on the foot of any member of the team. 'Folded' means that the feet are not forward of the knees.

    7. Climbing: passing the rope through the hands.
    8. Rowing: repeatedly sitting on the ground whilst the feet are moved backwards.
    9. Anchor: any grip other than that described in Rule 14.
    10. Footholds: making indentations in the ground in anyway before the command "Take the Strain" is given.

        The interpretation of 'any way' is that cautions will be given in case indents (footholds) will be made with the hands by removing the ground.

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21. Youth Competitions:

    The weights and team numbers for under 19 competitions are as follows:

    390 kilos	Six pulling members
    520 kilos	Eight pulling members

22. Ladies Competitions:
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    The weights and team numbers for ladies competitions are as follows:

    480 kilos	Eight pulling members
    520 kilos	Eight pulling members
    560 kilos	Eight pulling members

    Minimum clothing requirement at weigh-in will be non-transparent shorts and tops.
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    ADDITIONAL RULES FOR OPEN AND NATIONAL EVENTS

23. Open Competitions:

    Pullers may be borrowed for open competitions. the entry fee will be £5 per weight for STOWA open competitions
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24. National Championships.
    1. Officials: Only qualified Judges who are currently registered with STOWA will be permitted to officiate.
    2. Teams: Only those teams which are registered with STOWA will be allowed to compete. One puller only may be borrowed for ANY particular weight. The entry fee wiII be £15 per weight for STOWAA national championships.
    3. Each club should be allowed only 1 team per National Championship be it indoor or outdoor.
    4. Teams wishing entry tickets to National Championships should let the Secretary know at least one month in advance.
    5. Any club winning the honour of representing Scotland at more than one weight at any major championship shall be asked to choose their weight and the next placed team at the Scottish Championship shall then be invited to represent Scotland unless no other team can attend
    6. Coaches of teams representing Scotland must sign and pay a £50 deposit for all international kit given to them by STOVVA where they are not involved in the leasing agreement and are responsible for the return of all items in good condition.
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    ADDITIONAL RULES FOR INDOOR TUG-OF-WAR

25. Markings & Measurements

    Three lines parallel to each other shall be marked on the ground. The distance between the centre line and each of the others shall be 4 metres. At the start the rope shall be taut, the centre rope marking over the centre ground line

    Ropes - Three tapes or markings - red at the centre, white two metres on either side. No competitor shall grip the rope within the white tapes or markings; the grip of the first pulling member shall be within 30cms of the white tapes or markings.

    The Mat must be a minimum length of 27.4 metres by 90cms wide. 33 metres in length is recommended.

26. Winning a Pull:

    This shall be when one of the white side markers on the rope has been pulled over the opposite side markings on the ground. The team on that side of the mat will be declared the winner.
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27. Dress:

    Only flat soled trainer type shoes without heels are permissible. Body belts, if worn, MUST be outside the shirt.
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28. Resin:

    The use of resin is not allowed in Scotland.
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29. Limited Indoor

    STOWA recognises 5 a-side pulling at 350,375,400 & 425kg.
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30. Failure to comply with any of the above Rules may prevent teams from competing.

LIST OF COMMANDS IN TUG OF WAR COMPETITION

LIST OF COMMON INFRINGEMENTS DURING TUG OF WAR COMPETITION