What are the tug of war weight classes?
B · Beginner · Teams and equipment · 2 of 4Checked 15 October 2026
Teams compete as men, women or mixed, in senior, under-23 and junior groups. Senior men's classes are 560, 600, 640 and 680 kg for the eight together, women's 500 and 540 kg and mixed 580 kg. Juniors are 14 to 18 by year of birth and under-23s 16 to 22; seniors start from the year they turn 16.
How it works
- Groups: senior, under-23, junior.
- Genders: men, women, mixed.
- Men: 560 to 680 kg.
- Women: 500 and 540 kg.
- Mixed: 580 kg.
- Juniors: 14 to 18.
- Under-23: 16 to 22.
- Changes: four-year cycle only.
The glossary has the categories, the weight class, the age limits, the mixed 4 x 4, the world championships and the team.
Tricky cases
Is the limit per puller?
No. For the eight combined.
Can a 16-year-old pull as a senior?
Yes, from the start of that year.
How often can classes change?
Every four years.
Are there yearly world championships?
Yes, outdoor and indoor, from 2025.
Why the rule exists
Age by year of birth means a whole year group moves up together.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Four classes | L R 3 |
| Mixed | 580 kg | L R 3 |
| Ages | By year | L R 5 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 2, 3 and 5. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.