How many warnings do you get in tug of war?
I · Intermediate · Pulling · 4 of 5The judge gives a team two cautions in a pull, raising one or two fingers on that side and calling it the first or the last caution. The next infringement disqualifies the team from the pull. The judge may also give one friendly caution. Ungentlemanly conduct can bring disqualification at once. A disqualified team counts as having three cautions.
How it works
- Cautions: two per pull.
- Signal: one or two fingers.
- Third fault: disqualification.
- Friendly caution: one allowed.
- Ungentlemanly: disqualification at once.
- Counts as: three cautions.
- Side judges: tell the team.
- Tiebreak: fewest cautions.
The glossary has the caution, the disqualification, the ungentlemanly conduct, the judge, the infringement and the ranking tiebreaks.
Tricky cases
Do cautions carry to the next pull?
No. They are per pull.
Can a team be disqualified with no cautions?
Yes, for ungentlemanly conduct.
Who tells pullers about cautions?
The side judges.
Do cautions matter after the match?
Yes, as a ranking tiebreak.
Why the rule exists
Two cautions give teams a chance to correct technique before losing a pull.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cautions | Two | L R 15 |
| Ungentlemanly | At once | L R 24 |
| Disqualified | Three cautions | L R 16 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 15, 16, 24 and 25. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.