How do tug of war championships work?
A · Advanced · Competition · 2 of 2Each weight class runs a points round, then semi-finals and finals. With fewer than 12 teams all pull in one group and the top four meet in semi-finals: first against fourth, second against third. More teams split into groups. Ties are broken by head-to-head, most matches won, fewest cautions, lowest team weight and then a coin toss. A class needs four teams.
How it works
- Round 1: points round.
- Under 12 teams: one group.
- 12 to 22: two groups.
- Semi-finals: 1 v 4, 2 v 3.
- Bronze: semi-final losers.
- Tiebreak 1: head-to-head.
- Then: matches won, cautions, weight.
- Minimum class: four teams.
The glossary has the championship format, the groups, the ranking tiebreaks, the points competition, the world championships and the TWIF.
Tricky cases
Two teams tie on points and head-to-head. Next?
Most matches won.
Three teams enter a class. World championship?
No. Four are needed.
With two groups, who meets whom?
First of one group against second of the other.
Who pulls for bronze?
The semi-final losers.
Why the rule exists
Lower team weight as a tiebreak rewards the team that pulled lighter.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Groups | By entries | L R 34 |
| Semi-finals | 1 v 4 | L R 31 |
| Ties | Weight | L R 35 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 31 to 35. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.