What are fouls in tug of war?
I · Intermediate · Pulling · 3 of 5A team is at fault if any puller sits deliberately, leans on the ground with anything but the feet, locks the rope, uses an illegal grip, props, climbs the rope hand over hand, rows by sitting while moving the feet back, steps out of the lane, or digs footholds early. Coaches gripping the rope or touching pullers is ungentlemanly conduct.
How it works
- Sitting: deliberate.
- Leaning: ground contact.
- Locking: rope held fast.
- Propping: rope not under arm.
- Climbing: hands along the rope.
- Rowing: sitting while moving back.
- Side-stepping: out of the lane.
- Footholds: early.
The glossary has the infringement, the sitting, the leaning, the climbing the rope, the rowing and the side-stepping.
Tricky cases
A puller slips and gets straight up. Infringement?
No, if they get straight back into position.
A coach steps onto the field. Result?
Ungentlemanly conduct; possible disqualification.
One puller infringes. Is the team penalised?
Yes.
Is touching the ground with a hand a foul?
Yes, leaning.
Why the rule exists
The list keeps pullers on their feet and pulling, which is safer and fairer.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Any puller | Team fault | L R 14 |
| Slip | Allowed if quick | L R 14 |
| Coach | Ungentlemanly | L R 14 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 14 and 30. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.