How do you win in tug of war?
B · Beginner · Pulling · 4 of 4Checked 15 October 2026
A pull is won when the rope travels the set distance, or the other team is disqualified. Outdoors a side marker must pass the centre line, indoors the middle marker a side line. A no pull is called if both teams infringe after two cautions, both stall, both let go or play is interrupted.
How it works
- Outdoor: side marker past centre.
- Indoor: middle marker past side line.
- Also: opponent disqualified.
- Winner: whistle and point.
- No pull: joint faults, stalls, both let go.
- Interruption: retaken after a rest.
- Ten minutes: chief judge may stop it.
- Points phase: some no pulls not repeated.
The glossary has the pull, the winning a pull, the no pull, the inactivity, the judge's signals and the chief judge and weighmaster.
Tricky cases
Both teams let go. Result?
No pull.
A stalled pull goes on for ten minutes. Result?
The chief judge tells the judge to call it.
Where is a stalled pull restarted?
On fresh ground beside the old lane.
In the points round, is a no pull for faults replayed?
No. Both score nothing.
Why the rule exists
A no pull clears a contest that no one can fairly win.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor | Centre line | L R 19 |
| Indoor | Side line | L R 19 |
| No pull | No score | L R 21 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 17, 19 and 21. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.