History
Tug of War was an Olympic Sport and was last in the Olympics in 1920 in Antwerp.  It is also a sport recognised by the OIC today.  In 1958 the Tug of War Association was formed, after pulling for many years under AAA Rules.  The Association remains a member of the AAAE today.

The Tug of War International Federation was formed in 1968.  Internationals are run at World Games, World Championships, European Championships and United Kingdom Championships.

Facilities and Equipment required
The equipment for Tug of War is quite basic.  One needs a good rugby shirt, shorts, socks and a pair of boots or trainers.  The boots are required for outdoor pulling and the trainers for indoor pulling.  A rope is 35 metres in length, with a diameter of 40mm and weighs about 36 kilos.

Matting is required for indoor competition and a flat grassed area for outdoor competition.  Tacky is used to help keep your grip on the rope for both Indoor and Outdoor competition.  For training purposes teams train against a gantry

Benefits of Participating
The sport is a non-contact physical team sport.  Winning teams from the National Championships are then invited go on to represent England at the weight class in one of the Internationals mentioned above.

The sport is open to all age groups and can be competed for at local level.

Variations
Teams pull in equal weight classes, which range from Junior 420 kilos to 560 kilos.  Women - 520 kilos and 560 kilos.  Senior Mean - 560 up to Catchweight, which means a team can weigh any weight they like. Tug of War is pulled both Indoors and Outdoor.  In schools, the number of pullers a side varies allowing for age and weight differences.