Rules

Rules of Competition.

(A complete and entire copy can be obtained from the Secretary.)

 

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1. Two types of competition shall be recognized; Points and Knockout competitions (though we never run knockout competitions)

2.  The draw for each competition shall be made in the presence of a member from each team involved.

3. All heats should be won by pulls out of three (Unless announced that just two ends will be pulled as International Rules)

4.  Teams should be properly dressed for competition, i.e. shirts, shorts, stockings and approved footwear.

5.  The boots of an established team or puller should not be faked in any way. (an established team or puller is one that has competed at least four times at federation events)

6.   Marking of the ground - A line shall be marked on the ground at right angles to the centre mark. 

7.   Marking of the rope - Five tapes or markings shall be on the rope, a red tape at the centre,two white tape marks 4 metres each side from centre mark, and two blue marks 5 metres each side of centre mark.

8.   The Grip - The grip of the first puller in the team should be within 12 inches of the blue marker. All pullers shall hold the rope with bare hands using an ordinary grip. The anchorman shall pass the rope under one armpit, diagonally across the back, over the opposite shoulder from the rear to the front, then backwards, and the remaining slack shall hang free,  remaining on the opposite side to the armpit that the rope first passes under.

Alternatively, the rope may pass under one armpit, across the back, under the opposite armpit, over the top of the shoulder and again the remaining slack shall hang free, (in same fashion as above)

The anchorman shall hold the rope with both bare hands extended forward, gripping in front of the body

9.   What constitutes a team - At the start of a competition a team shall consist of 8 pulling members unless it has been advertised beforehand that for a certain competition teams shall consist of less (such as the 5 a side championships). Mixed teams are permitted and juveniles (under 15) may compete so long as the official disclaimer has been signed by a parent or legal guardian.

If a team loses a member through injury they may be substituted (if possible) by another puller of the same weight or less. Teams may continue with 7 pullers and their opposition are at liberty to drop a member as a sporting gesture (if they wish). A team cannot drop two injured members and continue with less than 7. An injured puller once dropped or substituted can not return to the competition at all for the rest of that day, and if a team can not start a weight with 8 pullers then they must withdraw from the competition.

Each team is allowed one coach to direct their pulling.

10.  Starting the competition - When the judge has received the signal from both coaches that the teams are ready to pull he will give the following verbal and visual commands:                             

"PICK UP THE ROPE" his arms will be extended forward horizontally (loose earth may be removed before the start but no indents can be made in the ground) the rope will be held with both hands.          

"TAKE THE STRAIN" The Judge will raise his hands above his head. The teams will put enough strain on the rope to ensure the rope is taut, each puller may now establish one foothold. When the rope is steady with centre mark over the ground line the judge will turn his hands out exposing palms to teams and say                      

"STEADY". After a slight pause he will say

"PULL" dropping both arms down to his side.

11.  Infringements -                     

A) No part of the body shall touch the ground other than the feet, and both feet shall be forward of the knees             

B) Lifting backwards and dropping to the ground is an offence, but if it is as the result of an accidental slip, then a reasonable time will be given to allow pullers to return to the normal position.

C) Both hands shall remain on the rope at all times, resting one hand on the ground or pushing along with the hand whilst pulling is an offence.                   

D) The rope shall not be bent over the leg, nor shall the hand or arm be rested on the leg. The rope shall not be bent over any part of the body (except the anchorman). Any hold other than with the hands which prevents free movement of the rope is a "lock" which is an offence                

E) Propping - holding the rope in a position where it does not pass between the waist and the armpit is an offence.      

F) Climbing - passing the rope backwards through the hands is an offence.         

G) There shall be no conduct allowed - by word or act - which is likely to bring the sport into disrepute.

H) No member of any team )including the Coach) may address the Judge during a pull

(Any advice sought from a Judge - between ends or pulls - can only be obtained by the Coach

I) A Trainer or Waterboy may attend to teams between ends and pulls, during pulling he must stay well clear of the team,and if in the arena must not speak

J)  Water must be kept away from the rope at all times.

K) Any competitor swearing at or abusing a Judge or Federation Official, during or after a pull, or using foul language whilst in the arena - will render his / her team liable to disqualification from the competition.

12  Winning a Pull - An end is won when one of the white tape marks is pulled over the ground line. This will be signalled by the Judge, blowing his whistle and pointing in the direction of the winning team. A pull is won by a best of three pulls (unless it is announced that it will be just two ends as per International Rules)

13.  Cautions - (After first giving any informal warnings the judge may think fit) for any infringements during a pull, a Judge will name the team and call "FIRST CAUTION" clearly indicating the same with one finger, for a second offence he will say "FINAL CAUTION" and indicate with two fingers in the direction of the offending team. (Teams are liable for cautions if the offence is only committed by one member).

Two Cautions is the maximum that can be given, any further infringement of the rules will cause the team to be disqualified, However - the Judge may disqualify a team with no cautions at all, if he deems them guilty of ungentlemanly conduct, by word or act, liable to bring the sport into disrepute.

14.   No pull - In the event of both teams being held on two cautions by the Judge, and both teams still infringing, the Judge Will declare a "NO PULL", and will re start the pull immediately, with no rest period or welfare to the competitors being permitted.

15.  Use of tack - Tack may be applied to the hands only, and in wet weather sawdust may be used. A trainer may wipe clean a muddy rope between ends but no cloth or other aid may be used  to assist grip during a pull. Injuries to the hands should be brought to the notice of the Judge and they may then be taped.

16.  Weighing & Stamping - When weighing in at a specific, no over weight allowance will be given (i.e. for the 600 kilos a team will weigh 600 kilos or less). The Weigh Masters decision is final on the day.

Teams must be stamped for all weights except Catchweight, but if two teams are entered into the C/W from one club they must then be stamped A and B.

Borrowing - of team members is permitted (except on Championship days).

Rest Periods - Teams are entitled to six minutes rest period between pulls

 

Federation Championships.

To be eligible to pull at the Federation Championships, teams must be fully paid up members, and must also be sure that all of their pullers are registered at least three weeks before the competition.

Pulling members can only be registered with one team, and no borrowing of pullers will be allowed for the National Championships.

Teams may enter more than one team per weight class, so long as all pullers meet the criteria.

Federation Inter Counties Championships

Each County may enter a maximum of two registered teams per weight class.

Teams may only borrow from other registered clubs within the same County