Tug of War Competition
The legendary Tug of War is back for Sports Day at the 2025 Saffron Walden Carnival! A long-standing favourite of the 8 Day Weekend, this epic showdown is all about teamwork, strength, and sheer determination. Dust off your boots, rally your team, and get ready to dig in for glory. Whether you’re in it to win or just for the fun, it’s a battle you won’t want to miss—who will reign supreme this year?
Before you enter a team using the form, please make sure you read below and you understand the rules and the safety recommendations.
Before you enter a team using the form, please make sure you read below and you understand the rules and the safety recommendations.
Register a Team
List of Rules
1. Teams to consist of six members.
2. No spiked footwear. Raised heels up to a maximum of ¼ inch (7mm) allowed on footwear (to be inspected).
3. Gloves may be worn.
4. Overall pull to be 12 feet and winner is the team to pull their opposition 6 feet from the starting mark.
5. No hand over hand pulling allowed. Team members must go back with rope when pulling.
6. Anchorman to loop rope around one shoulder to secure rope. No knot is permitted on the rope end.
7. All team members to remain on their feet at all times, no hands are persistently allowed on the ground apart from the anchorman who is permitted to use one hand on the ground.
8. Teams through coaches or captains will be reminded of the rules prior to commencement of competition. Only coaches can consult with the judge and the judge’s decision is final.
9. Direction of pull will be decided by toss of coin.
10. Prior to commencement of pull, judge will ask teams if they are ready, then give the command `take the strain`, at this point team members may heel in, when teams are balanced, order to `pull`, is given and the match has commenced.
11. Teams will leave area of competition during matches in which they are not involved.
12. Two warnings for infringements of the rules or inappropriate behaviour will be given. A further warning will result in disqualification.
Rules
The competition begins with the judge’s command, “Pick up the rope.” Then, “Take the strain.” The teams move back until the rope is taught, and the judge inserts the marker flag opposite the central marker. The teams lean back on the rope, and the judge commands, “Pull.” The teams then pull with all their strength for 12 feet, indicated by two markers on the rope, each six feet from the centre. When either mark passes the stick placed in the ground by the judge at the central point of the rope, the other side wins that match.
Safety
Wrapping the rope around the arm can result in a broken bone and loss of blood flow. Wrapping the rope around the wrong part of the body can cause internal injury, and wrapping it around the neck is very dangerous.
Spikes and studs in the footwear can cause injury when a pull collapses. They can also cause strains and breaks if the feet get stuck in the ground.
Buy Tickets to Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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Family Friendly Events
View our family friendly events at the Saffron Walden Carnival 2025
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Carnival Procession
The Carnival procession has been a key event ever since the very first Carnival over 50 years ago and is the 2nd largest non-funded procession in the country. Rumour has it that the procession can be seen from space, although we have yet to verify that!
