- Just one piece of equipment is essential in tug-of-war, and that is the rope itself. In official competition, the tug-of-war rope is required to be at least 115 feet long. A red mark is then made directly in the middle. This mark needs to line up with the exact center point on the ground between the opposing teams when the competition begins. A white mark is made on the rope, exactly 13 feet from the red mark on either side. Tug-of-war is won when either of these white marks cross over the center point.
- Official competition also requires certain weight requirements. There are five different weight division. These divisions range from 1234 pounds per team to 1587 pounds per team. Before the competition begins, each player is weighed individually and this number is stamped on a part of their body that can be easily seen.
- Competition in tug-of-war requires a judge. This judge utters three different commands to the players. The judge first announces "Pick up the rope." He then says "Take the string." Finally, he tells the player to "Pull!" The teams then begin pulling the rope by tossing their weight backward. If a player falls to the ground she is given a caution. Each team is allowed two cautions per team (not player) before it is disqualified.
- Strategy is as important as sheer strength in tug-of-war. The lead puller extends his foot before the pull begins to establish a proper foothold. Players alternate feet as they draw the opponents. Metal toecaps and toe plates on the shoes are not allowed, but metal heel tips are permissible if they are flush on the side and the bottom.
