Tug of War... Olympic Gold

Tug of War is the challenge of brute strength between two teams.  It is not known when the idea of tug of war was created but it is agreed upon that is was a long time ago.  Tug of War is such a competitive activity, it was included in the Olympics from 1900-1920.

In 1904 the United States won not only the gold medal in Tug of War, but the silver and bronze as well.   Some of the top men were Oscar Olson, Sidney Johnson, Henry Seiling, Conrad Magnusson, and Patrick Flanagan.  These men used their combined brute strength to defeat the other countries.  They may have been Olympic athletes, but the same thrill of victory can still be felt today by any winning team. 

Tug of War has been used in schools, gyms, clubs, the Olympics, and the corporate world. Many businesses have been using the Tug of War rope at company picnics and events to bring fun competition and bonds between their employees.  So much competition in the corporate world has been between the brains, but its also fun to compete in the physical arena for a change of pace.

Tug or War has also been a staple in schools' physical education programs.  Schools have used the tug of war rope to pit class against class and grade against grade in school events like spirit day, or just gym class fun.  Tug of War has been around for a long time and isn't going anywhere.

Tug of War ropes can be purchased in many different lengths, giving you a custom fit to your use.  You don't have to lug around a 100' rope when you only have 6 people competing.  You can also now get 4-way tug of war ropes so you can have 4 teams compete at once.  For competition Tug of War and Olympic Tug of War, a larger rope is needed.  For these situations, a 120' rope is used.  The extra length is so that red tape can mark the center and white tape can mark 15' out from the center on each rope.  A white line on the rope crossing a line on the ground constitutes a win.  So, 30 feet of the rope is used just for determining who wins.  You do not have to have these exact measurements when you are competing just for fun.  You can set up the tape lines anyway you want, or you can just have it so a person's feet or the whole team has to cross a line to win.

There are also different diameters of grips you can get.  Ropes are available in .5", 1", and 1 .5".  The most popular size for kids is 1", and the most popular for teens to adults 1.5".

The material for tug of war ropes has come along way as well.  You have a choice of Grade A manila or an unmanila material.  Manila is a natural fiber and is a lot better wound than it used to be.  Unmanila is a man made material that is similar to manila, but is lighter and holds up better than the manila, especially if the rope is stored outdoors.  There are also ropes that are made out of durable webbing that can stand more that 5,000 lbs of force and ones made out of 100% cotton to protect fragile hands.  Which ever you choose, the technology of the rope has been greatly improved with each to provide for a better grip and less wear on your hands.

So next time your in need of some healthy competition, think Tug of War!  Challenge yourself,  your business team or your students, who ever it is, it's sure to be a good time!

For more information on Tug of War ropes go to Tug of War!

About the Author

11 Years full time experience in the team sporting goods business. I grew up in the business though so it feels like I have 30 years experience. I am 4th generation at www.morleyathletic.com. I write many articles about all athletic sports that pertain to team specific products and ideals. These are articles for players and coaches.

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Person Cotton Rope Q&A

What's the best way to clean a corset?

So one of my most prized posessions is a custom made corset. I've had it for about three years, and never cleaned it. I know, gross, but I've only worn it a handful of times. I'd ask the person who made it for me what to do, but she seems to have fallen off the face of the planet.

The corset is cotton velveteen, has 18 stainless steel bones, and laces in the front instead of a busk. I know I can't exactly toss it in the washer (yikes! the horror!!), but just wiping down the inside liner with detergent and water isn't enough either. I've tried the at-home dry cleaning methods, but it just ends up smelling like sweat, B.O., and the scent of the cleaning cloth. I'm afraid if I take it to a cleaner, they will make me take the laces out, and I know I'll never get it put back together again as perfectly as it is, plus I'm afraid it will lose its shape. Any ideas? I know soaking ruins silk velvet, but what about cotton? I'm at the end of my stinky rope!

Best wayto clean would be by hand and lay flat to dry. Victoria secrets has a laundry-cleaner for delicates like that and will help lengthen the life of that garment, you can buy it at there stores or at there online store. I have three and I have had them for years and there in perfect condition!