Official Rules: Expedition Rentals Tug O' War Event

1. Eligibility: The Expedition Rentals Tug O’ War Event is open to individuals over 18 years of age who are registered participants of the Sherwood Park Highland Gathering.
2. Team Composition: Each team shall consist of a maximum of six (6) participants with a collective team weight not exceeding 1,200 lbs. Each team must include a minimum of 2 female participants. Teams may be composed of individuals from any age group.
3. Equipment: Participants must use the provided tug ropes, which shall be inspected by event officials prior to the start of each match. Spikes, cleats, and gloves are not allowed. Participants are not allowed to use their own ropes or any other equipment during the event.
4. Match Format: Matches shall be conducted in a single-elimination format. Teams will compete head-to-head, with the winner advancing to the next round.
5. Starting Positions: Teams shall be positioned on either side of a designated center line marked on the ground. Each team shall be given equal length of rope to start the match.
6. Commencement of Match: The match shall begin upon the signal of the event official. Teams must start pulling the rope immediately after the signal is given.
7. Winning Conditions: The team that successfully pulls the opposing team across the center line shall be declared the winner of the match. If neither team is able to pull the other across the center line within a reasonable time frame, the match may be declared a draw or may be decided by the event officials.
8. Prize Information: the winning team in the final match will win $500 towards a charity of their choice.
9. Conduct During Match:
   • No hand over hand pulling is allowed.
   • During a pull, all team members must remain standing; sitting or lying on the ground is not allowed.
   • A person having slipped to the ground must regain a standing position within 5 seconds or the match will be called.
10. Disqualification: Teams may be disqualified from the match or the event for any of the following reasons:
    • Use of prohibited equipment or substances.
    • Failure to comply with the instructions of the event officials.
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct or behaviour deemed inappropriate by the event officials.
11. Safety Precautions: Participants must adhere to all safety guidelines provided by event officials. This includes wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, and refraining from any actions that may endanger themselves or others.
12. Photography and Videography: Participants acknowledge that photographs and video recordings will be taken during the event. These images and videos may be used by Sherwood Park Highland Gathering for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, website content, brochures, and other marketing materials.
13. Event Officials: All decisions regarding match outcomes, disqualifications, and any other disputes shall be made by the event officials, whose decisions shall be final and binding.
14. Liability: Participants will sign a Release and Indemnity prior to the event acknowledging and accepting the inherent risks associated with participating in the Expedition Rentals Tug O’ War Event and agree to hold the event organizers harmless from any liability for personal injury or property damage incurred during the event.
15. Modification of Rules: The event organizers reserve the right to modify or amend these rules at any time, with or without prior notice, to ensure the safe and fair conduct of the event.

By participating in the Expedition Rentals Tug O’ War Event, participants agree to abide by these Official Rules and any additional instructions provided by event officials.