What you need for a tug-of-war competition
A tug-of-war competition needs more than one strong rope. You will need clear field markings, a simple way to record results, refreshments for competitors and volunteers, and practical equipment for registration and announcements. This shopping list covers the items most often forgotten, including spare power supplies, waste bins, serving equipment and lighting. Check quantities against your team size, match format and venue before shopping.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Sports equipment
- Tug of war ropeqty 2
- Center markersqty 2
- Field marker linesqty 12
- Conesqty 24
- Starting whistlesqty 3
- Stopwatchqty 2
- Scoreboardsqty 2
- Colored ribbonsqty 80
Furniture
- Party tentsqty 2
- Tablesqty 8
- Chairsqty 60
- Registration desk
- Waste binsqty 6
Equipment
- Sound system
- Microphoneqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 3
- Coolersqty 4
- Clampsqty 12
- Cordless drill
Lighting
- String lightsqty 4
- Battery lampsqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 100
- Platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Serving jugsqty 6
- Serving plattersqty 12
Kitchen
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Chef's knifeqty 3
- Serving spoonsqty 6
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Kettleqty 2
Decorations
- Team flagsqty 12
- Bannerqty 2
- Prizesqty 3
Cleaning
- Broomqty 2
- Litter pickersqty 2
- Bucketsqty 3
- Cleaning clothsqty 12
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 1 crate
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 5 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
Tips
- Use one competition rope plus a backup if the event involves several rounds or many teams. Add center markers, cones and field marker lines so officials can see the start and winning points clearly.
- Prepare one registration desk with enough chairs for the people checking participants in. Keep colored ribbons at the desk so team assignments are visible without repeatedly asking for names.
- Allow at least one scoreboard or scorecard area for each active competition area, and keep a stopwatch and starting whistles with the officials. A spare whistle and pen are useful if one goes missing during a round.
- For drinks, plan reusable cups, serving jugs and coolers before buying refreshments. Chill drinks several hours before the first match, and provide enough plates, cutlery and serving platters for the snacks you are serving.
- Check power and weather equipment at least one day before the competition. Count extension cords and power strips for the sound system, microphone and lighting, and bring clamps, battery lamps and party tents for outdoor setup changes.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for a tug-of-war competition?
- Bring a tug-of-war rope, center markers, field marker lines, cones, starting whistles, a stopwatch and scoreboards. Add colored ribbons for team identification and keep a backup whistle and writing supplies available for the officials.
- How many tug-of-war ropes do I need?
- Plan on one competition rope for a single active match, plus one spare if the event has multiple rounds or a large participant list. A backup prevents the schedule from stopping if the main rope becomes damaged or wet.
- What should I buy for drinks and snacks at a tug-of-war event?
- Use coolers, reusable cups, serving jugs, plates, cutlery sets, serving platters, cutting boards, a chef's knife and serving spoons. Chill drinks several hours before the first match and match food quantities to the registered participants, volunteers and spectators.
- What do I need for an outdoor tug-of-war competition?
- Bring party tents, tables, chairs, waste bins and field-marking equipment, plus extension cords and power strips if you use a sound system or microphone. Check the weather forecast the day before and have battery lamps available when the event may continue after daylight.
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