Tug-of -War

Two teams hold each end of a long rope and battle to pull each other over the line to win.

How To Play

Step 1.
A thick rope at least 20 metres long is required for this game. Don't be tempted to use a thin rope, it will cause burns or grazes.
Step 2.
Tie a piece of cloth around the middle of the rope. Mark a centre line on the ground then winning lines 5m from that in opposite directions. Lay the rope fully extended in a straight line crossing over all 3 lines.
Step 3.
2 teams of roughly equivalent total weight line up along the rope at opposite ends. The referee stands in the middle and makes sure the rope centre marker on the rope is over the centre line. once this is the case then the referee calls "Take the Strain". Teams hod the rope taught between them but do not pull.
Step 4.
The referee calls "Pull" and both teams attempt to pull the other towards them.
When the rope centre marker crosses one of the 2 winning lines. Normally the contest is best of 3 pulls.
Tips / Variations

If you can't find a rope then the kids can simply link elbows and pull on each other.