Objective of the Game

The Pole Push is the only team game played at the Arctic Winter Games testing athletes' strength endurance and maximal strength. It is the opposite of the Tug-of-War. Using a sturdy pine or spruce pole, two teams of four players each attempt to push each other out of a circle marked on the ground. A best-of-three competition for­mat is used to determine the winner of a match.

Equipment

1. A smooth, dry spruce or pine pole. It is about 6 to 8 m long, the diameter is no less than 12 to 15 cm. The centre of the pole is marked with a notch or coloured ribbon.
2. Spray paint to mark the playing circle on the snow.
3. Players may wear gloves or mittens.
4. Shoes with spikes are not allowed.

Playing Area

• The playing area is indicated by a circle about 10m in diameter. It is marked on the snow with spray  paint.
• The centre of the circle is also marked on the ground.
• Spectators should keep a distance of at least 3 to 5 m from the playing area.

Teams and Players

• Traditionally, this game was played predominantly by men and older boys. At a Dene games workshop held in Deline in 1976, women's team also demonstrated how the game was played in the old days. At the Arctic Winter Games only men's teams play, women's teams do not take part in the competition.
• Each team consists of four players. A report from Fort Yukon from the 1850s states that up to 40 or more players would take part on each side!

Preparations

• The circle and the centre of the circle are marked on the ground.
• Initials pairings in a competition are determined by draw.
• Some judges flip a coin to determine the team that may choose which end of the pole to push on.

How to Play

Starting Position

• For better traction, some players kick holes into the snow to stand in. This is permitted by the rules.
• Each team grasp the opposite ends of the pole, facing the centre towards the opposing team. The player on the butt end sometimes turns the other way so that he faces the outside of the ring, 'cradling' the butt end of the pole in his arms. He leans backward, actually pulling rather than pushing the pole.
• The judge aligns the centre mark of the pole with the circle's centre mark. 4 The pole may be held no higher than the shoulder and no lower than the hip.

Movement

• On the judge's signal ("Team A ready? -Team Bready? - 3-2-1-push!") the teams begin to push steadily and strongly, attempt­ing to push each other out of the circle.
• Teams may not move up on the end of the pole or let go of the pole to avoid being pushed out of bounds. The judge may decide to penalize an infraction with the loss of the round.
• A team may not move sideways or swing the pole in order to deflect the force of the oppos­ing team's push. The judge may decide to restart the match if this occurs. He should warn the offending team that a repeat infraction may be penalized with the loss of the round.

Duration and End of Round

• No time limit is in effect at the Arctic Winter Games.
• A team wins the round when it succeeds in pushing the centre mark of the pole across the boundary line of the playing area. This indicates that all four players of the opposing team have been fully pushed outside the circle.
• The judge should instruct the teams to return the pole to the centre of the playing area immediately after the end of each round.
• Before the start of each match, the judge redraws the markings as necessary.

End of Match

• At the Arctic Winter Games, a best-of-three format is used.

Safety Considerations

This is one of the best traditional games to introduce beginners to Dene games. Everybody can participate as no technical skills are required. Care should be taken to fin­ish the surface of the pole carefully to prevent risk of injury to the participants. Only a properly-prepared pole, free of splinters and knots, should be used for play. As poles can be of considerable weight, caution should be taken to prevent the pole falling on feet. Closed-toe shoes are recommended during game play. The weight of the pole can make it difficult for younger participants to maintain their bal­ance and hold the pole up, especially when they are pushed backward. A spotter should be present to support players who lose their balance at the end of a round.