Objective of the Game

Like the Finger Pull and the Pole Push, the Stick Pull tests the competitor's max­imal strength and his strength endurance. The version of the game described here is made more difficult in that the stick is not only shaped conically, but in that it is also greased. This makes gripping the stick that much harder.

In this description, the competitors pull on the right side. At the Arctic Winter Games, a best-of three format is used. For the second round, the competitors switch pulling sides.

Equipment

1. A smooth spruce, pine or birch stick. Measure­ments: about 25 cm in length; the diameter at the centre is about 2.5 cm; the stick tapers off towards the ends where the diameter is no greater than 1.0cm. In order to avoid injury to the players, the stick's surface has to be polished smoothly. The centre point of the stick is marked with a notch or line.
2. Tissue or towels.
3. Grease; the Crisco^™ brand seems to be preferred for use in the Stick Pull.

Playing Area

No special playing area is needed for this game.

Preparation

• An assistant greases the stick thoroughly and evenly before each match. The judge checks the stick before the start of each match.
• Should the judge decide that a match has to be restarted at any point, the stick will be thoroughly regreased.

Teams and Players

• Traditionally, this game is played by men and older boys. At the Arctic Winter Games, there are no female competitors.

How to Play

Starting Position - Body Position

• The players stand upright facing each other. They go into a 'step' (staggered) position, placing the foot on the right side (pulling side) in front. The outside of the right foot touches the outside of the opponent's right foot. No other body contact of any kind is allowed.
• The right arm (pulling arm) is kept straight with the hand pointing toward the ground. The left hand usually rests against the hip or the small of the back.
• When checking the proper starting position, the judge has to make sure that the elbow of the pulling arm is kept fully extended (straight).
• Competitors should be of approximately equal size. With the arm fully extended and hanging down and the body kept in an upright position, the pulling hands should be at the same level.

Starting Position - Hand Grip

• Keeping the stick parallel to the ground and touching it only at the butt ends, the assistant brings the stick to within grasping position of the competitors' pulling hands. The competitors do not yet grasp the stick.
• When the judge has made sure that both competitors have the correct hand position, he instructs the competitors to grip the stick.
• Both competitors' pulling hands have to be positioned at the same distance from the stick's centre mark. The hand may not touch or cover the centre mark.
• When the judge decides that the hand position is incorrect, the stick has to be regreased and the match restarted. No re-grips are allowed.
• The judge should give the start signal immediately after the competi­tors have grasped the stick.

Movement

• The competitors begin to pull on the judge's signal. They pull evenly and strongly. No jerking or twisting movements are allowed. Throughout the match, the judge checks the following:
  • Competitors may not bend the elbow of the pulling arm. The elbow is kept straight at all times.
  • Competitors may not lean forward or sideways to increase the force of the pull. The body is as straight and upright as possible at all times.
  • The pulling motion is straight backward at all times .

Duration and End of Match

• There is no time limit. The match ends in one of two ways. Participants decide before the start of the competition which one to use.
• The competitor succeeds in pulling the stick out of the opponent's hand.
• The competitor succeeds in pulling the opponent's hand (still holding the stick) past the hip.

End of Match

• At the Arctic Winter Games, a best-of-three format is used. For the second match, the competitors switch pulling sides.
• When a third round is required to break a tie, the judge flips a coin to determine pulling sides.

Safety Considerations

To prevent injuries, the instructor should encourage athletes to fol­low a thorough warm-up and stretching routine, especially before and during a competitive meet.

The Stick Pull can cause a sudden change in tension of the muscles about the shoulder and upper arm. The instructor should be aware that injury can be caused at two points in a match:

• the sudden increase in muscle tension about the shoulder immediately fol­lowing the judge's start signal (the athlete suddenly attempts to 'lock' the fully extended arm to neutralize the force of the opponent's pull);
• the sudden decrease in muscle tension when the stick is pulled out of the opponent's hand.