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European Pulling Federation ☆RULES☆

Standing Rules

☆ Weightpull Season ☆
A. The season will run from January 1st to October 31st.
B. The EPF run two Championships, the National Championship and the European Championship.
C. The National Championship will be held between the 1st September and the 30th September.
D. The European Championship will be held between the 1st October and the 31st October.

☆ EPF Championship ☆
A. To qualify to compete at the National Championship in the Light Weight Division & Middle Weight Division a dog must pull 40 times of its body weight three times a season on rails or 30 times of its body weight three times a season on wheels, or a combination of both. These pulls can be made in any Country's events but a dog can only compete in the Country's National Championship where its live.
B. To qualify to compete at the National Championship in the Heavy Light Weight Division & Heavy Weight Division a dog must pull 30 times of its body weight three times a season on rails or 20 times of its body weight three times a season on wheels, or a combination of both. These pulls can be made in any Country's events but a dog can only compete in the Country's National Championship where its live.
C. To qualify to compete at the European Championship in the Light Weight Division & Middle Weight Division a dog must pull 40 times of its body weight three times a season on rails or 30 times of its body weight three times a season on wheels, or a combination of both. These pulls can be made in any Country's events.
D. To qualify to compete at the European Championship in the Light Weight Division & Heavy Weight Division a dog must pull 30 times of its body weight three times a season on rails or 20 times of its body weight three times a season on wheels, or a combination of both. These pulls can be made in any Country's events.
E. Dogs that qualify for the National Championship and European Championship do not qualify for a specific weight class and must compete in whichever weight class they weigh in at on the day of the particular Championship.
F. The EPF run a pre entry system for all Championship entries.

​☆ Sanctioned Events ☆
A. All results must be completed and sent to the EPF within seven days of the sanctioned event.
B. Scoresheets must be submitted via scanned documents and emailed to:
C. If a sanctioned event is held on the final weekend in August the scoresheets must be emailed to the EPF within three days of the event, before the National and European Championships are held
D. Event Organiser is responsible for:
Obtaining all equipment necessary to host a weightpull event.

☆ Eligibility ☆

All handlers must complete an official EPF entry form.

​A. Novice Dogs:​

  • Novice dogs must be between 9 months and 12 months of age and can take part for fun only.

  • Novice pulls do not qualify towards any Championships.

  • A novice dog is limited to a maximum of six rounds of pulling.

  • Dogs over 12 months may also compete as novice if there owner feels they are not properly prepared to compete in the regular classes.

  • Handlers of novice dogs may leave the lead on the dog when pulling, however the lead may not be used to pull or drag the dog in any way.

  • Handlers of novice dogs may touch their dogs during the pull.

​B. All competitive dogs must be 12 months of age.
C. All dogs must pull in a properly fitted EPF approved weight pulling harness. The harness may not extend more than 45.72cm past the base of the dog's tail.
D. Dogs showing any signs of illness or injury will not be allowed to compete, the Senior Judges decision is final.
E. No bitches in season are allowed to compete or be brought onto the premises of the event.
F. No pregnant bitches are allowed to compete.
G. No lactating bitches are allowed to compete. When returning to competition following a litter, a Senior Judge will assess each dog to ascertain if it is fit to compete. The Senior Judges decision is final.
H. The use of performance enhancing drugs such as steroids or pain blockers is prohibited.
I. Persons engaged in illegal activities with dogs are not allowed to participate in any EPF event.
J. Dogs with cropped ears and tails will not be permitted to compete at any EPF sanctioned event.

​☆ Conduct of the Handler and Dog ☆

​A. The aim of the EPF is to promote a calm and controlled way of pulling. Sling-shotting and dogs jumping up in the harness is an automatic disqualification with no results being recorded for the event.
B. All owners, handlers, etc. shall be responsible for the conduct of their dog.
C. Any vicious or uncontrolled dogs and any dog which shows excessive aggression towards other dogs or any aggression towards EPF Officials, handlers or spectators shall be removed from the competition.
D. Unsportsman like conduct or abuse toward any dog, spectators, EPF Officials, etc. will not be tolerated and will result in a disqualification of the handler and all of their entries.
E. Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.

​Weight Pull Officials
☆ Senior Judge ☆
Responsibilities:

​A. Supervising all aspects of the weightpull, including registration, weigh ins, track set up and competition.
B. Shall make all final decisions on questionable or judgement calls.
C. The Senior Judge can disqualify any handler for unsportsman like conduct before, during, or after the pull.
D. Shall verify that all entries appear to be in proper health to compete including lactating bitches.
E. Verifying that Apprenticing Judges follow all EPF Rules.
F. Deciding which format for winning the competition will be used, either Most Weight Pulled (MWP) or Most Weight Pulled Percentage (MWPP).
G. Select starting weight and weight increments for each weight class. Normally Senior Judge will ask the handlers recommendations during the handlers meeting, before the weight class commences or before the start of the pull.
H. Determining order of weight classes. Weight classes can be run from lowest to highest or from highest to lowest. The order must be stated at the handlers meeting. Classes can be combined, even if the pull is being run class by class.
I. Completing all EPF paperwork and submitting it to the EPF within seven days.
J. Verify that all EPF rules were strictly enforced.
K. Verifying that fresh water and treats, if provided, are available in the holding area.

​☆ Weight Class Judge ☆
Responsibilities:

​A. Timing of pull and calling the pull.
B. Verifying that all EPF Rules are upheld, and making the necessary call to do so.
C. Verifying the proper weight increment is added at the proper time.

☆ ​Official Score Keeper ☆
Responsibilities:

​A. Announcing the order of the dogs to compete.
B. Recording the time for each dog in each round.
C. Recording passes.
D. Reporting disqualifications, no pulls, tangles, time outs and handler stops on the EPF scoresheet.
E. Verifying the proper weight increment is added at the proper time.

​☆ Cart Marshalls ☆
Responsibilities:

​A. Safe and proper stacking of weight increments.
B. Verifying the correct amount of weight has been added each round.
C. Hooking and unhooking of the dogs, unless the handler requests to do this themselves.
D. Maintaining the pulling surface between weight classes.
E. The Marshalls may attempt to block a dog from trying to leave the back of the chute or pull the cart backwards. This should be done if possible without grabbing the dog.
F. The Marshalls may not freely reposition the cart or correct its placement unless it presents an obviously dangerous situation.
G. The Marshalls may not direct, instruct, or advise any handler while they are acting as a Marshall.
H. The Marshalls shall report any infringements of the EPF Rules to the Weight Class Judge.


Pulling Area and Equipment
☆ Wheels ☆

A. Width can range from 304.8cm to 548.6cm wide.
B. Total chute length can be no less than 1066.8cm, but has no maximum length.
C. The pulling chute must have at least 304.8cm of run off after the finish line.
D. The pulling surface must be the same throughout the entire length of the pulling surface.
E. If the track is not level, then you must pull in the uphill direction.
F. A pulling track can be set up on grass, dirt, carpet, or gravel.
G. Unacceptable surfaces include sand, large rock, asphalt or cement.
H. Pulling chute can only be groomed between weight classes. If the start or finish lines need to be repaired this may be done between rounds.
I. The only repairs that may be done during the competition of a weight class are those that could affect the safety of the competitor.
J. Chute barriers must be at least 91.4cm high.
K. The chute barrier must extend to the back of the cart and at least 304.8cm past the finish line.
L. The chute barrier should be made out of any material strong enough to contain the dog. Acceptable chute barriers include, snow fence, kennel panelling, plywood, animal panels, and other type of fencing.
M. A crowd barrier must be in place no closer than 91.4cm from the pulling barrier. A crowd barrier can be as little as a suspended rope.
N. The cart must be capable of safely carrying 2268kgs.
O. The cart must have four pneumatic tyres and a spare tyre.

  • All tyres must be the same size and must be set to the same air pressure at the start of the pull. Tyre pressure cannot be adjusted during a weight class.

  • The tyres must be at least 25.4cm high, but not more than 45.7cm high.

​
P. The cart shall be no wider than 182.8cm (including the tyres), and no longer than 243.8cm.
Q. The bridle can be made of nylon or rope. Chain or cable is not allowed. The bridle must be between 152.4cm to 182.8cm from the starting line to the hooking point. The bridle must be clasped. No ties or knots are allowed. The bridle must be in a " V " shape. The clip must be able to slide freely on the bridle.
R. A smaller cart can be used for all classes 20kg and under. It is the decision of the Senior Judge if a small cart is necessary. Once the smaller cart's weight is equal to or more than the larger cart, the weight class will switch to the larger cart.
S. The cart must be equipped with means to stop and pull the cart back to the starting position. These means must not interfere or add drag to the cart when being pulled.

☆ Rails ☆

​A. No pulling chute is required for rail pulls.
B. If the start or finish lines need to be repaired this may be done between rounds.
C. Acceptable pulling surfaces include grass, dirt, carpet or gravel.
D. No chute barrier is required for a rails pull.
E. A crowd barrier must be at least 304.8cm from the pulling surface. The crowd barrier must be at least a double strained rope. The hosts are encouraged to use a better crowd barrier such as snow fence, etc.
F. The cart shall run along the outside of the track.
G. The cart platform must not extend more than 30.4cm outside of the rails.
H. The cart shall be equipped with a bridle that must be between 121.9cm and 152.4cm from the front of the cart to the attachment point. The bridle can be either " V " shaped or a single centred connection. The bridle must be made of either nylon or rope.
I. The cart shall be equipped with ropes at the back of the cart to pull back the cart.
J. The cart shall be equipped with a brake that will stop the cart from rolling back when stopped.
K. Weight should not extend past the edges of the cart.
L. Rails can be round, v-grooved or flat and matched with acceptable casters. The weight being pulled must be less than the maximum capacity of the casters.
M. Provisions need to be in place to stop the cart at both ends of the rails.
N. Rails must be adjustable for levelling.
O. The level of the rails can be angled from flat to a maximum of a 15.2cm incline. Pulling should be in the uphill direction.
P. The rails must be 50.8cm apart and not more than 172.7cm apart.
Q. The pulling surface must be at least 762cm in length from the starting line.

​
☆ Weight ☆

​A. Sufficient supply of pre-weighed and stackable weight should be supplied.
B. Preferred types include brick, block, rails, dog food, etc.
C. The EPF discourages stacking weight over 152.4cm high.

​
☆ Junior Handlers ☆

​Junior Handlers are encouraged by the EPF, however no concessions will be made. Juniors will be permitted one adult to assist in the holding area, however the selected adult must remain in the holding area at all times during the class and will not be permitted to assist on the track or at the end of the track.

☆ Junior Class ☆

This fun group is for children under 14 accompanied by an adult. The rules are the same as in "NOVICE CLASS" with "ADDITION" maximum weight on the cart is 1000kg . A parent can go on the track with the juniorhandler.

Procedure for Conducting a Weight Pull

​☆ Holding Area ☆

A. An area shall be set up to hold all dogs currently competing in the weight class. The holding area must be large enough to safely hold all dogs.
B. All dogs must remain in the holding area while they are competing. They must be in the holding area from the start of the competition for their weight class.
C. A handler must be accompanied by an EPF Official to remove a dog from the holding area, whilst still competing. The only time a dog should be removed is to go to the toilet.
D. Handlers are not allowed to have their own food, water or treats for their dog in the holding area, however treats may be provided by the host at their own discretion for all the dogs in the holding area only. The host should also provide fresh water for dogs in the holding area. Handlers can have beverages for themselves but must not share these with the dog. Handlers are not allowed to have any food for themselves in the holding area at any time.
E. The holding area needs to be separated from the spectators viewing area.
F. The holding area can be no further forward than the starting line. Unless it is separated by a wall or sufficient sight barrier.
G. Only those dogs competing in the weight class should be in the holding area.
H. If a handler has multiple dogs in a weight class, a helper may assist to hold the dogs while the handler is competing with another dog. If a helper is not available crates must be used.
I. Junior Handlers are strongly encouraged to have an assistant in the holding area.

​☆ Weigh In ☆

​A. All dogs must be weighed in prior to competing at an EPF sanctioned event.
B. All dogs must be weighed in by an EPF Judge on the same scales.
C. Only one weigh in is required for multiple or consecutive day events.
D. A dog that weighs in at 35.09kg will compete in the 40kg weight class
E. The Senior Judge can limit the number of times a dog can be weighed in, but that number can be no less than two total attempts.
F. Weight Classes are as follows:

☆ Light Weight Division ☆
* 10kg Class ~ dogs weighing up to 10kg
* 15kg Class ~ dogs weighing 10.01kg-15.00kg
* 20kg Class ~ dogs weighing 15.01kg-20.00kg

☆ Middle Weight Division ☆
* 25kg Class ~ dogs weighing 20.01kg-25.00kg
* 30kg Class ~ dogs weighing 25.01kg-30.00kg

☆ Light Heavy Weight Division ☆
* 35kg Class ~ dogs weighing 30.01kg-35.00kg
* 40kg Class ~ dogs weighing 35.01kg-40.00kg

☆ Heavy Weight Division ☆
* 45kg Class ~ dogs weighing 40.01kg-45.00kg
* 50kg Class ~ dogs weighing 45.01kg-50.00kg
*Unlimited Class ~ dogs weighing 50.01kg and over

☆ ​Competition​ ☆

  • The format of the competition can be either Most Weight Pulled (MWP) or Most Weight Pulled Percent (MWPP). This will be decided by the Senior Judge and must be included on the score sheet.

  • There will be four categories for MWP and MWPP .

  • Each dog shall be required to pull a load 4,85 metres in sixty seconds from start line to finish line. If the dog starts the load and sixty seconds is reached, the dog is allowed to complete the pull as long as the cart is in motion. If the dog should stop after sixty seconds in the first round of the competition, the pull is recorded as a no pull. In rounds afterwards it is recorded as timed out and the prior weight pulled stands.

  • The winner of each weight class will be the dog that pulls the most weight or best percent. In the event of a tie the dog with the fastest time will win.

  • The pull shall be timed with a stopwatch capable of timing to 1/100th of a second. All successful times be recorded to the 1/100th of a second.

  • Time of the pull shall begin when the handler calls the dog or the dog make a forward pulling motion.

  • Judges shall give the handler the time remaining if requested. They can also give warnings of the amount of time remaining.

  • Handlers may position the cart anywhere on the starting line (wheels only)

  • If handlers require the cart to be repositioned on the track during a weight round they must ask for this to be done before the Cart Marshalls begin to pull the cart back to the start line, if a handler does not ask, the cart will not be repositioned (wheels only).

  • Test rolling of the cart is not permitted.

  • Handler shall set the dog between the rails or tyres.

  • The bridle must be brought out to its full length. A walking start is permitted.

  • The handler must make a clean release of the dog. Once released if the dog touches the handler a disqualification will be called.

  • If the cart is moved while the handler is setting the dog the Judge will call a no pull and the dog will be done pulling for the day and any prior results will stand.

  • If the dog makes a slingshot or jumps in the harness after being set then the dog will be disqualified and will be done pulling for the day and no results will be recorded for that event.

  • If the handler chooses to drive the dog, the rules are the same. Whilst driving they cannot touch any of the equipment or dog until the pull is complete.

  • The handler may not come into contact with the dog or equipment after releasing the dog until the pull is completed. If the handler touches the dog or equipment or the dog touches the handler prior to the Judge calling the pull, the result will be a no pull and the dog will be done pulling for the day and any prior results will stand.

  • The handler may only touch the barrier past the finish line.

  • Only one handler can communicate with the dog during the pull, which includes hand signals, calling or rhythmically clapping.

  • A handler may enter their dog at any established weight increment of their choice.

  • Handlers have unlimited passes between rounds, once they enter the weight pulling competition.

  • Handlers are encourage to announce their passes as soon as possible.

  • A tangle will be called when the dog, equipment or cart becomes entangled with each other, and would/could endanger the dog.

  • The dog will be unclipped and the tangle will be fixed. The dog will then be re-clipped and the pull will continue.

  • The time will not be reset. When a tangle is called the clock will be stopped. The clock will resume after the dog is re-set and the handler calls the dog or the dog makes a forward pulling motion.

  • The cart will not be repositioned, unless it has become entangled with the barrier. If the cart is entangled with the barrier it will be straightened out. If the cart cannot be straightened out without moving it backwards, the cart will be reset on the starting line.

  • A dog is allowed one tangle per round. A second tangle will result in a no pull and the dog is finished pulling for the day, any prior results will stand.

  • If a handler intentionally tangles their dog, the result will be a disqualification and the dog is done pulling for the day and no results will be recorded for that event.

  • Stepping out of a harness does not constitute a tangle.

  • If a dog endangers itself by trying to get out of its harness, the result is a no pull and the dog is done pulling for the day. Any prior results will stand.

  • If a dog tries to leave out of the back of the pulling chute, it shall be considered a tangle if the Judge feels the dog is endangering itself.

  • If the equipment or harness breaks, the handler shall have sixty seconds to make the necessary repairs. If the repairs cannot be made within sixty seconds, the handler can elect to pass the round. If the handler chooses to continue the pull after repairs, the cart will not be reset. The equipment break will not count as a tangle.

  • Baiting is NOT permitted, that includes any training devices, food, whips, noise makers, or other devices before, during, or after the pull.

  • All leads must be passed to the Hooker when the dog is hooked to the cart.

  • Dogs may compete with a flat collar, choke chain, or no collar. They may not compete with a pinch collar or any other type of training collar.

  • No dog is allowed ahead of the starting line during the pull, including dogs that are being held by spectators.

  • A handler can enter an unlimited number of dogs in the same weight class.

  • No adhesives, stick-um, or boots may be worn by the dog during the pull.

  • Only water can be applied to dogs feet prior to a pull.

  • Handler may request a three minute rest period, if their turn to pull comes up again in less than three minutes since their last pull.

  • Double handling will not be permitted. However anyone can clap and cheer to encourage the dog from outside a ten foot radius around the track. No one but the handler, Judge or Cart Marshalls is allowed to walk behind the dog within the ten foot radius. Double handling will result in disqualification of the dog from the competition with no results recorded for that event.

  • Reasonable concessions will be made for handlers with disabilities.

                                                                      ☆ EPF Title Requirements ☆

Click here: ☆ TITLES ☆

☆ Complaints and Grievances ☆
A. All grievances should be reported to the Senior Judge at the time the grievance occurred. The Senior Judge has a final ruling on all issues that take place at a pull.

​B. A grievance form shall be completed by the party bringing the grievance. The report will be included with the final pull reports.

​C. All grievances will be reviewed by the Board Members and they will communicate their decision, and any penalties deemed necessary to the persons involved.

​☆ Alcohol ☆
No one competing or acting as an official is allowed to consume any alcoholic beverages whilst participating in the weightpull event.

☆ Drug Testing ☆
The EPF reserves the right to do random drug testing. At the time of the competition, no participating dog may be under the influence of the following drugs or substances:
Glucocorticoids / NSAIDs / Stimulants / Sedatives / Local anesthetics / Clenbuterol / Furosemide/ Amphetamines / Steroids / Barbiturates / Opiates/ Methadone

Spot checks or, in case of justified suspicion, targeted checks based on blood tests may be carried out at the competition by a veterinarian commissioned by the organizer, the costs of which are to be borne by the dog handler in the event of a positive result.

In case of justified suspicion by other participants against a dog handler, a neutral, independent veterinarian will be appointed by the organizer to take the blood sample. The costs for this and for the analysis by a laboratory will be borne by the person who requests the test. If the test is positive, the dog handler has to reimburse all costs. A positive test result will lead to the exclusion of the handler from all EPF sanctioned competitions and to the revocation of all titles acquired so far. 
ALL POSITIVE TEST RESULTS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC

​☆ EPF Records ☆
A. EPF Records can only be set at the EPF European Championship.
B. Rail records can only be set on tracks with a minimum 1% incline.

​☆ Membership ☆
A. The EPF has no general membership.
B. The EPF is a non-profit making organisation.

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Any law of a County, State or Country supersedes that of the EPF Rules.

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