The ToWA organises both mens and womens competitions, but mixed teams and mens teams pulling against womens teams are not allowed under ToWA rules. However, in England for an experimental period currently in operation, women can pull in mens teams in open competitions. Competitions under ToWA laws are held every weekend. All member clubs can compete at these meetings, clubs who are not members of the ToWA may also compete for a trial period but must register with the Association if they wish to continue pulling in these competitions. All pulls are conducted under the control of a ToWA judge.
Pulls are best of three, the choice of first end being decided by the toss of a coin.
The object is to drag the opposing team a distance of four metres. Teams can be disqualified for persistently infringing the rules. Tug of War competitions are organised in weight classes where the team of eight pullers must not exceed the stated weight. Weight classes start at 560 kilos for men and 520 kilos for women. Teams are weighed on 8-person scales.