EWPL

Sektion 1 - Weight Pull Season

A: 1. january - 31. september.

Sektion 2 – National Championship

• A: National championship is held in august or the first weekend of september.
• B: Location of the championship is decided by the Board of Directors.
• C: To qualify for the National Championship, the dog must meet the qualification for NM at least two racing sessions / days. Each nation determines the qualifying limits applicable to qualify for the national championship; the qualification must be officially reported to EWPL before the season starts.
• D: Class winner in the two-day show is the dog who pulls most weight in relation to body
  weight (P4P) in its class.
• E: Class winner in the one-day show is the dog who pulls most weight relative to body weight (P4P) in its weight class.
• F: Entry fee is a maximum of 30 euros per dog and day of competition.
• G: National Championship is only open to the country's dogs.
• H: Swedish qualifier limit for dogs in classes -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 are 25 times the dog's weight and 20 times the dog's weight in classes -37 -44 and +44.
• I. Finnish qualifier limit for dogs in classes -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 are 25 times the dog's weight and 20 times the dog's weight in classes -37 -44 and +44.
• J. Norway's qualifying limit for dogs in classes-10 -15 -20 -25 -30 are 15 times the dog's weight and 10 times the dog's weight in classes -37 -44 and +44.
  K. Denmark’s qualifying limitfor dogs in classes -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 are 15 times the dog's weight and 12 times the dog's weight in classes -37 -44 and +44.

Sektion 3 – International Championship

• A: International championship are held in september.
• B: Location of where the International Championship to be held is decided by the country's representatives at the beginning of the season.
• C: To qualify for the International Championship it is necessary to have competed in two EWPL events, and in at least two occasions pulled 25times the dogs weight in classes -10 -15 -20 -25 - 30 and 20 times the dogs weight in classes -37 -44 and +44.
• D: Classwinner in a two-day show is the dog who pulls most weight pound for pound (P4P) in its class.
• E: Class winner in the one-day show is the dog who pulls most weight in relation to body
  weight (P4P) in its class.
• F: Entry fee is a maximum of 30 euros per dog and day of competition.

Sektion 4 - EWPL Sanctioned Shows

• A: EWPL 's application about holding a contest must be received by the Board of Directors at least 30 days before the contest to take place .
• B: Tournament results must be sent to EWPL within 5 days.

Sektion 5 – Weight Classes

• A: EWPL's weight classes are as follows: Lightweight: -10: 0 to 9.99, -15: 10 to 14.99, -20: 15 to 19.99, -25: 20 to 24.99, -30: 25 to 29.99 Heavyweight -37: 30 to 36.99, -44: 37 to 43.99, +44: 44 - unlimited
• B: Change of weight classes require a majority of two thirds of the members of EWPL, a change can only occur at the end of the season.

Sektion 6 – Weigh-In

• A: All dogs must be weighed in under a specified time before a EWPL-sanctioned show, if the dog comes too late, they may not participate in the competition and the entry fee is not refundable.
• B: The two-day show is only required to weigh in one day.
• C: Weighing the two-day show is the first day, the dogs that are only competing second day weighed before the start of the competition on the second day.
• D: All dogs' weight must be given to two decimals, for an example, 22.30kg.
• E: A functionary who can limit the number of weigh-in attempts is at place, most two times and then the final weigh-in weight.
• F: The scale shall be on flat, hard surfaces, and this checked out of the chief judge both before and after weigh-in. When the chief judge signed, you cannot protest.
• G. One of today's judges and one of the Secretariats shall conduct weigh-in.
• H. All dogs can be commanded to make a last weigh-in under weigh-in time, and then it is the last weight that applies.

Sektion 7 – National Pointsystem

• A: EWPL approves national points in each weight class. Every nation expects and is
  responsible for its own scoring system.
• B: The national point champion is the dog who has earned the most points. Points will count the dog from all competitions governed by EWPL.
• C: All dogs are listed in the same listing.
• D: The dogs can only satisfy his scored points from the official competitions sanctioned by EWPL.
• E: All dogs have the same chance to score points.
• F: In order to win points requires that the dog completes at least one pull in their weight class.
• G: The dog will receive points for titles earned. (See list below)
• H: The dog will receive points for each dog that he wins over in his weight class, but not
  disqualified dogs or dogs who do not pull the input weight.
• I: Every country in EWPL has individual points.
• J: Each class winner in the National Championship will receive 5 bonus points

Sektion 8 - International Pointsystem

• A: EWPL approves international points in each weight class
• B: The national point champion is the dog who has earned the most points. Points will count the dog from all competitions governed by EWPL.
• C: All dogs are listed in the same listing.
• D: The dogs can only satisfy his scored points from the official competitions sanctioned by EWPL.
• E: All dogs have the same chance to score points.
• F: In order to win points requires that the dog completes at least one pull in their weight class.
• G: The dog will receive points for titles earned. (See list below)
• H: The dog will receive points for each dog that he wins over in his weight class, but not
  disqualified dogs or dogs that do not pull the input weight.
• I:Class winner 10points, under championship, class winner will also receive 5 bonus points.
  Class runner-up seven points.
  Class third 4 points.
  Dog receives one point per obtained title for an example;
  EWP1 = 1 Point
  EWP2 = 2 points.
• J. Each class winner in the National Championship will receive 5 bonus points.

Sektion 9 - EWPL Titles

• A: For carpet, natural surface and rails.
  - 10 times the weight of the dog EWP 1
  - 15 times the weight of the dog EWP 2
  - 20 times the weight of the dog EWP 3
  - 25 times the weight of the dog EWP 4
  - 30 times the weight of the dog EWP 5
  - 35 times the weight of the dog EWP 6
  - 40 times the weight of the dog EWP 7
  - 45 times the weight of the dog EWP 8
  - 50 times the weight of the dog EWP 9
  - 55 times the weight of the dog EWP 10
  etc..
• B: The dog may only be awarded one title for each EWPL-sanctioned show.
• C: When a dog has been awarded the title EWP4 or higher on three or more races, the dog gets titled EWP4 CH (CH)
• D: If the dog has been awarded the title EWP4 or higher on five or more races, the dog gets titled EWP4 Grand Champion (GR CH)
• E. If the dog has two EWP5 and one or more EWP4 the dog EWP4 CH.

Sektion 10 – Criterias For Competing In a EWPL Sanctioned Weightpull Show

• A: No dogs under 18 months can compete officially.
• B: All dogs must comply with national / local requirements for vaccinations. (Distemper and parvo) EWPL recommends the following vaccinations: Leptospirosis, kennel cough and rabies (to compete internationally).
• C: All immunizations must be approved by local, state or national authorities in the country where competition is being held.
• D: All dogs must be ID-marked with a chip or a tattoo.
• E: EWPL follows the National Performance-Enhancing Rules. When using performanceenhancing drugs like steroids and painkillers are prohibited. If the dogs are caught with one of the following drugs, handler will be suspended from EWPL-sanctioned events during the lifetime. The dog is suspended for the remainder of the season.
• F: Veterinary and chief judge will conduct a health assessment of each dog to be competing. Both the veterinarian and chief judge can disqualify a dog that is not considered healthy.
• G: Entry fees are only refunded if the dog is out of the race before the show begins.
• H:All participants must sign a declaration that the dog is healthy and up to competition not have received any injury days before the race, this occurs during the weigh-in.
• I:If an injury occurs during the race, the action followed after Veterinarian request, paper from the approved veterinarian must be presented at the next races.
• J: No bitches in heat are allowed to compete. No bitches in heat may reside in the area.
• K: No pregnant or lactating females (12 weeks after birth) may participate in competitions.
• L: All dogs must compete in an approved harness. The harness must be no longer than 75 cm from the tail beginning at the point where the wagon is turned on, this is controlled at the weigh-in.
• M: If the dog eats medicine it can be dispensed, notification shall be sent to the organizer at least three weeks before the contest.
• N: EWPL recommends that all dogs should be ex-rayed on hip and elbows.
• O: Individuals who participate in illegal activities with their dog may not participate in EWPLsanctioned events.

Sektion 11 – Proper construction of dog and handler

• A:All participants (handlers, owners, etc.) are responsible for their dogs.
• B: All uncontrolled dogs will be excluded from the contest. This involves excessive aggression.
• C: Unsportsmanlike conduct towards dogs, competitors, spectators, officials, etc. will result in disqualification of the handler and all his dogs. Valid before, during and after the race.
• D: A dog that is disqualified due to unchecked aggression or unsportsmanlike behavior will not earn points, titles or price.
• E:A dog that is disqualified on the first day of a two-day competition will not be allowed to compete on the second day.
• F: Violence against dogs is not tolerated before, during or after the show.
• G: The handlers are responsibility to keep clean after themselves.
• H: Dogs that behave aggressively, barks or interfere with other dogs in the holding area get a warning, after warning the dog is disqualified. As aggressive behavior count outcomes. Pit boss will be alert and report to the weight class as the judge noted.

Sektion 12 – Officials

• A: The organizer is responsible for:
  • That all necessary equipment is available to host the show.
  • Complete and send off all EWPL forms until the contest manager. This includes the performance report, organizers report, the main referee's report and veterinarian report.
  • To confirm that all EWPL rules have been followed and that no dogs have been hurt during
    the race.
• B: The head judge is responsible for;
  • Monitor all aspects of the event, including registration, weigh-in, setup and actual races.
  • The final decisions on questionable judgments and decisions.
  • All disqualifications and complaints of judges report.
  • The referee can disqualify a dog handler for unsportsmanlike conduct before, during and after the race. No refund of entry fee will then be made.
  • Confirm that all dogs are in condition to race.
  • The judge shall confirm that any judgments apprentices followed EWPL rules.
  • Conducting the handlers meeting. For the handlers meeting the weight gain to be used in class. If the handler is not in place so they will forfeit the chance to influence.
• C: Wagon personal are responsible for:
  • Loading and even distribution of weights.
  • The correct weight has been loaded at any weight gain, gaining must loudly and clearly reported to the secretary is completed.
  • Hook on / off the dog to the cart if the handler does not wish to do it themselves
  • To keep the time of the dog that will go from on deck to tie-in.
  • Maintain the surface on the track, which is only allowed between classes.
  • Cart personal is not allowed to stop a dog who wants to leave by walking behind the cart, or a dog that pulls the cart backwards. The judge shall make this.
  • Cart Personal are not allowed to slow the cart before the pull and the judge gave his final signal.
• D: Weight Judge is responsible for:
  • Taking the time and judge the pull.
  • Advertising which dog is next to pull.
  • Note the warnings from the Holding Area.
  • EWPL rules enforced by giving clear instructions.
  • The right weight is on the right timeframe.
• E: Secretary is responsible for:
  • Record the time of the pulls.
  • Register as a dog handler might be suitable for a game.
  • Note the warnings on the judge's request.
• F: Pit boss charge of holding area, but also;
  • Advertising which dog in the holding area is next to pull.
  • Keep order on the starting rotation.
  • Further Pre desires to fit the weight class referee.
  • Follow the dog to be walked during the competition.
  • Keeping track and line up the contestants to quickly and easily get into the next dog / dogs.
  • Monitor the area, handing out warnings to the dogs who behave aggressively or as biting the leash.

Sektion 13 – Organizer's Choice

• A: Starting order of the classes can go from lightest to heaviest or vice versa.
• B: In a two-day event it will be oppositional start order on the second day.
• C:At the races lightest to heaviest is the starting order, lightest to the most heavilyin
  races where the boot sequence is heaviest to lightest, it's heaviest dog who starts.

Sektion 14 – Holding Area

• A: Holding area is the boundary area large enough for all who compete in the current weight class.
• B: The participants in the weight classes have to be in this area during the whole class time. All competitors in the weight class for the start must be in place before the competition starts. If the dog is not in place in the residence area when the race starts the dog will be disqualified.
• C: If a dog has to leave the area to be walked, it must be accompanied by an official.
• D. No toys are allowed in the holding area. Handlers are allowed to carry drinks for himself and the water bowl to the dog, the dog may only drink the waters which are in the residence area. Candy in the holding area stands the organizer for; a bowl will stand after completion of move. The candy should never be placed in pockets or tread the path, the candy man takes for himself to be eaten before the next move. If the rule is broken, the dog handler and all his dogs are disqualified.
• E. Holding area must be separated by fences or securing from the audience.
• F. Holding area must not be in front of the starting line unless it is separated by a wall or a fence.
• G. Only the dogs in the current weight class have access to the holding area. When the dog is out of the contest they must submit their holding area at once.
• H. Dogs must not be left alone. Have a driver several dogs that compete at the same time, all dogs have to be locked in a cage if the handler don’t have an assistant, except for the dog to pull.
• I. Handlers are allowed an assistant to availability. The chief judge will decide if there is enough for this.
• J. Junior handlers should be accompanied by an adult in the holding area.
• K. Each dog in holding area, if necessary, has access to a cage.
• L. Smoking is prohibited in the holding area.

Sektion 15 – Weight Pull Track

• A: The width should be between 3-6 meters.
• B: The length must be at least 11 yards.
• C:The course shall extend at least 3 meters after the finish line.
• D: The surface must be the same throughout.
• E: If the path is not horizontally it must be in the uphill.
• F: The track surface can be made of grass, soil, carpet and fine gravel.
• G: Surfaces like, coarse stone, asphalt and cement are forbidden.
• H:The track surface may be maintained in between classes. Start and finish lines that can, if necessary, between rounds.
• I: A special shielded wall intended to transport the dogs back from the finish to the holding area must be provided. It must be separated from the audience’s area.
• J: When a weight class will compete only repairs done on the damage that could endanger the dogs' health, for example, material damage to the wagon, fence or rail. It is not permitted to repair the base as the filling in holes or likewise.

Sektion 16 – Fencing

• A: Barriers must be at least 90cm high.
• B: Barriers must be along the path on both sides, and run at least three feet after the finish line.
• C: Barriers must be stable enough to hold back all kinds of dogs.
• D: Barriers are placed along the outer edges of the track.
• E: A crowd barrier must also be deployed, at least 1 meter from the runway foreclosure.
• F: Size of the barrier and strength should be adjusted according to the number of spectators.

Sektion 17 – Cart (Wheel)

• A:The cart must withstand a weight load of at least 2500kg.
• B: The cart must have 4 pneumatic tires
  • All wheels must be the same size.
  • All tires must have the same air pressure at the beginning of the show.
  • All tires must have the same inflation pressure during weight class.
  • Wheels must be 25-46cm in diameter.
  • The cart can be 180 centimeters (including tires) and 240cm long.
• C: Spare tire must be in place. If the tire failures it’s the organizer of the contest that’s
  responsible for that the competition can be decided on equal terms.
• D. The line between the wagon and the dog must be made of nylon or rope.
• E. The line should be 150-180cm from the wheels shoulder to the hooking on to the harness.
• F. The line should be attached to the trolley in such a way that it is formed into a V, the line must be firmly anchored in the cart and shall be free of knots that prevent intrusion from sliding freely on the line.
• G. Cart must be equipped with a rope at the back to slow down and pull the cart back to the starting line.

Cart for the class -10 (wheel)

• A. The cart must withstand a weight load of at least 300kg.
• B. The cart weight must not exceed 40kg.
• C. The line between cart and the dog must be made of nylon or rope.
• D. The line should be 150-180cm from the wheels shoulder to the hooking on to the harness.
• E. The line should be attached to the cart in such a way that it is shaped like a V, the line must be firmly anchored in the cart and shall be free of knots that prevent intrusion from sliding freely on the line.
• F. Cart must be equipped with a rope at the back to slow down and pull the cart back to the starting line.
• G. When the weight of the cart reached into the regular contest trailer weight replacement cart for the regular race cart.

Sektion 18 – Rail System

• A: Rails can be round, flat or V-shaped and secured.
• B: Stop must exist on both sides of the rails.
• C: The rails must be on an upward slope between 0.75-1,25%.
• D: The distance between the rails must be 120-170cm.
• E: The track must be at least 7.5 m from the starting line.

Sektion 19 - Fencing (Rails)

• A: No claim for foreclosure.
• B: A crowd barrier must however be deployed. It must be at least 3m away from the runway edge.
• C: Size and strength of the barrier should be adjusted according to the number of spectators.

Sektion 20 – Cart (rail)

• A: The cart will run on the outside of the rails.
• B: The platform of the cart must not exceed more than 30cm off the rails.
• C: The cart must be equipped with a cord / rope that is 120-150cmfrom the trailer to the
  connection. The rope can be V-shaped or a straight line and must be made of rope or nylon.
• D: The cart must be equipped with a rope at the back to slow down and pull the cart back to the starting line.
• E: The weights should not be placed outside edges of the wagon.

Sektion 21 – Weights

• A: Sufficient weights must be available. Weights must be weighted and designed to facilitate proper loading.
• B: Maximum height on loaded weights cannot be taller than 150cm.
• C: If this happens, reduced tire pressure on the wheels or the increased angle of the rail track. (increasing upward slope)

Sektion 22 – Procedure For a correct move

• A: Each dog must pull the cart 5m in 60 seconds from the starting line to the finish line. If the cart is in motion and 60 sec may be crossed to keep pulling until the cart stops. Stays cart after 60sek and the cart is not over the finish line this count as a no pull.
  • All towing is clocked with a clock that is capable of 1 / 100 sec. All features must be recorded with (1/100sek)
  • The handler who is on deck must be within 30 seconds that he called in at the track, go up to the cart unless the dog climb or jump up on the cart, turn on and place the dog and make contact with the judge, the handler fails, or the dog walk up / jump on the wagon, one warning to be distributed. The new 30 seconds immediately starts to count down from alert.
  • The handler must ask, bring or put the dog before he / she releases the dog, and then take the handler contact with the judge giving the green light to start. Handlers must immediately leave the dog and continue to look forward until he has crossed the goal line or been behind the front axle of the cart.
  • Warning is distributed if the dog moves forward before the handler takes his first step.
  • The dog must be quiet in silent mode without physical contact between dog and dog handler at least 1 second before the judge gives the green light to start.
  • When the judge has given the green light to start the handler may not touch the dog, look at the dog or in any way communicate with the dog.
  • The handler may not communicate with the dog before he crossed the goal line or behind the front axle trailer. If communication occurs, the handler gets a warning and the pull starts over. As communication counts to make eye contact, touch, talking / whistling or making hand signals.
  • The time starts when the handler has crossed the goal line or the trailer front axle if the dog is running behind or when the dog moves forward after the handler left the dog.When the handler walks from his dog, he should keep the normal walking speed, if the handler is too slow to gain time, the handler will get a warning from the judge, and the pull starts over, the cart should be returned to the starting line and restart is required.
  • The judge does not give the handler the remaining time information unless its requested.
• B: The next dog to be pulling must be on deck before hauled back by coach staff, to move the cart sideways handler must call attention to it before hauled back.
• C: The handler may place the cart anywhere on the starting line. When the handler then
  satisfied with the position of the cart, the cart does not move again.
• D: At the start, the line between wagon and a dog so limp that it is straight to the ground. It may not have any curves or overlaps.
• E: The dog may start before the handler arrived at the finish line.
• F. Would the handler drive the dog from behind, he must be behind the front axle of the cart before the commands are given. In one such implementation may stroller or dog will not be affected.
• G. Only when the handler has crossed the finish line, he / she is ready to communicate with the dog.
• H. When the handler has crossed the finish line, he / she does not go back across the goal line or touch the dog before the cart is in goal, touching the dog or the equipment is given a warning out and the pull starts over.
• I. Only those who are dog handlers may communicate with the dog during the pull.
• J. Communication between other people and the handler is allowed as long as it does not contain the dog's name and move commands.
• K. Consistent weight increments should be used through the whole competition in the class.
• L. Start weight is determined by the handler itself.
• M. It is up to each dog handler to determine the weights they wish to take on.
  • The handler has the right to pass on how many weights he wants.
  • All dog handlers have the right to match until it stands on deck.
• N. If equipment fails during pulling, the handler has 60 seconds in which to repair the flaunts. Time the handler not to repair the flaunts, he / she has the right to pass on the current pull. If the handler time to repair the defect so the move to continue from where the cart stopped.
• O. The use of bait is not allowed. This applies to all kinds of toys, food, candy and things that produce sound.
  • If any of these are used, you’ll be disqualified.
  • Dogs must not bite or play with the leash, then issued a warning.
• P. Handler must give the dog's leash to the trailer staff. The dog must be unleashed during the move.
• Q. The dog may compete with or without collars, including choke collar.
  • Prong, weight collars, electric and bark control collars are not allowed.
• R. No other dogs are allowed in front of the line when the dog pulls. This also applies to
  spectators' dogs.
• S. The dog that pulls the most weight in relation to its mass becomes the winner. (Pound for Pound) If two or more dogs finish with the same Pound for Pound is the dog which did feature in the shortest time winner.
• T. A handler can enter any number of dogs in the same weight class.
• U. No glue, boots or likewise as the pull of the dog is allowed. Only water is approved for use on the paws before the dog is pulling.
• V. The handler is entitled to a maximum of two minutes rest between each move from the dog had detached from the trailer. The judge handles the time.
• X. Tangle of towing equipment (tangle)
  • Tangle called by the judge when the dog becomes entangled in the pulling equipment from damage may occur, and if the dog starts to pull or try to pull with one or several legs outside of the harness.
  • Tangle called by the judge when the dog goes so far back and touch the cart or goes behind the starting line.
  • If the dog goes out of the harness so it does not tangle on the immediate steps in the harness as it moves forward, it does not count as a tangle.
  • The handler has the right to point out tangles to the judge, the judge must approve the tangle before the handler may intervene, and the judge may also refuse to tangle.
  • The dog is disconnected and the error corrected. Dogs must be restarted and get approval from the judge before the dog is, like them at the usual start.
  • The time stops when tangles of equipment called, and is again started when the handler has crossed the goal line or cart front axle, or when the dog starts to move forward.
  • The cart may not be moved unless it is stuck in the fence. If the cart is in the fence it must be adjusted. If the cart had to be moved back to get it in position it should be restarted at the starting line.
  • If the handler intentionally tangles his dog, it will be no pull.
  • A tangle counts as a warning, two warnings for any reason, per cycle is equal to "no pull" (not the warnings that can be distributed in the holding area)

Sektion 23 – Dog handlers with disabilities

• A: As a competitor with a disability it shall be specified in the notification to the competition.
• B: Preparation so that a disabled person can race shall always be made. Extra wishes from the handler is entered with the referee before the weight class begins.

Sektion 24 – Funpull

• A: The dog must be at least 12 months.
• B: The dog may take up to 5 pulls, the dog is younger than 18 months may not pull heavier than 15 times its own weight.
• C. The judge may interrupt at any point if the dog is not ready for a show.

Sektion 25 – Complains

• A: The chief judge has the final word on all complaints as quickly as possible and within ten minutes after finished class.
• B. All complaints come after the show will be ignored when the complaint must be addressed directly.
• C. All complaints must be in writing.

Sektion 26 - Alcohol

• A: No officials or competitors are allowed to drink alcohol before or during the show.

Sektion 27 – Drug Tests

• A: EWPL reserves its right to take doping tests at every competition. Which approach will be informed of the handlers meeting.

Sektion 28 – Education of EWPL-judge

• A: Apprentices must walk side by trained judges in three weight classes on at least two
  different occasions.
• B. Apprentices shall have passed a written EWPL judgments license.
• C. After the next time and when the test is passed you are obtained EWPL judgments license. This license is required to judge EWPL show.
• D. Before each season, every EWPL-judge should do a written test to renew judgments
  license.

Sektion 29 – Amendments to EWPL Rules

• A: Amendments to the rules requires a simple majority of country representatives so far
  nothing has been declared.
• B: Simple majority vote is more than half of the country representatives.
• C: All rule changes will take effect at the start of next season.
• D: Rule changes cannot be done during the season.
• E. Rule Proposals must be ready for the International championship, where the country
  representatives to review and establish regulations for the coming year.