EWPL Updates Rules for the 2026 Weight Pull Season

EWPL states that some rules have been moved to different sections or repositioned within the rulebook rather than removed. Competitors are therefore encouraged to read the full rules carefully, as handlers remain responsible for knowing and following the regulations.

New Championship Qualification Requirements

One of the most significant updates concerns qualification for the Swedish Championship, Norwegian Championship and the International Championship.

For the Swedish Championship, dogs competing in the -5, -10, -15, -20, -25 and -30 kg classes must achieve at least 40 P4P. Dogs in the -37, -44, -51 and +51 kg classes must achieve at least 30 P4P.

The qualification must be achieved at a minimum of three different competitions, with at least two of those qualifications earned in Sweden. The Swedish Championship may only be held as a one-day competition.

For the Norwegian Championship, the same P4P limits apply: 40 P4P for the lighter classes and 30 P4P for the heavier classes. However, Norwegian qualification must be achieved on at least two different competition days.

Qualification for the International Championship now requires a minimum of 40 P4P in the lightweight classes and 30 P4P in the heavyweight classes, achieved at three separate EWPL competitions.

Clearer Warning and Disqualification System

The updated rules also provide clearer definitions of warnings, second warnings and disqualifications.

A first warning allows the handler to continue competing. A second warning removes the handler from the competition, although the last approved pull remains as the registered result.

A disqualification removes both dog and handler from the competition and no result is registered. Cases involving aggression, uncontrollable behaviour or unsportsmanlike conduct may also be reported to the EWPL Board for further review.

Stricter Rules Around Dog and Handler Conduct

The 2026 regulations include several detailed rules concerning behaviour in the Holding Area, on Deck and on the competition track.

Dogs disturbing other dogs in the Holding Area may receive a warning, with a second warning resulting in removal from the competition.

Toys, objects used as toys and items producing sounds are prohibited in the Holding Area, on Deck and on the track. Possession of such items can result in disqualification.

Aggressive behaviour, violence, uncontrolled dogs and unsportsmanlike behaviour can also result in immediate disqualification.

Changes to the Pulling Procedure

The rules now describe the starting procedure in greater detail.

Before receiving the start signal, the handler must make eye contact with the judge. The signal will not be given if there is contact between the dog and handler, if the dog repeatedly barks or howls, or if the dog moves from its starting position.

Once the signal has been given, the handler may not touch or communicate with the dog until reaching the permitted position beyond the finish line or front axle of the cart.

Handlers are also required to leave the dog at a normal walking pace. Walking unusually slowly or quickly can result in a warning and restart.

Slingshot starts remain prohibited and can result in a warning and restart. The rules define a slingshot as a dog clearly stepping backwards before launching forward into the harness, or repeatedly jerking aggressively into the harness.

Tangling is also addressed in greater detail. A tangle may result in a warning and restart, and includes situations where the dog becomes caught in the equipment, pulls with a leg outside the harness, touches the cart, moves behind the start line or spins around.

Two Minutes Between Pulls

Handlers are entitled to two minutes of rest between pulls, measured from the moment the dog is unhooked from the cart.

If the dog and handler are not back on Deck within the two-minute period, a Holding Area warning may be issued.

One-Day and Two-Day Competitions Defined

The updated rulebook also gives clearer definitions of one-day and two-day competitions.

At a one-day competition, the class winner is determined by the dog pulling the highest weight in relation to its body weight, measured as P4P.

At a two-day competition, results from both days are combined, and the dog with the highest total P4P result becomes the class winner.

Handlers may be changed between competition days, but not during the same competition day.

New Responsibilities for Officials and Organisers

The rules also clarify the responsibilities of organisers, Competition Head Judges, Class Judges and Pit Bosses.

Organisers are responsible for providing the necessary equipment, publishing registration information, maintaining the competition surface and submitting the required EWPL reports.

The Competition Head Judge has overall responsibility for the event and makes the final decision in questionable situations.

Class Judges are responsible for timing, judging pulls, enforcing rules and issuing Holding Area warnings, while the Pit Boss supervises the Holding Area and helps keep competitors organised.

EWPL Encourages Competitors to Read the Full Rules

The list published by EWPL highlights many of the changes, but the organisation stresses that competitors should read the complete 2026 rulebook rather than relying only on the summary of amendments.

With changes affecting qualifications, competition procedures, warnings, disqualifications and the responsibilities of both handlers and officials, competitors planning to take part in EWPL events during the 2026 season should familiarise themselves with the updated regulations before entering a competition.

Read the rules here: EWPL Rules