The American Pit Bull Terrier has been beloved
for generations for its loyal, affectionate
nature and stable temperment.

ADBA/ADBSI  WEIGHT  PULL   RULES

Weight Pull Rules
(Lst. Rvsd.: January 1, 1999)

Officials and Duties

Judge: Directs weight pull. Settles disputes. Has the final decision. Directs loading of cart and informs scorekeeper of total weight on cart. Also in charge of the cart people. The Judge's decision is final.

Scorekeeper #1: Keeps record of weights pulled and times of pull for each dog, records fouls.

Scorekeeper #2: Announces results and records winners in each weight division.

Scorekeeper #3: Keeps results of times and weights pulled on the scoreboard for participants and audience.

Entrance monitor: Controls holding area, have dog on deck, harnessed and in pulling position. Informs handlers of weight dog is pulling.

Cart people: Load and unloads the cart and positions the cart for the next pull.



Rules:

1) All dogs must be ADBA registered.

2) No bitches in heat will be allowed to enter. If a bitch is allowed to enter deceitfully, the judge will disqualify that dog and no entry fee will be refunded.

3) No dogs that are aggressive to humans will be allowed to enter. (Muzzled or not muzzled). No aggressive action will be allowed by dogs toward handler or any official during pull competition. If a dog of this temperament is allowed to enter in error, the judge will disqualify that dog and no entry fee will be refunded. (Remember, your dog may be handled by other persons than yourself). Excitement is not to be interpreted as aggression.

4) All equipment used by contestants MUST be checked by judge, prior to use.

5) The weight pull track must be verified consistently level or at incline, by the judge prior to the pull beginning.(Clubs discretion) The decision of how often the track will be checked throughout the competition must be decided at the handlers meeting prior to the pull starting. (This can only be done between weight classes, not in the middle of the weight class).

6) No artificial aids may be used on dogs feet, carpet, etc. (Dog pads are to be clean, free of any stick-em etc.)

7) It will be decided at the handlers meeting if the judge will begin the time by a go or pull command, or if the handlers will begin the time by releasing the dog.

8) Dogs designated as ADBSI 'Ace' cannot enter regular weight pull competition. No dog is considered an 'Ace' until verified as such in the office of the ADBA either by phone or written verification.

9) Fouls will be called and entrant will be disqualified in the weight class competing in, after three fouls are committed. (example) Foul, Foul, out. Fouls may be committed intentionally or unintentionally.
The following is a list of fouls:
a. Touching the cart or dog in anyway after time has been started.
b. Pushing or dropping dog at the start of pull.
c. Allowing the dog to take hold of or touch the bait while pulling in competition.
d. Aggressive action of handler towards dog during pull competition.
e. Running out of time (taking longer than the 60 seconds allowed to complete the pull).

10) Alibis Unintentional circumstances that make a dog unable to complete a pull. The judge will stop time and instruct the handlers to handle their dog and cart. An example of these circumstances could be: tangling in the traces or harnesses; equipment malfunction; or any outside interference that prevents the dog from completing his pull. Handler may point out a possible alibi, but the judge will have the final decision. ny two alibis=one foul. If a pull is interrupted by a foul or an alibi, the dog will be taken back to the starting line and the pull will begin again. No pull will be valid unless it is an un-interrupted pull. If a dog is disqualified, his last valid pull is his top pull of that class.

11) If the dog completes the pull not on the track, it is considered a complete pull as long as no fouls or alibis are committed.

12) The dogs will be weighed and placed into the following weight divisions:
35 lbs and under ........ Males & females
35 to 45 lbs ............... Males & Females
45 to 55 lbs ............... Males & Females
55 to 65 lbs ............... Males & Females
65 to 75 lbs ............... Males & Females
75 to 90 lbs ............... Males & Females
90 lbs. and over ......... Males & Females
Dogs must be entered in their natural body weight class. If a dogs weight is exactly 45 lbs. the owner may enter their dog in either the 35 to 45 lbs or 45 to 55 lb weight. The weight pull is a test of strength and stamina, not brute strength.

13) There will be seven different weight classes. Separate awards will be given to males and females for a 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place award in each weight division. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards will be decided by most weight pulled per pound of body weight. A trophy award will be given for Most Weight Pulled and Most Weight Pulled per Pound of Body Weight. Sex is not a factor when determining the winner of these two awards. (These weight divisions will give enough latitude that the handler's expertise will be an influential factor for a winning pull. This variance will allow for experimenting in training in order to bring a dog to its most efficient pulling weight. It will also encourage a handler to work and condition the dog and not bring an "off the yard" animal into competition.)

14) The cart and weight will be certified by the judge. Total weight of cart and traces will be considered as part of the total weight pulled.

15) Traces will not be less than 4 feet, nor more than 6 feet long.

16) Harness must be supplied by owner of the dog. Some clubs may have a harness to sell. It is up to each contestant to acquire their own harness. A well fitting harness is an advantage for your dog. This will encourage handlers and owners to provide their own harnesses made to fit the dog that is pulling and made to weigh as little as possible. Any harness used must be a "standard harness". Shocks, springs etc. can not be used on harness. No leashes will be allowed to be attached to the dog, collar, or harness while the dog is pulling.

17) Surface - any surface selected by the club as smooth and level as possible. We discourage using a paved surface unless covered, in order to protect the dog's feet. (Every dog is pulling the same cart under the same conditions and surface for that days competition. Your dog is not competing with other dogs of other clubs for amount of weight pulled. Your dog is competing with the dogs of their weight division under equal conditions for that days pulling awards.)

18) The holding area should be positioned in front of the pulling track, (if site permits) far enough away so the pulling dogs will not be interfered with.

19) Pulling track will be roped off (or otherwise blocked off) 10 feet on each side of track to prevent spectators from crowding pulling track, and distracting the pulling contestant. All dogs should also be kept well away from pulling track.

20) Points will be given for first, second and third place wins. A total of 100 points will earn your dog a designation of an ADBSI Weight Pulling "Ace". First place: 8 points, Second place: 5 points, Third place: 3 points.
Trophy awards:
Most Wt. Pulled: 10 points. Most Wt. Pulled Per lb.. of Body Weight: 10 pts.

21) Males and females will pull with each other, in the same class. Males will pull first. (The judge has checked all bitches for heat prior to competition.)

22) Starting and finishing lines will marked plainly and be exactly 15 feet apart. Length of pulling surface should extend far enough beyond the 15 feet so that dog may remain on the pulling surface after pull is completed.

23) Dog's will be called to the holding area where dogs number will be checked..The pull will commence according to the weight divisions. Lightest weight class will pull first.

24) Dogs must pull the cart and weight a total of 15 feet in 60 seconds.

25) In the event of a tie for the Most Weight pulled award, ties will be broken according to the elapsed time it took to complete the pull. Weight first, time second. If this situation happens for Most Weight Pulled Per Pound of Body Weight, ties can be broken by elapsed time it took to complete pull or. B) In the event of a tie due to club running out of weights, additional weights can be provided in any form as long as it is approved by the judge. (Safety and club's liability is 1st concern when considering this option therefore lapsed time should be used whenever possible to break all ties) Judge will make the decision as to how ties will be broken. Judges decision will be final!

26) The first weight round for all dogs in each class will be determined by the judge after discussion with the handlers entered in that class. The starting weight will be no less than three (3) times the weight of the heaviest dog in weight class, plus the weight of the cart and traces. A pull will not be valid unless it is a completed uninterrupted pull. Fouls or alibis occurring will result in the pull being started over.

27) THE JUDGE will determine the increase in weight to be pulled for each round. THE JUDGES DECISION IS FINAL!

28) Every dog has the right to "sit out" on a weight increase NO MORE THAN 4 TIMES. (Choose to pull at a weight increase or wait for the next weight increase). This need not be done consecutively. "Sit outs- will start after a dog starts pulling in the class..

29) All dogs entered in a weight class will pull to completion (pull out) and awards determined before another weight class begins. Every dog will pull to his/her weight limit, in the class entered, thereby determining the first, second and third place awards. A process of elimination at increased weights determined by the judge is the only way to eliminate dogs until awards can be given. Weight classes can be combined if holding area can accommodate all the dogs in the class. Extra care must be taken to keep records straight when combining classes.

30) Dogs will pull in turn, but no dog will be required to pull without five minutes allowed between pulls. If the rest period is taken, the pull is to continue with dog re-entering as soon as rest period is up. Handler may choose to waive the 5 minute rest period if desired.

31) Dogs will be harnessed after being called to get ready and remain harnessed in the holding area until the dog is called to the pulling track. Dog will then be able to compete. He will be eliminated if he fails to complete the pull, or fouled out, or he will remain at the rear of the line in the holding area for the next pulling round. (Harness may be removed from dog between pulls, as long as contestant does not hold up pull). The cart will be placed with front wheels directly behind and touching the starting line. The round is complete and time recorded when front wheels first touch the finish line.

32) Two handlers may work the dog and bait. (If bait is used, it MUST be held in front of the dog.) Handlers will be allowed in the pulling area, with bait if desired, in any position and as close to the dog as desired, as long as the dog is unable to get hold of bait. Handler will allow no more than one foot of slack in the traces.

33) Baiting of the dog will be allowed by handlers inside the pulling area. No food or live bait will be allowed. (Example of approved bait) Piece of leather hide, tire, frisbee, squeak toy, etc. ANY OBJECT THAT MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE IMAGE OF THE BREED WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS BAIT. ALL ITEMS TO BE USED AS BAIT MUST BE APPROVED BY THE JUDGE PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF THE COMPETITION. THE JUDGES DECISION IS FINAL! No baiting will be allowed that encourages aggression towards humans, such as hitting the other handler, attack training sleeve, etc. Handlers must remain inside the pulling track area until the pull is completed or time is up. (Some American Pit Bull Terriers need to have bait in order for them to pull. We are not teaching them to go after bait, just sparking their genetic instinct, in order for them to pull. Being an intelligent dog and the fact that most pit bulls are housed on chains, they soon learn just how far their chain will go and when they feel a slight tug of resistance, they will stop pulling, thinking they have reached the end of the chain. This is indeed an obstacle if the dog you are teaching is housed on a chain. Therefore, bait is usually a necessity.) Command pullers are quickly replacing bait pullers, but both styles are allowed.



Ace's class:

This is a class that is held for dogs that have earned the title of "Ace". Only "Ace's" may compete (100 points +) in this class. A minimum of 8 dogs is suggested. Points earned from this class will go towards advancing the title of "Ace" to degrees of "Aces."

Weight divisions for the Ace of Ace class:
44lbs & under,
44lbs plus to 64lbs.,
64lbs plus and over.,
Dogs must enter their own weight class only! Four (4) "sit outs" are allowed each dog. ("Ace" sit outs are 3 minutes.) Males and females pull together in weight classes. Weight classes can be combined. Extra care must be taken to keep records straight if combining weight classes.
The beginning weight to be pulled will be decided by the handlers and judge. Aces will be competing for Most Weight Pulled trophy award, Most Weight Pulled Per Pound of Body Weight trophy award, along with 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place award in each weight division. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards will be decided by most weight pulled per pound of body weight in Ace class only. Sex of winners is not a factor. (It is a fact that the strongest dog is the one that can pull the most weight per body pound. The focus of the Ace class is to determine the strongest dog of the days competition.)
Most Weight Pulled - 15 points - (trophy award)
Most Wt. Pulled per LB.. - 15 points - (trophy award)
1st place - 10 points (ribbon award)
2nd place - 7 points (ribbon award)
3rd place - 4 points (ribbon award)
A total of 200 points will give your dog the title of "Ace of Ace". 300 points "Ace of Ace I", 400 points "Ace of Ace II" etc.

• All dogs must be nine (9) months of age or older to enter A.D.B.S.I. sanctioned weight pull.
• Spayed/Neutered dogs not allowed to enter.
• There is no qualifying pull necessary to enter weight pull.
• Dog must make a complete pull (a minimum of one round at the minimum required weight) to receive points and awards.

* Attention Clubs - To insure consistency and to avoid problems, if your club feels that you can not hold your Ace of Ace class separate from the regular weight pull classes, due to time or any other reason, DO NOT HOLD THIS CLASS!! If this class is held with the regular weight pull, ALL POINTS EARNED BY THE ACE'S WILL BE VOID, and clubs will be penalized.

All of these rules should be consistent in all areas of the country. If any clarifications are needed on the meaning of any of these rules, contact the office of the ADBSI immediately! 801-936-7513

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