World Wide Weight Pull Organization (W3PO) Rules - Version 06.2016

The goal of this organization is for everyone to compete with their dog (s) in a friendly, fun, drug free and competitive environment. All 3 surfaces will be accepted, snow, wheels, and rails. The organization reserves the right to reject anyone from competition who causes issues including display unsportsmanlike conduct to fellow handlers and or dogs. When you enter into an approved W3PO pull, you are subject to “random” drug testing at any time.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION STARTING JANUARY 1, 2016

There will be 2 divisions, A) North America Division and B) International Division.

Each division will have their own SUMMITS competition the following spring after the season. Seasons will run the same length. All 3 surfaces will be sanctioned with rankings kept on each surface, in each weight class, in each state / providence for North American and each country for International. All rules will be followed by both divisions with the exception of where specified for international.

Section 1: Weight Pull Season is from January 1 to December 31 of that year

  1. Regional pull off competition is to be held from February 1 to March 15 in the year following the end of the season.
  2. SUMMITS will be held from April 15 to May 15 in the year following the end of the season.
  3. NOTE: When the outside temperature is above 90 degrees F, you either must stop pulling until temperature drops below to a safer temperature for the safety of the dogs. OR be inside in an air conditioned building. (Revised 1/2015)

Section 2: Eligibility of handlers and dogs

  1. No membership fee or registration fee required.
  2. Dogs must be at least 1 year old on the day of the pull. If a dog is 12 years or older, it may continue to compete with the written approval of the vet. Handler needs to have this written approval on hand in case the chief judge would like to see verify it. This statement will be good for a year from the date it was written. ALSO a chief judge can stop or disallow any dog from the competition if it feels the dog is not healthy enough or it might be subject to cause injury to the dog. ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
  1. INTERNATIONAL: ALL DOGS MUST BE 18 MONTHS OLD ON DAY OF EVENT FOR THE OPEN CLASS.
  1. NOVICE CLASS: Dogs who are at least 10 months old on day of the event, may compete in the novice class and earn legs for the novice title. However, novice class does not count towards qualifying for Summits. See additional restrictions under "classes".
  2. All dogs must be free from ALL canine disease, current / up to date on all vaccinations as recognized by the state / providence / country the pull is being held.
  3. Dogs are not allowed to be on any performance enhancing drugs, including but not limited to stimulants, depressants, any controlled substances (legal or illegal) including anabolic steroids and their precursors.
  4. Dogs must be free from injuries, stitches, and open wounds, including “seeping”
  5. No pregnant, nursing, or bitches in season.
  6. No bitches in season allowed on the pull grounds.
  7. No pinch, shock, prong, studded collars, weighted or collars over 3 inches in width.
  8. Handlers will be required to fill out AND sign an entry form for each weekend pull they enter.
  9. Any handler who is abusive to a dog(s) or fellow competitors and or their dog(s) will be disqualified and never allowed to enter pulls with this organization. This includes dog fighting, not providing proper care for the dog(s).

Section 3: Handler Conduct and Control of Dogs

  1. All handlers are responsible for the control of their dogs and the conduct of their family before, during, and after a pull / event.
  2. All dogs must be on a leash and under control, unless in the chute and hooked to the cart.
  3. Unmanageable dogs and vicious dogs are not allowed on the pull / event grounds. And will not be allowed to participate in any pull / event in W3PO.
  4. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including rude and or disrespectful behavior towards other handlers, spectators, officials of the W3PO is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. ANY violating of this nature will result in IMMEDIATE removal from competition and BARRED from any future pulls / events with W3PO. Also all points and awards won at that event (over the weekend) will be removed and there will be NO REFUND!!
  5. All handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
  6. ANY abusive or inhumane treatment of a dog will result in immediate removal from the pull / event and all awards from the pull / event will be returned and there will be NO REFUND.

Section 4: Acceptable and Unacceptable Surfaces

  1. Acceptable
  1. Wheels, natural is hard packed dirt, small stone (such as found on ball diamonds), grass
  2. Wheels, artificial is carpeting over concrete or asphalt
  3. Rails, carpeting must be down on the area where the dogs are to gain their traction
  4. Snow, natural is snow that has fallen by mother nature.
  5. Snow, artificial is ice shavings like those from an ice arena, which can be put down outside on the ground or inside on the ice surface
  1. Unacceptable Surfaces:
  1. Any loose dirt, material that is often referred to as “slag” or “scale”, unprotected concrete or asphalt.
  2. The track must be a level as possible, and if there is an uphill grade, you must pull in the uphill direction.
  3. All rail tracks must be “LEVEL”, no setting up on inclines.

Section 5: Dog, Chute and Pulling Equipment

  1. Dog equipment

Each dog should be in a properly fitted harness with a spreader bar in the back to keep the harness from rubbing or pinching the back legs while pulling. The harness should not be longer than 2 feet from the base of the dog’s tail to the “D” ring in the harness. The harness should be in good repair and not have rips and tears nor be held together by Velcro. However, a belly band may be used to keep the dog from backing out of the harness.

NOTE: Dogs may pull in coats but it is recommended that the coat is worn so that it does not interfere with the job of the harness. It may be over the harness or it may be under the harness.

  1. The only aid to the dog’s feet that will be allowed is water when they are pulling on a carpeted surface.
  1. Pulling equipment, chute requirements:
  1. Chute requirements: All chutes are to be no larger than 20 feet wide and no smaller than 10 feet wide. (INTERNATIONAL: 3.048 - 6.096 meters) They must have a “chute” barrier able to with stand the sled / cart banging into it, and keep the dog pulling at that time from being interfered with from outside people or dogs. They should at least 3-4 feet high prefer the 4 foot. (INTERNATIONAL: .0914 - 1.219 meters) (Examples for sides are hog panels, snow fence, walls). Then there must be a “crowd barrier” to keep the crowd back at least 3 feet from the side of the chute and be at least 3 feet high. (INTERNATIONAL: 3.048 meters) (You can use rope tied to poles or something that will keep the rope up and away from the chute.)

Dogs must finish on the same surface to which the cart or sled is riding. (Carpeting must be long enough for the dog to gain traction on all the way down the track.) In the case of rail tracks, as long as the “carpeting” is extended pass the “rail” to which the cart is riding and it’s the same “type” of carpeting this is acceptable. The handler does “not” have to be on the same surface. Recommended length of chute is 36-40 feet. (INTERNATIONAL: 10.66 - 12.19 meters) (Snow should be 40 feet due to the length of the sled and added break line.) (INTERNATIONAL: 12.19 meters on snow)

  1. All surfaces will have clearly marked start and finish lines 16 feet apart. (INTERNATIONAL: 4.87 meters)
  2. Snow will also have an additional line called the “break line”. This line will be 2 feet behind the start line. (INTERNATIONAL: 60.96 cm)
  3. Snow also needs to have boards / wood about 1 foot tall lining the inside of the pulling surface at least from the starting line to the finish line to keep the sled from becoming in tangled in the chute barrier.
  1. Equipment per surface:
  1. Rails: There are to only be 4 wheels / casters (metal with grooves), one per corner of the cart. (Tracks can have grooved casters, smooth casters, one type on one side, one on the other, round, as long as it’s constructed so the pull can be held in a safe manner for dogs and people.) The track can be as small as 42 inch center of the tip of the rail from tip to tip. And as large as 48 inches tip to tip. (INTERNATIONAL: 106.68 - 121.92 cm) It is recommended that the length of the rail be at least 32 feet WITH an extension of carpeting for the dogs to gain traction. Extension must be the SAME carpeting they are pulling on between the rails and fastened down to allow for best traction. It would be better to have closer to 40 feet track. (INTERNATIONAL: 12.192 meters) With the longer track, it should be able to allow for the larger dogs to maintain on the track till the pull is finished. The cart for stacking the weight onto should be at least 42 inches in width but no larger the 56 inches in width. (INTERNATIONAL: 106.68 - 142.24 cm) Length is recommended to be at least 48 inches. (INTERNATIONAL: 121.92 cm) There is no maximum on length as long as the load can be stacked and moved safely down the track.
  1. The track and cart should be capable of carrying safely in excess of 10,000# (INTERNATIONAL: 4536 kg)
  2. Each rail needs to have “stops” to keep the cart from getting pulled off the track on each direction.
  3. All tracks must have leveling pegs or some other form to level the track on which the surface it is setting on.
  4. Oiling of the rails is allowed at the beginning of the pull, between classes, or between groups as long as all the dogs in that class are done pulling.
  1. Wheels: There will be 4 pneumatic tires no smaller than 8 inches in diameter and no larger than 18 inches in diameter from the outer sides of the tire. (INTERNATIONAL: 20.32 - 45.72 cm) The wheels may be under the top for stacking or on the outside. There must be 2 axels to help keep the load stable and from tipping over. Either a spare tire or a reliable patch kit must be on hand in case of a flat tire.
  1. Air in all tires must be equal and checked before the pull each day by chief judge.
  2. Air can only be added to the tires before the start of a class or group of dogs pulling.
  3. Cart should be capable of carrying safely in excess of 5,000 # (INTERNATIONAL: 2268 kg)
  1. Snow: The sled will have 2 runners that are no smaller than 2 inches in width and no larger than 4 inches in width and must have 7 feet of contract surface. Also the runners must curve up at the end towards the direction you are pulling. The contract surface is the points from the end of the curve that touches the ground and continues to a distance of 7 feet all while in contact with the ground (snow surface).  (INTERNATIONAL: 213.36 cm) The decking where weight is to be stacked should be at least 30 inches in width but no wider than 48 inches in width. (INTERNATIONAL: 121.92 cm)
  1. Waxing of runners is permitted before the start of a class or group of dogs pulling. And can only be reapplied when the class is over or all the dogs that are pulling in the weight classes that group have pulled.
  2. Sled needs to be capable of carrying safely in excess of 4,000 #. (INTERNATIONAL: 1814.36 kg)
  3. For a completed / full pull only 1 runner needs to break the finish line.
  1. Small Cart / Sleds: Small sleds / carts can be used for the 20#, and 40# classes.  (INTERNATIONAL: 9 KG and 19 KG CLASSES) They need to be able to safely carry enough weight to reach the weight of the big cart / sled empty. Also tug lines must meet all the requirements as the big cart/ sled. The idea of the smaller cart/sled is too allow for the smaller dogs competition to be able to be successful and not have to be forced to start at such an amount of weight. HOWEVER…. When the weight of the small cart /sled equals or exceeds the weight of the big empty cart / sled you MUST continue on the big cart / sled. Realize that you will most likely need to have some odd weights on hand to make up the different for that round that you switch.
  1. Tug line requirements:
  1. Rails: One line attachment to the cart, “I “ shaped and at least 5 feet in length from the front of the cart to the hook used to attach to “D” ring on harness, and no more than 6 feet in length.
  2. Wheels: Attaches to the front of cart, and form a “V” shape where the hook can move from side to side. The length from the front of the cart to point of attachment to the “D” ring is no less than 5 feet and no longer than 6 feet.
  3. Snow: One line attached at to each runner at the front, and between 2-3 feet in front of sled form one single line to the hook. This will form the line in the shape of “Y”. The overall length of the tug line is no less than 5 feet from the front of the sled to the hook and no more than 6 feet.
  4. NO CHAIN is allowed for tug line!

Section 6: Failures of Equipment

  1. Dog’s harness breaks, the handler will be allowed up to 5 minutes to either fix the harness or change the harness out. After the 5 minutes a pass will be assessed if available. IF not… a foul will be issued.
  2. Pulling equipment failure, the handler will have the option to either take that round as a pass, if there is one availed to take OR they can reset the cart / sled and start over to pull that round. Dog may leave the chute while repairs are being made.

Section 7: Weight and Stacking

  1. Stacking of weight on the cart / sled: All weight must be stacked evenly, and one layer filled completely before starting a new layer. The full cart / sled needs to be used without the material hanging over the edges. Also care needs to be taken that it’s stacked squarely as possible to keep it as safe as possible as the stack gets higher.
  2. Only inert material is to be used for weight. Humans are not to be added if you run out of weight. (For the safety reasons.)
  3. Whatever material that is being used for the weight needs to be consistent.
  4. Clubs or pull host need to be sure to have an adequate amount of weight on hand. Suggestions are 3,000# -4,000# for snow, 4,000-5,000# for wheels, and well over 5, 000# for rails.

Section 8: On Deck and Holding Area

  1. On Deck Area: There needs to be an area behind the start line that will hold the next dog up in the pulling order. This area should be utilized to keep the flow of the pull moving smoothly yet not too close as to interfere with the dog in the chute pulling. There can be NO rewards (food or toys) in this area.
  2. Holding Area: The chief judge can decide to enforce the use of a holding area. IF they choose to use this area, it must be large enough to contain all the dogs pulling in that class or group of dogs if running classes together. This area is where handlers may have treats to reward their dogs after they are done with each round.

Section 9: Weigh in and Weight classes

  1. Weigh In:
  1. All weight apprenticing judge to assist and witness, all judges decisions are final. All weigh ins must be witnessed by a licensed judge, or judge may appoint an apprentice judge to assist with all weigh ins.
  2. All dogs need to be weighed in using the same scale. Walk on or hanging scales can be used. If the scale isn’t stable enough to weigh in larger dogs, then a certified vet note with the dog’s weight within 5 days of before that pull can be accepted and should be left with the chief judge for their records. (Most walk on scales weigh up to at least 300#, so if a walk on is being used, and then all dogs must weigh in on that scale.)
  3. All dogs must be weighed in no sooner than 24 hours before the first day it is pulling in a multiple day events. If there is a break in a multiple day where the dog does not compete, it MUST reweigh for the next event it is entered in. (EX. Pulls Friday, absent sat and entered for Sunday, must reweigh on Sunday)
  4. All weights are to be recorded in “whole” pounds. If dog weighs on the “border” of 2 classes, dog will be in the class it weighs into. (80.9# is in the 80# class, 81.0# is in the 100# class) (Drop the decimal.) NO ROUNDING UP OR DOWN OF WEIGHT!
  5. Dogs will pull in the class they weigh into. If a dog weighs in at the top of a class, it will only compete in the class it weighs into. (Dog weighs 40.9#, dog is in the 40# class. Dog weighs 61.0#, dog is in the 80# Class.) (INTERNATIONAL: Dog weights 19.99 kg, dog is in the 19 KG Class.  If the dog weighs 20.00 KG, then dog is in the 28 KG Class.)
  6. Dogs are to weigh in their natural form, with standard buckle collar or semi – slip collars up to 3 inches in width. No coats or excessive large choke collars or weighted collars allowed during weigh in. Leashes can be attached but MUST be held onto the other end for “control” of the dog and no pulling up on the leash in attempt to get the dog to weigh lighter then natural.
  7. Each dog can be weighed in on the day of the pull until the POSTED weigh in time is reached, or no more than 24 hours BEFORE the start of the first event that day, the dogs lowest weight will be the one to go by “during the weigh in time “only. If holding a 2 pull event and handler wants to reweigh before second event, the lowest weight will be used for the second pull. And that weight will also be used for the next day’s event (s) unless reweighed during weigh in time on next day.
  8. No water logging the dog, or wetting down the dog to gain a higher weight.
  1. Classes: NOVICE and OPEN (Revised 11/2015, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY)
  1. OPEN CLASS: All dogs aged 1 years or older on the day of the event (except as listed under international rules) can compete in the OPEN classes. This qualifies for Summits, title legs, special achievement club awards, surface records and seasonal rankings.
  2. NOVICE CLASS: Any dog 10 months old on the day of the event may compete in the NOVICE class with the following restrictions:
  1. From 10 months old until they reach their first birthday, may compete until the dog has reached the first title leg percentage for that surface. (Ex. wheels, artificial is 12%)
  2. From the day of their first birthday, they can pull in novice until the level of the middle title leg percentage for that surface. (Ex. wheels, artificial is 18%)
  1. Weight Classes:
  1. NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION
  1. INTERNATIONAL DIVISION

Section 10: Pulling Order

Chief Judge can decide which of the following best suits the number of dogs and the surface conditions on that day. Chief Judge may also put it to a majority vote of the handlers present in the handler meeting.

  1. Class by Class, only dogs weighing in that class can pull at the same time
  2. Multiple Classes, dogs from different weight classes may pull together REGARDLESS of the weight increments. HOWEVER, the smaller dogs (and increments) must be called into the chute first before adding more weight and pulling the next group at that increment. Each dog’s results are to be recorded for their “respected” weight class. (Further explanation to come later.)
  3. Numerous dogs from different weight classes, again, smaller dogs in the chute before adding the weight for the next heavier class of dog(s). And each dog’s results recorded for their class.
  4. All the dogs together, with separate increments for each weight class. (NOTE: if using this formula, weight increments between the different classes need to be in similar block drops. For example, 20# class 2 block drop, 40# class 4 block drop, 60# class 8 block drop. This makes it easier to keep the weight correct on the cart.) Also, when doing it this way, all dogs pulling that round, need to be called into the chute from smaller classes progressing up to larger. Helps keep paperwork straight and no one gets skipped.)

Section 11: Handler Meeting

  1. The chief judge will conduct a handler meeting before each pull. He / she needs to bring up the pulling order, remind the handlers of the fouls, and determine the weight increments per classes.
  2. Weight increments will be recommended by the chief judge based on pulling conditions and then voted on by the handlers IN THAT WEIGHT CLASS. The majority wins with the chief judge as the tie breaking vote. Chief judge should have at least 2 different increments for a class, 3 ideally

Section 12: Starting weight and Passing

  1. You may come in / start pulling at whatever weight you choose, once the increments are established. There will be no minimum weight requirement.
  2. Once you do make your first pull, you can then pass up to 3 times in a row before must pulling again, then can pass 3 more times, and so on. (pull, pass, pass, pass, pull / pull, pull, pass, pull / pull, pass, pass , pull/ are all examples)
  3. You can NOT pass once you have entered into the chute, from either the back or the front of the chute.
  4. If you have passed a round, and you want to pull that round, you may. BUT this should not be used as a way to play “head games” with competitors.

Section 13: Procedure, Starting Position, Handler Position

  1. ALL DOGS MUST BE BEHIND THE STARTING LINE DURING THE PULL. (Except the dog in the chute pulling.)
  2. Regardless of surface or system, all dogs must be set up between either the track, wheels on the cart, or sled runners before releasing.
  3. Wheels and Rails, dogs must be set up, leashes and excess slack removed from the tug line before releasing the dog to start the pull. The cart shall be placed with the front of the cart on the starting line BEFORE the dog is hooked to the tug line.
  4. Snow: The sled has to be placed with the tips of both runners on the “break line”; the dog and handler will proceed into the chute. Once the dog is in the chute, the handler will get the dog ready and remove the leash. The judge will ask if they are ready, and then tell the cart handlers to place the sled runner tips on the starting line (clean break). Once the sled is stopped moving you can hook the sled to the “D” on the harness. (The sled must NOT be in motion when hooking to the “D” ring). Also, only ONE runner needs to break the plan of the finish line to stop the clock and it count for a full pull.
  5. The carts can be lined up with either the front tires / casters touching the start line, the very front of the cart touching or sitting on the start line or the tire axel sitting on the start line. However, the same “point” of the cart must also be used to stop the clock when it breaks the finish line plane.
  6. Sled, the front of the runners must be touching the break line, and then when instructed to be moved to the start line, the front runners tips must be touching the start line.
  7. All carts and sleds must be sitting perpendicular to the start line when starting the pull.
  8. Each handler has the option to position the cart / sled anywhere within the chute ONE TIME PER ROUND!! In the case of a foul, they may reposition the cart / sled for the second attempt on that round.
  9. There is NO testing rolling of the cart / sled.
  10. You can NOT change handlers on a foul; the round must be completed successfully before switching handlers.
  11. Handlers may handle as many dogs per weight class as they wish. HOWEVER, there should not be more then 2-3 minutes between switching of dogs. Also the score keeper should do what it can to keep the pull moving by calling other dogs in that class pulling into the chute.
  12. The 2 positions for pulling the dog are in front of the dog or “drive” position, which is from behind the front edge of the sled / cart. When driving the dog, handler must get behind the front edge of the cart / sled and remain there until the pull is complete. And when pulling from the front or side of the dogs, handler needs to be no further “back” of the dog then its back leg. Any further back will be considered in the “no pull zone”, and will result in a foul if there for more than 3 seconds.
  13. A handler may request up to 5 minutes between pulls for a dog. HOWEVER it’s not to be used excessively, for example, if it’s pulling the empty cart / sled, you really don’t need 5 minutes before your next pull. Temperature and conditions need to be taken into consideration, and the judge may SUGGEST you take 5 minute rest at anytime if he/she feels the dog needs it. ALL TIME will be kept by the judges at the judges table. And you MUST REQUEST it BEFORE LEAVING the CHUTE!!
  14. You may treat your dog between rounds with food rewards / treats. But they can NOT be on you in the on deck area or chute.
  15. No whips, noisemakers, muzzles, pinch collars, electric collars, or other related aids will be allowed at any time before, during or after the pull / event.

Section 14: Start time and Qualifying Pull

  1. Start Time: each dog has 60 seconds to pull the sled / cart 16 feet. The time will not start until
  1. Verbal command, hand signal, or any other form of a sign from handler to dog
  2. Dog starts to pull on its own
  1. The cart / sled must make it the full 16 feet without any fouls. IF the sled / cart is in “forward” motion when the 60 seconds comes up BUT continues in a forward motion and makes it to the finish line without a foul or the sled/cart stop before the finish line, the time will still count for a full pull and time it took will be what is recorded. (Ex: Cart starts in motion at 55 seconds, and continues the full 16 feet without a foul or interruption and the final time is 64 seconds, then 64 seconds will be recorded and the dog will continue in the competition with no foul assessed.)
  2. TIME will be recorded with the first 2 decimal places. NO ROUNDING UP OR DOWN

Section 15: Fouls

  1. All dogs will be allowed 2 fouls, with the second foul removing the dog from that pull / event.

When there is more the one pull / event that day. The second pull / event the dog is allowed another 2 fouls.

  1. After a foul is committed, the handler can choose one of the following:
  1. Bring the dog right back in and attempt that round it’s second time
  2. Wait to go at the back of the line of the remaining dogs pulling that round
  3. If need be and is the only one left pulling that round, may opt for a 5 minute rest period
  1. Fouls:
  1. Handler touching the dog or handler touching the equipment (sled / cart , tug line)
  2. Tangle (tangling)
  3. Excessive foul language by Handler in chute (one warning will be issued before assessing foul)
  4. Aggressive or harsh correction by handler to dog in the chute, or threaten intimidating action towards the dog.
  5. Dropping the dog or pushing the dog, must have 4 feet on the ground before releasing dog
  6. Sling shot start, also walking dog into the start ( there must not be any slack in the line, however the line can be either on the ground with all slack removed or tight and in the air as long as the sled / cart is not moving and sitting on the start line.) All of the dog’s feet must be on the ground before the handler releases the dog, AND a momentary stop in forward motion once slack has been taken out of the line. NO “turn and burn” starts.
  7. Eliminating by the dog in the chute, either end
  8. Giving the dog a correction, tug, jerking on the collar OR HARNESS before releasing the dog (there is to be NO PHYSICAL corrections in the chute.)
  9. No use of leashes as toys or bait, no using arm as “bait” like a bite sleeve to get the dog to pull. This is considered baiting.
  10. Food / treats on handler in on- deck area, or in the chute (IMMEDIATE DQ)
  11. Not completing the pull before 60 seconds, with cart / sled making forward progress. (Cart is half way to finish line, and the dog stops, or is just standing there, and 60 seconds is up.)
  12. DOUBLE HANDLING: only one handler / person shall communicate with the dog while in the chute. ALL members of the dog’s family, co-owners and trainers must remain BEHIND THE STARTING LINE.
  13. No Pull Zone: This is the area between the front of the cart/sled and the back of the dog’s body. The handler cannot be in this “zone” for more than 3 seconds.

Section 16: Class placements, Points, Rankings

  1. All classes will be placed on Most weight pulled for first, second highest weight pulled is second, and so on. All tie breakers will be the faster time is first and then if they are still tied, the MWPPBP will be the third tie breaker, with the higher MWPPBP being awarded the higher placement.
  2. Points:
  1. Class points:

First in Class = 5 pts

Second in Class = 3 pts

Third in Class = 1 pts

  1. Each dog will earn points for rankings based on its individual performance on that surface as follows: take the dog’s % pulled that event, and divide it by 5. That is the dog’s points for rankings. Only whole numbers will be awarded. (EX: % is 47.98 divided by 5 = 9.59. The dog’s points will be 9)
  2. Overall Performance points for that day. Each of the following tables will be used to award bonus points for MWP and then again for MWPPBP. (Yes, this means you can earn bonus points for both MWP and MWPPBP in the same pull / event) All dogs must pull at least one qualifying pull to count for the bonus level points.
  1. Up to 25 dogs competing in that pull / event
  1. Highest MWP & MWPPBP = 20 pts
  2. Second Highest = 18 pts
  3. Third Highest = 16 pts
  4. Fourth Highest = 14 pts
  5. Fifth Highest = 12 pts
  6. Sixth Highest = 10 pts
  7. Seventh Highest = 8 pts
  8. Eighth Highest = 6 pts
  9. Ninth Highest = 4 pts
  10. Tenth Highest = 2 pts
  1. 26-50 dogs competing in that pull / event
  1. Highest MWP & MWPPBP = 30 pts
  2. Second Highest = 28 pts
  3. Third Highest = 26 pts
  4. Fourth Highest = 24 pts
  5. Fifth Highest = 22 pts
  6. Sixth Highest = 20 pts
  7. Seventh Highest = 18 pts
  8. Eighth Highest = 16 pts
  9. Ninth Highest = 14 pts
  10. Tenth Highest = 12 pts
  1. 51 dogs and Up in that pull / event
  1. Highest MWP & MWPPBP = 40 pts
  2. Second Highest = 38 pts
  3. Third Highest = 36 pts
  4. Fourth Highest = 34 pts
  5. Fifth Highest = 32 pts
  6. Sixth Highest = 30 pts
  7. Seventh Highest = 28 pts
  8. Eighth Highest = 26 pts
  9. Ninth Highest = 24 pts
  10. Tenth Highest = 22 pts

Example of earning pts:

Spot is pulling on rails, takes second in his class = 3 pts

Pulls 57.8 % = 10 pts

Has third high % for the day with 28 dogs competing = 26 pts

Is 9th highest in MWP for the day (28 competing) = 14 pts

Total pts for the day = 53 pts

NOTE: Once the dog wins its class, it can NOT compete in the next class, however it can continue to pull to establish top weight pulled and or highest percentage pulled.

  1. Rankings

Rankings will be on each surface, in each weight class, in each state and country. The highest points will receive a gold medal, second highest will receive a silver medal and third will be a bronze. You must pull in 2 different “events / pulls” on that surface to qualify for the state/country class medals. To qualify for regional’s, you need to pull in 2 pulls / events on that surface, (you don’t need to medal to compete at regionals.) You can choose to compete during the season on only one surface or all 3 surfaces with the possibility to qualify for the regionals on each surface. But you must pull in 2 pulls / events on THAT SURFACE to compete at the regionals on THAT SURFACE.

Countries that can be divided up, will have rankings on that surface, in that weight class, in that country or providence. (Ontario Canada, Nova Scotia Canada are some examples)

  1. Summits: To qualify for SUMMITS, until we get enough pulls to host Regional pull offs, you need to pull in 2 events / pulls on one surface. You can qualify on 2 of the 3 surfaces and get “invited” to compete at the SUMMITS on the 3rd surface.
  2. AT SUMMITS, you must weigh into the class that you qualified or are eligible to compete in. (NOTE: IF a dog qualifies in multiple classes on the same surface, when they get weighed in at SUMMITS, they will pull in that class. EX: Dog qualified on wheels in 60 and 80# classes, and weighs 62.4#. They will be recorded weight of 62# and pull in the 80# class.) (Revs. 1/2015)
  3. HOSTING SUMMITS: All proposals to host summits MUST be received by July 1 of the season. You need to have an ice rink with cost to rent, a spot for wheels and rails as well. You must be able to get weight there, a place set up for banquet cost, pet friendly hotels. ANNOUNCEMENT for the location for Summits will be AUGUST 1 of that season/year. (Revised 10/2015)

NOTE: Until we have more events, the “regional” pull offs are not being held. And to qualify for SUMMITS, you need to pull in 2 pulls on that surface to qualify for that surface at SUMMITS. IF you qualify on 2 of the 3 surfaces, you’re invited to pull on the 3rd surface if you wish.

Section 17: Awards:

Organizers /Clubs may award what they see fit, however it is recommended that awards be equal in value for that level. And if giving overall awards for MWP or MWPPBP both must be awarded, not one or the other only.

Section 18: Titles

There will be no charge for titles, however handler must fill out a form and send it in as to which “pulls” they are counting for that title. Handlers are encouraged to keep track of their dog(s) points at an event / pull. Including the dog’s weight, what it pulled, % and placements. (On the website there is a form called “pull record form” you can use to keep track.)

Novice Title: Weight Pull Aptitude (WPA) (EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2015) This title can be earned from the novice class, and at 10 months of age. You can NOT have a leash on to earn this title. You can also earn this title from the regular classes as long as the dog does NOT have a current title within W3PO. You need 3 legs of any of the following percentages, and can mix surfaces. (EX: 2 legs on wheels, and 1 on rails)

WHEELS (Natural surface): 4 times the dog’s body weight

WHEELS (Artificial Surface): 5 times the dog’s body weight

RAILS: 7 times the dog’s body weight

SNOW: 3 times the dog’s body weight

Percentages for “legs” for regular titles as follow:

Wheels, NATURAL Surface: **

10 times the dog’s body weight

15 times the dog’s body weight

20 times the dog’s body weight

Wheels, ARTIFICAL Surface: **

12 times the dog’s body weight

18 times the dog’s body weight

23 times the dog’s body weight

Rail Surface:

15 times the dog’s body weight

25 times the dog’s body weight

35 times the dog’s body weight

Snow Surface:

5 times the dog’s body weight

10 times the dog’s body weight

15 times the dog’s body weight

3 Pulls at the lowest level on any surface with be awarded: Weight pull dog, and surface Letter (WPDW will be wheels, WPDS will be snow, ECT)

3 Pulls at the middle level on any surface will be awarded: Weight pull dog excellent and surface letter (WPDXR will be working dog excellent on rails)

3 Pulls at highest level on any surface will be awarded: Weight pull dog superior and surface letter (WPDSS will be working dog superior on snow)

** Wheeled “legs” can be mixed, 2 on natural and 1 on artificial for example to complete title on wheels.

Once a dog has earned ANY “superior” surface title, it can start getting 100 point titles. Points will be based on their percentage pulled in that pull divided by 5, in whole numbers., no rounding up or down (this is the same points the dog earns for class placement rankings based on the dog’s percentage pulled that pull / event) ANY surface will all count toward your 100 point titles.

100 points on combination of any surfaces will be awarded: Champion Weight Pull Dog (CHWPD)

100 Points on ONE SAME SURFACE will be awarded: Champion Weight Pull Dog with surface letter (CHWPDW, Champion weight pull dog wheels, ECT.)

100 points on ALL 3 SURFACES will be awarded: Elite Weight Pull Dog (EWPD)

For every additional 100 points earned, a number will follow the title. Once you have 200 points on any surface, it would be CHWPD1; another 100 would be CHWPD2, and so on.

If you have earned the Elite title, for every additional 100 points on ALL 3 SURFACES, then again, number would represent that additional 100 on each surface. So it would be EWPD1, and another 100 on all 3 surfaces would be EWPD2, (EWPD2 would mean you have earned 200 points on rails, wheels, and snow for a total of 600 points.)

Points earned at regional and summit events will count toward your titles.

Section 19: Special Awards for Achievements

If any dog reaches any one of the following levels of performance, a special award will be issued to that dog at the “SUMMITS”. These milestones in achievement can be performed at any pull / event.

  1. NORTH AMERICA DIVISION
  1. RAILS:

10,000# Club OR 100% Club

  1. WHEELS:

5,000# Club OR 50% Club

  1. SNOW:

3,000# Club OR 25% Club

  1. INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
  1. RAILS:

4536 KG Club OR 100% Club

  1. WHEELS:

2268 KG Club OR 50% Club

  1. SNOW:

1361 KG Club OR 25% Club

Section 20: Juniors

There is a junior handler program, and all juniors will compete with their dogs in the class their dogs weigh in. The points the junior dog earns in the regular classes for rankings will also be the points used to rank the juniors. All juniors will be eligible to compete at any of their regionals as long as they have pulled in at least 2 events on that surface. And all juniors will be also eligible to compete at the “SUMMIT” with their dog if they compete at the regional’s, regardless of where they place at their regional’s. The junior dog MUST BE the SAME dog that junior has competed with at the state level and same at the regional level to be entered at the “SUMMITS”.

Junior Classes and Rules:

Juniors, if your birthday during the season results in you changing age groups then, your points you earned in the previous age group stays and you earn a state/country medal for it.  The next age group as you pull in it during the season starts the points for that age group, you can then earn state/country medals in the new age group.  If you don't get a change to pull on a surface you did qualify on in the previous age group, it will still count for your qualifying for SUMMITS on that surface, and at SUMMITS you will pull on htose surfaces in the new age group.  If you turn 18 in the season, you can finish out the season as a Junior Handler.  Then at SUMMITS for that season yhou can compete as a junior for the last time.  So you won't lose out on SUMMITS for your 18 year of age. (Revised 4/2016)

5 years old to 9 years old: Parent or assistant can help junior into the chute and hook to the cart / sled. However, the dog cannot be released and commanded to go TIL the parent/ assistant has exited out the BACK of the chute and must stay BEHIND the start line. HOWEVER, the parent / assistant CAN coach the junior while they are in the chute, yet must NOT use the dog’s name in any coaching.

10 years old to 13 years old: Parent or assistant can help junior up to the on deck area and remain with the junior until the junior entered the chute. The parent or assistant must remain behind the start line, however can coach the junior while in the chute, but NOT using the dog’s name.

14 years old to 18 years old: Junior will be on their own in the on deck area and into the chute. The parent or assistance must remain behind the starting line. There can be little coaching if needed, however the parent or assistance should wait until the junior is back to the create area to do a lot of coaching.

Juniors need to handle the dog from start to finish for their points to count in the junior rankings.

** Judges need to remind cart helpers to not “UNHOOK” junior handled dogs until they are sure the junior has control of the dog OR an adult assistance can get into the chute to assist the younger juniors with their dogs if needed AFTER the pull is complete.

(A scholarship program is in the works to reward the juniors for participating in this organization. We will post more news regarding this program soon.)

Section 21: Hall of Fame

Plaques will be issued for each level, and ONLY ONE award for the lifetime of the dog in each level.

POINTS:

State/ Prov / International will be Country medals:

Gold - 15 Silver - 10 Bronze - 5

Summits and International Summit medals:

Gold - 25 Silver - 20 Bronze - 15

Special achievement clubs: (6 different ones) 20 each

Rails: 10,000# club (INTERNATIONAL: 4536 KG)  100% club

Wheels: 5,000# club (INTERNATIONAL: 2268 KG) 50% club

Snow: 3,000# club (INTERNATIONAL: 1361 KG)  25% club

Triple Crown Club: 30

Triple Crown TROPHIES (at Summits): 75 each

Most valuable Dog @ Summits: 75

Records: (NOTE: International Division will establish their own records when they start and also their own Summit records.)

Season: 10 Summits: 20

Titles: 10 each

Champion and 100pt titles: 15 each

Now for the hall of fame levels and requirements: Over Multiple seasons or even in one season (NOTE: International Summit placements and Triple Crown and MVD awards will be the same points.)

GOLD: 500 points AND 3 of the 4 following:

  1. Win Triple Crown Trophy @ Summits
  2. Win CLASS @ Summits - any surface
  3. Place @ Summits 2 times - any surface
  4. Earn special achievement club award 3 different ones, any combination of surfaces


SILVER: 300 points AND any of the 3 of the 4 following:

  1. PLACE @ Summits on any combination of surfaces "twice"
  2. Earn 2 GOLD state / providence / international country medals (all one surface or any combination of surfaces)
  3. Earn a "total" of 6 state / providence / international country medals (any combination of placements or surfaces)
  4. Earn 2 special achievement awards on 2 different surfaces

BRONZE: 150 points AND any of the 3 of the 4 following:

  1. Earn 2 state/ providence / international country medals on 2 different surfaces
  2. Earn a "total" of 4 state / providence / international country medals on any combination of surfaces
  3. Place @ Summits, any surface
  4. Earn 1 special achievement award, any surface

Examples:

  1. Special achievement award: Combination
  1. Spot earns say 3000# club on snow, and 100% club on rails.
  2. Spot earns say 10,000# Club on rails and 100% club on rails
  1. "total" state / providence / international country medals:
  1. Spot earns 1 Gold on rails, and 3 silvers on rails (this would be multiple seasons)
  2. Spot earns 1 Gold on rails, 1 Silver on wheels, 2 Bronze on snow (this would also be multiple seasons)
  3. Spot earns 1 silver on wheels, 1 bronze on snow in one season, has to compete another season to get 2 or 4 more to meet that "level" of requirement.

NOTE: this most likely will be over the course of multiple seasons, at least 2, and once you earn say the "Bronze" level, and then over the course of 2 more seasons you reach and achieve the requirements for the Silver or Gold season, you get that level of award as well. (REVS 1 /2015)

Section 22: Judges

  1. Chief Judges and Apprenticing Judges may pull as many dogs as they like. The chief judge needs to have either a back up judge or an apprenticing judge to judge his dogs. It is recommended that the chief judge judges or oversees the apprenticing judge for the dogs that round and chief judge pulls his / her dogs last for that round.
  2. Disagreements / issues are required to be brought to the chief judge’s attention. If you’re not satisfied and it’s clearly a violation of the rules, grievance can be filed.
  3. ALL CHIEF JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
  4. People interested in becoming a judge, need to have put a champion title on a dog within the organization.
  5. Judges will have to take a written test over the rules, after apprenticing at least 6 pulls under 2 judges. If there is only 1 judge in the area, we will allow just the one judge, however still need the 6 pulls.
  6. All people interested in judging should have been a judge in another acceptable organization if possible. This section can be waived with proof of activity in the sport.
  7. For the years 2013 - 2016, we will grandfather approved people in as judges who have been judging in another organization and references from 3 people who will attest to their ability to enforce rules fairly. And also will look at their experience in the sport.
  8. In new areas where there are no judge’s close, we will work with anyone willing to become a judge. If not a current or previous judge in another acceptable weight pull organization, a written and verbal test will be required over the rules.

Section 23: Getting Approval for pull / event

  1. Either clubs or an individual can submit a request to host an approved pulls / events.
  2. Up to 2 pulls a day will be approved
  3. 30 days’ advance notice is needed to get approved, this allows for the posting on the website and other forms to get the info on the pull / event out.
  4. All results along with all fees need to be post marked back to the sanctioning director within 7 calendar days after the completion of the last day of your event.
  5. FAILURE to get your event/pull results post marked in that 7 days AFTER your last event/pull (so if you have a Sunday event, the 7th day would be the following Monday, so really gives you 8 days) will result in a $10 per week late fee. NOT GETTING YOUR RESULTS IN AFTER 30 DAYS FROM THE LAST EVENT WILL RESULT IN YOUR PULL NOT COUNTING!! (EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016)
  6. You can email your results and or sanctioning forms and pay your fees for either by PayPal. (w3po2013@gmail.com)
  7. Sanctioning fees are $20 per day, regardless if you are having 1 pull that day or 2 pulls that day.
  8. $5 per dog per pull is to be sent back to the sanctioning director with the results of your pull(s) / event(s).
  9. All fees payable in US funds please

Section 24: Grievances

There will be a grievance committee consist of 3 people (chairperson, and 2 additional people) to review any grievances / issues that come up.

Anyone submitting a grievance needs to submit it with $50 and a filled out grievance form and list the “rule(s)” in question, including any witnesses. IF the committee finds in your favor, you will get your money refunded. If they don’t find in your favor, your $50 will go into the general fund

Section 25: Disqualifications

The grounds for disqualifications as outlined above in the various sections. IF anyone is disqualified at a pull / event, regardless of the day of the pull / event or if it’s the first pull of that day or the second, all awards will be removed for all pulls at that event over that weekend. And NO REFUND will be given.