🏛️Official — WAF
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Embrace or shake hands immediately after every pull
Regardless of outcome, competitors embrace or shake free hands the moment the match ends. Skipping the post-match gesture is considered deeply disrespectful and is noticed by everyone at the table. This is one of the most universally observed customs at WAF events worldwide.
1st warning: positional foul (elbow off pad, shoulder off-line, foot off floor); 2nd warning: loss of round; Intentional fouls (slipping grip deliberately, false starts repeatedly): loss of round or DQ
Why people argue about this
People often assume that positional fouls are only a warning before being penalized with a loss of round, forgetting that intentional fouls result in an immediate loss right away, leading to confusion about when exactly they get caught for intentional behavior.
Table: WAF-spec armwrestling table — 104 cm tall, 91-93 cm long; padded elbow pads (20 cm × 20 cm); padded pegs/handles for non-pulling hand; Touch pads: 10 cm × 5 cm padded pads on each side, level with the table surface; competitor wins by pinning opponent's hand to this pad; Center grip line m...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the exact dimensions of the armwrestling table are a minor detail that doesn't affect gameplay, but in reality, these precise measurements ensure fair competition by providing a consistent surface for gripping and leverage, which can significantly alter strategy and outcome if not adhered to closely.
Multiple tables arranged in parallel at major events (separate Right-Arm + Left-Arm tables); Designated warm-up area with practice tables; Athlete weighing station + medical station + protest table on-site
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the designated warm-up areas are optional extras for players' convenience, forgetting that they're integral parts of Section 3's playing area rules, ensuring fair play across all matches. The confusion arises because these spaces are not just about player comfort but are crucial for maintaining a level playing field and preventing any unfair advantages in competition.
Two competitors per match (1-on-1); Weight classes: Men 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, +110 kg; Women 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, +80 kg; Age categories: Sub-Junior (15-16), Junior (17-18), Senior (open), Masters (40-50), Grand Masters (50+), Para
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all weight classes are listed in ascending order from lightest to heaviest, but they misunderstand how Armwrestling categorizes its competitors by gender, thinking it starts at 50 kg for both men and women instead of having separate ranges like +110 kg for men versus +80 kg for women.
Both elbows on elbow pads; non-pulling hand grips peg; Grip set by competitors with referee assist (referee may center the grip if needed); Wrists straight, thumb knuckles visible, shoulders square to table
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if one competitor pins their opponent's hand within 90 seconds in each round, it automatically ends the match. But actually, they need to do so across all three rounds for the match to end early; otherwise, it continues until a clear winner is decided after all matches are played.
1 point per round won (within match); Match = best of 3 rounds; first to 2 wins; Championships: single-elimination bracket with double-loss elimination ("repechage") in many WAF formats
Why people argue about this
People often assume that winning two rounds automatically means you win a championship match outright in armwrestling, forgetting about the double-loss elimination part of the bracket structure, which can lead to unexpected outcomes where a competitor might need to lose twice before conceding defeat and moving on.
Elbow off pad: warning (1st), loss of round (2nd within match); Shoulder off-line / non-pulling hand off peg: warning; Slip out / forearm crossing center line: dependent on cause — if defender's fault, no foul; if attacker, warning
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their opponent's elbow is off the pad once during a match, they get warned for it. However, the actual rule states that getting an elbow off the pad twice in one round results in a loss of that entire round, not just a warning. This confusion stems from misinterpreting the frequency requirement for penalties within a single round.
Armwrestling injuries are most commonly spiral fractures of the humerus (caused by sudden rotational force, often when competitor "breaks" their arm posture under high torque), shoulder strain, and elbow ligament damage. WAF mandates proper warm-u...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that armwrestling injuries are solely due to sudden rotational force, forgetting that proper technique and warm-up can significantly reduce such risks. The confusion arises because they overlook the importance of maintaining a stable grip and warming up properly, which are crucial for preventing shoulder strain and elbow ligament damage as well.
Both elbows on elbow pads; non-pulling hand grips peg; Grip set by competitors with referee assist (referee may center the grip if needed); Wrists straight, thumb knuckles visible, shoulders square to table
Why people argue about this
People often assume that competitors can choose their starting position freely, thinking they have maximum control over how they set up for a match. However, the official rule specifies exact positions like elbows on pads, wrists straight, and shoulders square to the table, which leads to arguments when players feel their setup is more natural or advantageous.
First competitor to pin opponent's hand to the touch pad wins the round; Match = best of 3 rounds at major championship (single round at preliminary); 5-minute rest between rounds
Why people argue about this
People often assume that in a single round match at prelims lasting 90 seconds per round with a 5-minute rest, you can just go full speed for those 90 seconds without taking breaks, which leads to confusion about when to take their mandatory rests during the 90-second rounds.